Saltar para o conteúdo principal

FCCNFCT Digital Services

Access the national information on scientific and technological funding in Portugal

Activity Funded

Physics Center of Minho and Porto Universities

Centro de Física das Universidades do Minho e do Porto

Reference
UID/04650/2025
Project Start Date
2025-01-01
Project End Date
2029-12-31
Principal Investigator
Funding Program
Avaliação UID 2023/2024

Abstract

CF-UM-UP is the combination of an interdisciplinary center dedicated mainly to applied research (CFUM) and a center dedicated to theoretical physics (CFP). The aim is to achieve greater international visibility and scientific impact and a balance between fundamental and applied, theoretical and experimental research. Scientific activity involves Theoretical High Energy Physics and Cosmology, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics (theoretical and experimental), Materials Manufacturing and Applications, Optics, Biophysics, Optometry and Vision Sciences. With more than 70 PhD members, it is organized into four Lines, three of which are based on CFUM. The aim of Line 1, focused on the area of human vision, is to address risk factors for ocular degradation caused by current societal challenges (such as urbanization and aging). Color vision research is also internationally recognized. Line 2 is dedicated to theoretical and experimental aspects of the electronic and optical properties of materials in which quantum effects play an important role, as well as those relating to their behavior in biological systems. Theoretical research on graphene and other 2D materials has international recognition and will expand to other quantum materials with applications in Quantum Information. Research in bionanosystems is also a focus, including (magneto)liposomes or plasmonic nanoparticles for drug delivery applications, localized therapy and biosensors. Line 3 focuses on the manufacture, characterization and modeling of the structure and morphology of materials, and on application-oriented development, with strong links to engineering. It has extensive experience in the development of technological surfaces and coatings to design and produce functional devices (e.g. thin films for energy conversion, photocatalytic or antibacterial coatings, magnetoelectric polymer composites for sensors and other applications), with involvement in spin-off companies. Line 4 focuses on studies of Cosmology, Classical and Quantum Gravity, Conformal Field Theory and Gauge/Gravity duality, and Condensed Matter Theory. The philosophy is to bring together theoretical physicists for a coherent approach to the fundamental theoretical challenges of different areas, acting as the Theory Division of the entire unit. CF-UM-UP is determined to further expand scientific production and cooperation between research lines and to increase their international impact. It will therefore support participation in high-potential projects, cooperation with strategic partners (especially LaPMET partner centers and INL), the organization of high-level scientific events, participation in PhD programmes such as MAP-Fis, and outreach activities such as Physics Colloquia and Summer Schools.

Institutions

Main Institutions

  • Centro de Física das Universidades do Minho e do Porto (CF-UM-UP)
  • Universidade do Minho (UMinho)

Other Institutions

  • Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Ciências (FCUP)

Funding 1.139.514,81 €

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - Portugal

1.139.514,81 €