We are delighted to announce that the COST Action DESIGNAE – Fostering Nature-Centred BioDESIGN to Explore Regenerative Futures has been selected for funding by the European Cooperation in Science & Technology (COST), European Union.

This COST Action aims to promote an interdisciplinary, nature-centred design paradigm to address global challenges through regenerative and sustainable biodesign solutions. It brings together experts from Design, Biology, Materials Science, Engineering, Chemistry, and Law, and is structured around six Working Groups (WGs).

The network includes 63 members from 21 countries, of which 62% are from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs) and more than 30% are Young Researchers and Innovators. These early-career researchers will actively participate in workshops, training schools, and short-term scientific missions, ensuring their effective involvement in all aspects of the COST Action.

Researchers and Research Units from the University of Aveiro involved:

• Principal Investigator (PI): Nina Costa (ID+)
• Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI): Johannes Goessling (CESAM)

• Prof. Fátima Pombo (ID+)
• Prof. Gonçalo Gomes (ID+)
• Prof. Silvina Félix (ID+/ESAN)
• Prof. Susana Gonzaga (ID+/UM)
• Prof. João Mano (CICECO)
• Dr. Rita Sobreiro-Almeida (CICECO)
• PhD Candidate João Maia (CICECO)
• PhD Candidate Miguel Vieira (ID+/TEMA)
• Prof. Ricardo Sousa (TEMA)