Project Description:
Oeiras Experimenta Living Lab is a citizen science project that aims to identify novel alternative and underused climate-resilient crops offering sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food products compared to traditional crops, contributing to Green Deal and UN Sustainable Development Goal commitments. This project is being implemented by Oeiras Municipality and ITQB NOVA, within the scope of “Ciência+Cidadã” program and promoting the use of the historical agroecosystem of “Quinta de Cima do Marques de Pombal”. We propose citizen involvement in different research steps, from sowing and maintaining field trials to awareness and decision-making in Oeiras Municipality. The team’s expertise in cutting-edge research, policy decisions, citizen science and science communication will guarantee the impact and dissemination of the project, motivating the use of novel food products in other regions and countries. Finally, this project aims to be inclusive and gender equity and favour the participation of underrepresented local communities.
Project Type: Kick Starting Grant
Theme: Sustainable Lifestyles, Food
Mentor:Yaela Golumbic
Oeiras Experimenta: Cultivating Resilient Crops and Communities for a Sustainable Future
Oeiras Experimenta: Climate-Smart Crops for Sustainable Food Production is a citizen science project that brings researchers and local communities together to study alternative and underused crops, addressing climate change and contributing to Green Deal and UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Oeiras Experimenta is being implemented in Portugal through a partnership between the Oeiras Municipality and ITQB NOVA, as part of the Programa Ciência + Cidadã – an innovative citizenship programme that aims to encourage active citizen involvement in science. The project aims to create a research agroecosystem while restoring the historic recreational farm Quinta de Cima do Marquês de Pombal in Oeiras, by focusing on crops that are more resilient to drought, such as grass pea, sorghum, millets, cereal hybrids, quinoa and dryland rice. This living laboratory brings together scientists, citizens, policymakers, and local associations, fostering collaboration beyond conventional research boundaries.
Oeiras Experimenta brings together 3 leading ITQB NOVA scientific research laboratories with a team of 15 researchers, including Masters and PhD students, all developing projects within this framework. Early findings have pointed to crop species and varieties that are better able to withstand drought. These discoveries, along with insights into how these plants cope with stress, could be key to building more sustainable food systems for the future. Citizens play a key role, participating in research stages from sowing and field maintenance to data collection and decision-making, enriching discussions and contributing to the project. As Giovanna Dellarole, a citizen scientist, shared: “Getting involved is addicting! Science makes you understand this world, and scientists share their knowledge with simplicity and humility.”
To date, the project has engaged over 2000 participants across generations and diverse social groups, including local communities, non-profit organizations, students from pre-school to higher education, and members of senior universities. Visitors to the Oeiras Experimenta stand at events like the European Researchers’ Night and a Science Café, were also part of this outreach. These events showcased three European projects: Bauhaus of the Sea Sails, Eutopia Health, and IMPETUS-Oeiras Experimenta.
Partnerships with social inclusion organizations such as SEMEAR, CAIS, Bairro dos Navegadores social neighbourhood and Centro Educativo Padre António Oliveira juvenile detention centre have encouraged community involvement. Support from partners like Casa do Concelho de Alvaiázere, local restaurants and canteens has enriched our network. These collaborations promote sustainable practices by co-creating recipes using resilient crops and incorporating artistic elements like illustrations and mockups to enhance public engagement and understanding.
With IMPETUS funding, training, and mentoring support, we expanded our citizen scientists network while strengthening partnerships and outreach efforts. This support provided a foundation for future growth, ensuring the project’s sustainability and inclusivity.
