Research centre on biological biodiversity opened

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro officially opened the Biopolis research centre on biological diversity and ecosystems, made up by the Porto University Research Centre on Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, by the University of Montpellier (France), and the pela Porto Business School.

The centre will focus on environmental assessment and monitoring, the protection and sustainable use of natural resources and ecosystems, and agro-forestry system diversity, namely soil and species biodiversity, as well as bridging with companies.

It will also be equipped for scientific and technological capacity-building at academic institutions in developing countries, where twin laboratories and biological stations will be set up

The Biopolis budget is 86 million euros for the coming seven years, according to the University of Porto "the largest budget ever allocated to a national research centre" and results from European and national funds, and that of companies and partner institutions.

The aim of the centre, which is located in Vila do Conde, is to claim its stake as an internationally renowned scientific infrastructure in the field of sustainable development.

The ceremony was attended by the Ministers of Education, Science and Innovation Fernando Alexandre and of Environment and Energy Maria da Graça Carvalho.