Innovation
Promoting new ideas and scientific approaches that contribute to the advancement of biotechnology.
About Us
About us
Dedicated to encouraging and supporting the study of and research in biotechnology in Portugal
We act as a central forum for presenting and discussing research results, promoting education and specialised training. Our commitment is to transfer knowledge for the advancement of the community and the common good of society.
40+ years of history
100+ members
National scientific network
Promoting biotechnology in Portugal
The Portuguese Society of Biotechnology connects researchers, academic institutions and industry professionals across the country.
Through scientific events, institutional collaborations and knowledge-sharing initiatives, SPBT promotes the development of biotechnology and strengthens the scientific community in Portugal.
Geographical distribution of the members of the governing bodies, strengthening proximity and the representation of the community across the country.
- Research and teaching across the country
- Active scientific community
- Collaboration between academia and industry
See the list of institutions
- University of Minho, Braga (Headquarters and Presidency)
- University of Coimbra (Vice-Presidency)
- ITQB, NOVA University Lisbon
- University of Beira Interior
- IST, University of Lisbon
- NOVA FCT, NOVA University Lisbon
- University of Aveiro
- Polytechnic University of Bragança
- Catholic University of Portugal, Porto
Our mission and vision
Leading the way in biotechnology and innovation
Our mission is to provide a comprehensive support ecosystem through events, publications, training and networking, facilitating the transfer of knowledge between academia, industry and society.
Scientific rigour
Ensuring high standards of quality, scientific method and integrity in biotechnological research.
Collaboration
Fostering cooperation between researchers, institutions and industry.
Impact
Contributing to biotechnological solutions with a positive impact on society.
History
Our journey over the years
- 1981
SPBT founding meeting, as a section of the existing Portuguese Biochemical Society (SPB). Board: President: Júlio Maggiolly Novais (IST); Vice-Presidents: Joaquim Reis (FEUP/RAR) and José Manuel Cardoso Duarte (QUATRUM).
- 1982
1st National Biotechnology Meeting at the IST Interdisciplinary Complex, with more than 150 participants.
- 1982
Publication of the 1st Bulletin of the Portuguese Society of Biotechnology, with Professor Isabel Sá-Correia as its editor for 15 years.
- 1983
SPBT passes 100 individual members and has 13 corporate members.
- 1983
SPBT becomes a member of the European Federation of Biotechnology.
- 1984
2nd National Biotechnology Meeting at the premises of UNICER, União Cervejeira E.P., with 112 participants and closed by the then Minister of Industry, Prof. Veiga Simão.
- 1984
SPBT takes part in the 6th General Assembly of the European Federation of Biotechnology.
- 1985
New SPBT board with Joaquim Sampaio Cabral as President.
- 1986
3rd National Biotechnology Meeting at LNETI.
- 1988
4th National Biotechnology Meeting in Coimbra, now called a Congress.
- 1990
5th National Biotechnology Meeting/Congress in Braga.
- 1992
Iberian Biotechnology Congress in Santiago de Compostela.
- 1993
Manuel Mota becomes President of SPBT.
- 1994
Iberian Biotechnology Congress in the Algarve.
- 1996
Iberian Biotechnology Congress in Valladolid.
- 1998
Iberian Biotechnology Congress in Guimarães.
- 2000
Deed signed making SPBT independent from the Portuguese Biochemical Society.
- 2003
Francisco Xavier Malcata becomes President of SPBT.
- 2005
The organisation of the National Congress joins forces with the Portuguese Society of Microbiology, giving rise to Microbiotec, held every two years and still jointly organised by the two Societies. MicroBiotec 2005 took place in Póvoa de Varzim.
- 2007
MICRO/BIOTEC/XXXIII JPG 2007, a joint congress organised by the Portuguese Societies of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Genetics in Lisbon.
- 2009
José António Teixeira becomes President of SPBT at MicroBiotec09, held in Vilamoura, Algarve.
- 2011
MicroBiotec11 held in Braga.
- 2013
MicroBiotec13 held in Aveiro.
- 2015
MicroBiotec15 held in Évora.
- 2016
1st Ibero-American Biotechnology Congress, launch of BioIberoAmerica in Salamanca.
- 2017
MicroBiotec17 held at the School of Biotechnology of the Catholic University of Portugal, in Porto.
- 2018
2nd Ibero-American Biotechnology Congress in Brasília.
- 2019
MicroBiotec19 held in Coimbra, with a tribute to Júlio Maggiolly Novais.
- 2021
Raquel Aires-Barros becomes President of SPBT at MicroBiotec21, held online due to the Covid pandemic. 1st Júlio Maggiolly Novais Award given to Manuel Mota.
- 2022
3rd Ibero-American Biotechnology Congress in Braga.
- 2023
MicroBiotec23 held at the University of Beira Interior, in Covilhã. Júlio Maggiolly Novais Award given to Joaquim Cabral.
- 2025
Lucília Domingues becomes President of SPBT at MicroBiotec25, held in the Azores. Júlio Maggiolly Novais Award given to José António Teixeira.
- 2026
4th Ibero-American Biotechnology Congress in Costa Rica.
Meet the SPBT governing bodies
Executive Board
Lucília Domingues
President
University of Minho
Jorge Pereira
Vice-President
University of Coimbra
Lígia Martins
Treasurer
ITQB, NOVA University Lisbon
General Assembly Board
Cristina Cabral
President
University of Beira Interior
Carla de Carvalho
Vice-President
IST, University of Lisbon
Arménio Barbosa
Secretary
NOVA FCT, NOVA University Lisbon
