Life at ITQB NOVA

PhD students at ITQB NOVA are part of a very active research community, comprising graduate students, PhD students, Post-Docs, researchers and support staff, all of which collaborate to make the best of the ongoing research projects. ITQB NOVA is known for its friendly and lively atmosphere where there is always something going on: research seminars, group discussions, visiting scientists, or just informal get-togethers (check the ITQB NOVA home page for news and a list of events). Some of these activities are NOVA organized by the PhD students themselves. Below you will find more information of activities and facilities at ITQB NOVA.

The institute is located in the town of Oeiras, 20 minutes away from Lisboa, inside a large campus that also houses other institutions. It is surrounded by a great landscape that combines country side with seashore, with the beautiful beach of Santo Amaro within walking distance.

		Seminars ITQB NOVA hosts regular seminar series: AVX Seminars (Scientists working in Portugal), Frontier Leaders Seminars (ERC Awardees), and SCAN Seminars (internal weekly seminars). Visiting scientists at ITQB NOVA also give seminars on their work. See Full List of Seminars.
		Annual PhD Students' Meeting Every year, PhD students organize a scientific meeting, where they present their ongoing research projects and discuss results with the inhouse scientific community.
		InTeraQB This group of young ITQB NOVA researchers organizes events to promote interaction between researchers from different fields in our scientific community. These events include informal discussions on laboratory techniques and other social gatherings. Learn more about InTeraQB.
		Science Outreach ITQB NOVA strongly encourages researchers and students to participate in the science outreach activities and help get science closer to society. See Science and Society to learn more and contact the Communication Office if you would like to collaborate.
		Lunch room 2nd Floor Free space for meals Fridges and microwaves available for users.
		Cafeteria 2nd Floor Opened every weekday From 8h30 to 19h00
		Vending Machines Assortment of food and warm and cold beverages
		Chill Out 6th/7th Floor Colourfull poufs and tables to relax and chat.
		Football matches (futsal) Fridays 12h00 Pavilhão Desportivo de Sassoeiros Contact: Nuno Monteiro | Ext 1148
		Protocols with sportive clubs Ginásio Palmeiras (Oeiras) Clube L (Lagoas Park) Holmes Place (Qta da Fonte) Bela Vista Aqua & Fitness
		Beach There are two beaches close to ITQB NOVA: the Santo Amaro beach, which is within walking distance, and the Carcavelos beach, which is the largest in the Estoril coastline. Both beaches are well equipped with facilities and are very popular with locals, families, youngsters, and surf and body board practitioners.

Housing

ITQB NOVA researchers and students have access to a residence in the campus where a room can be rented for short periods.

ITQB NOVA has also a protocol for reduced fees with Fundação Inatel for lodging in Centro de Férias - Oeiras, an excellent housing alternative, located near the sea.

The Academics and Projects Office at ITQB NOVA helps researchers and students in finding more permanent housing.

Language

At ITQB NOVA, all courses and seminars are held in english.

Foreign students who wish to learn Portuguese can find specific courses in various formats at Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas from UNL.

Transports

ITQB NOVA can be easily reached from Lisbon by train or by car. Inside the campus there are plenty of parking spaces available for students.

Within Oeiras there are biking routes, so for those living in town it is possible to get to the institute by bike.

Health

ITQB NOVA is located near to the Oeiras Public Health Center. A private clinic can also be found nearby.

Kids

The Oeiras Campus, where ITQB NOVA is located, has a nursery/kindergarten that children from ITQB NOVA researchers and students can attend (depending of available places).

Leisure

ITQB NOVA is located within Estação Agronómica Nacional (National Agronomic Station) and is surrounded by beautiful fields, including the famous Carcavelos wine's vineyards. It is a great area for long walks or jogging. At Estação Agronómica you can also find a horse riding school.

Students are minutes away from the beach and the seaside bars and restaurants. There is also a bike route along the sea great for rides or walks under the sun.

In the neighbourhood, there are gardens, parks, movie theaters, and a public library. Oeiras is a very dynamic city and many cultural activities are organized througout the year. Information on these activities can be found in the city council webpage or in the Oeiras guide. 

ITQB NOVA is close to two Shopping Centers: Centro Comercial Palmeiras (walking distance) and Oeiras Parque (served by buses).