José Teixeira, on the Organising and Scientific Committee, and António Vicente, on the organisation, both researchers from the Centre for Biological Engineering (CEB) at the University of Minho, took part in the 5th International Yale Symposium on Olive Oil & Health. The event, which took place from 10 to 13 December in Oliveira do Hospital, was promoted by Yale University in the United States and was held in Portugal in partnership with the BLC3 – Campus of Technology and Innovation Association.

The international symposium focussed on the scientific and technological challenges faced by the olive oil industry, from olive cultivation to production, and had a strong scientific component. Between debates, presentations, round tables and even tasting sessions, the aim of the initiative was to strengthen relations between professionals and institutions, be they scientific, economic, academic or social.

In the 5th edition of the event, founded by the Yale School of Public Health, the programme focused on different themes, from the role of olive oil in public, global and planetary health, to policies and regulations and marketing. This initiative also promoted debate on market literacy, the bioeconomy, circularity, sustainability and climate change, among others.

José Teixeira is a reference in industrial biotechnology and food biotechnology and is a member of the event’s Organising and Scientific Committee, while António Vicente is one of the organisers of the international symposium.

Yale University, the founder of the international event, is currently the 10th best university in the world, according to The World University Ranking, and the 16th best, according to the QS World University Ranking. In addition, the American university is part of the prestigious Ivy League, which brings together a group of excellent higher education institutions in the United States, and is one of the best academies in the country.

In Portugal, BLC3 – Campus de Tecnologia e Inovação is an organisation that aims to boost the Bioeconomy and Circular Economy, having won an important award and recognition from the European Commission in 2016 as the best Circular Economy project at European level.