On 20 March, Pavilhão de Portugal in Lisbon hosted ‘Alumnights with the Faculty of Pharmacy’, an event that strengthened ties between the university, former and current students, and professionals in the pharmaceutical sector. Under the theme “Pharmacy: Science, Care and Community (Much More than Just Medicines)”, the initiative highlighted the vital role of the pharmacy profession in society.
The opening session was attended by Cecília Rodrigues, Vice-Rector of the Universidade de Lisboa; Joana Marto, Professor and Researcher at FFUL and President of the Alumni FFUL; and Hélder Mota Filipe, Professor at FFUL and President of the Ordem dos Farmacêuticos, who emphasised the importance of the alumni network for the faculty’s reputation and development.
In the ‘Myths & Truths’ panel, moderated by Helena Margarida Ribeiro, Professor and Chair of the FFUL Academic Council, experts Sara Fernandes, Filipa Cosme Silva, Catarina Toscano and Gabriela Plácido discussed everyday topics, ranging from cosmetics and children’s health to the rational use and impact of medicines, debunking misconceptions circulating in the public sphere.
The programme also included “Lightning Talks” focused on emerging themes: in the area of Sustainability, Cristina Almeida, Professor at FFUL, addressed “The invisible footprint of the pill”, highlighting the environmental impact of the pharmaceutical industry and consumption; in the area of Humanitarian Action, Lieutenant-Colonel Paulo Cruz, Head of the Support Office to the Director of the Hospital das Forças Armadas, shared his experience regarding the crucial role of pharmacy management in disaster situations and how planning and strategy formulation can make all the difference in assisting affected communities.
In addition to the conferences, the event offered a practical and sensory component through various themed stations running in parallel:
- Chemical Synthesis Station – From Molecule to Target: Chemistry in Action: A journey from molecule design to therapeutic target.
- 3D Printing of Medicines Station – Medicines in 3D: The Future Has Already Begun: A demonstration of how this technology is personalising the doses and forms of medicines.
- Cosmetics and Patient Care Station – Caring for the Skin, Caring for the Person: Focused on the care of fragile skin, including the importance of corrective cosmetics for self-esteem and quality of life.
- AEFFUL Station – Voices of Mental Health: Sharing voices and tips on mental health, reinforcing the importance of dialogue in reducing the stigma surrounding psychological well-being.
- MiGRA Station – MiGRA Portugal: Immersive Experience: MiGRA Portugal’s immersive experience allowed participants to understand, through virtual reality, the real impact of migraine on patients’ lives.
The official closing ceremony was led by Graça Soveral, Professor and Director of FFUL, alongside Rita Vasco (Vice-President of AEFFUL) and Flávio Monteiro (FFUL Alumni Board), who celebrated an event that brought together the past, present and future of pharmacy in Portugal.
