On Monday, 19 May, NOVA University Lisbon celebrated the 3rd edition of the ADN Awards Gala – Agir Diferente na NOVA, an initiative aimed at recognising, valuing, and promoting innovative practices developed within the institution. The ceremony – held at the Rectory, on the Campolide campus, with strong participation from the academic community – honoured three winning projects and three honourable mentions, selected for their impact, creativity, and contribution to the continuous improvement of the University.
In his opening remarks, Rector João Sàágua recalled the origins of the initiative and underlined its purpose: “The core of this idea is to recognise the importance of technical and administrative staff to the University. […] This project honours NOVA and must continue.”
The Rector also highlighted the growth and consolidation of the gala, noting that this 3rd edition shows “that the project has been embraced by the schools and by the people”, and thanked the technical and administrative staff for “wearing NOVA’s shirt with such commitment and generosity.”
In total, 26 applications were submitted this year, demonstrating the NOVA community’s strong commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. The jury – composed of Ana Rita Marante (jury chair, NOVA Administrator), Mário Pelaio (University of Aveiro), António Cabecinha (University of Algarve), João Paulo Carvalho (Senior Partner at Quidgest), Ricardo Oliveira (Digitallis), and Fátima Valério (Caixa Geral de Depósitos) – also selected the 12 best applications by category, which received a trophy. The three Honourable Mentions received a diploma, and the three award-winning projects received a monetary prize of €2,500 each.
ADN Award-Winning Projects 2025
InNOVA – NOVA’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
This project established the structure for data collection and management of NOVA’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory, involving all organisational units, empowering teams, and laying the foundations for a cross-cutting environmental information system.
Category: Other Projects (Sustainability)
Team: Madalena Ravara, Rita Aragão Ramos, Vitória Ferreira, Manuel Salvador, Paula Chicau, Catarina Bernardo, Susana Santos, Sara Ribeiro, Marco Lopes, José Malcato, Paula Pacheco, Patrícia Ferreira, João Loureiro, Patrícia Luz, Cláudia Saque
Sponsor: Caixa Geral de Depósitos
Oeiras Experimenta – Climate-smart crops for sustainable food production
A citizen science project bringing together researchers, local communities, and policymakers to explore alternative and underutilised drought-resistant crops, contributing to food security in the context of climate change.
Category: Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support
Team: Maria João Leão and Inês Sardinha
Sponsor: Quidgest
PUFF – Upcycling for Training and Futures Project
An environmental and social impact project that reuses PVC banners through sewing, extending the material’s life cycle and creating employment opportunities for migrant communities through partnership work.
Category: Social Action
Team: Susana Gonzalez, Joana Maciel, Pedro Fontes, Patrícia Nunes, João Lima, Hélder António
Sponsor: Digitallis
Honourable Mentions
Violence Against Women – Challenging Silence and Strengthening the Response in the Academic Environment (Social Action)
Repentinas (Sports or Cultural Activities)
WHO Collaborating Centres (Internationalisation)
Best Project in Each Area
Social welfare: PUFF – Upcycling Project for Training and Future
Support for Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Oeiras Experimenta
Internationalisation: WHO Collaborating Centres
Support for Research: Researchers on board
Sports or Cultural Activities: Repentinas
Strategy and Planning: PLANET – Technological Strategic Planning
Quality Management: NOVA Quality Day
Human Resources Management: Training – A Strategic Pillar for Human Resources
Marketing and Communication: NOVA Talks
Libraries, Documentation Services and Bibliometrics: SOS – Shots of Skills
Digital Transformation: APP NOVA FCSH – Communication tool for the academic community
Other Projects: Application No. 5 – InNOVA
