The NOVA FCT Executive School is set to launch the first in a series of conferences titled Bridge Talks, focusing on the Blue Economy and the critical task of utilizing and protecting our oceans.

Bridge Talks are free events designed to foster significant connections between academia and the business sector, explore transformative ideas, and build bridges towards a sustainable and prosperous future.

Esteemed guests from diverse backgrounds will contribute to these discussions, including Susanne Wedin-Schildt, President of the Ocean Community; Assunção Cristas, Director of NOVA Ocean; Manuel Tarré, CEO of Gelpeixe; and Tiago Braga, CEO of Bake my Dog Happy, known for transforming waste from the canning industry into pet food.

The conference, "Crossing into Blue: The Art of Connecting Differently," will be held on June 26, from 2:00 PM to 8:30 PM, at the Alcochete Cultural Forum. Admission is free with prior registration.

This event, promoted by the NOVA School of Science and Technology Executive School (NOVA FCT), will delve into topics such as sustainability, technological innovation, and the attraction and retention of talent. The conference will culminate with a sunset celebration for Ocean Day, which was on June 6.

The inaugural Bridge Talks of 2024 will commence with an opening session by Susanne Wedin-Schildt, President of the Ocean Community and founder of Innofuse Blue. She will discuss the primary global drivers shaping the Blue Economy and their implications.

The conference features three panel discussions with distinguished speakers:

Panel 1: Towards a Sustainable Blue Economy

This discussion panel on the Sustainable Blue Economy will bring together leading experts to explore innovative solutions and strategies for ensuring the long-term health and productivity of our oceans.

Speakers:

• Assunção Cristas, Director of NOVA Ocean
  
• Ana Rita Petinga, Vice-President of Peniche City Council
  
• Paula Sobral, Researcher at NOVA FCT (microplastics and other marine debris, expert)
  
• Helena Vieira, Researcher at the University of Aveiro (Sustainable Blue Economy, expert).
  
• Carla Gonçalves Pereira, CEO of SInASE (Moderator)
  

Panel 2: Creating Bridge between academia and real-world needs

This session will showcase examples of innovation promoted by NOVA FCT, followed by a discussion on how to bridge the gap between academia and real-world needs in the Blue Economy by addressing how academic innovation can directly meet industry demands and foster a collaborative approach to sustainable ocean use.

Speakers:

• Eurico Cabrita, Deputy Director of Innovation and Research at NOVA FCT
  
• Vitor Nogueiro, Head of information systems and innovation at Arsenal do Alfeite shipyard
  
• Tiago Braga, CEO of Bake my Dog Happy;
  
• João Rito, Founder of SEAentia
  
• Manuel Tarré, CEO of Gelpeixe and President of ALIF;
  
• Ana Machado Silva, Coordinator of Food & Sustainability R&D at MC Sonae
  
• Mariana Bandeira, Journalist from Jornal Económico (Moderator)
  
• José Barata, Faculty Professor specializing in robotics (Moderator)
  

Panel 3: Upskilling and Reskilling for a Competitive and Sustainable Blue Economy

This session will highlight the importance of attracting and retaining talent in the industry. Continuous training through Upskill and Reskill programs is essential to ensure the competitiveness of Portuguese professionals and positively impact the vitality of the oceans.

Speakers:

• Rodrigo Castro, CEO of Educa-te
  
• João Ribeiro, CEO of Blue Geo Lighthouse.
  
• Nélia Câmara, Director of the NOVA FCT Executive School (Moderator)
  

The conference serves as an introduction to the NOVA FCT Executive School, the first executive technology school in Portugal. Specializing in Technology, Engineering, and Science, the school offers training on topics that are transforming society, such as Generative Artificial Intelligence, the Blue Economy, Cybersecurity, 3D printing for healthcare professionals, cultural heritage preservation, and the impact of science on visual arts and gastronomy.

You can register to the event here.

For more information about the Executive School go to https://execed.fct.unl.pt/