ePO 46-From biomedical waste to art: integrating sustainability into higher education

Introduction: The ABC-Ri Green Group, led by Sara Carvalhal, developed a pioneering collaboration between biomedical researchers and art students of the curricular unit Desenho III at the University of Algarve.

Description: The initiative explored the potential of transforming laboratory waste into cultural value, using surplus materials from biomedical research as artistic inspiration. Under the guidance of the unit’s coordinator, Sara Navarro Condesso, students created artworks that raised awareness about environmental and sustainability issues. Several drawings incorporated real discarded laboratory pieces, reinforcing the project’s sustainability message.

Results: A total of 24 artworks were produced, with 7 selected for public display in the exhibition “Ciência, Arte e Sociedade”. Three pieces received distinction awards, accompanied by monetary prizes that secured institutional rights for future communication and outreach.

Discussion: This project represents the first structured art-science initiative of its kind at the University of Algarve, and it was presented across two exhibition rounds. Its visibility inspired other research centres to develop similar collaborations, which supported its dissemination within the SEA-US university alliance. The dialogue between artistic and scientific communities around sustainability was further strengthened by the donation of an artwork to RD-Portugal, the national association for rare diseases, which positioned society as an active participant in the initiative.

Conclusions: The project offers a reproducible educational model that promotes sustainability awareness among art students and highlights to the wider public the amount of waste generated in pursuit of scientific excellence. It reinforces the University of Algarve’s and ABC-Ri’s commitment to responsible research practices, environmental consciousness, and meaningful outreach activities.