President of CCDR Norte Visits the Landscape Laboratory to Learn About Its Research and Work

The visit was part of CCDR Norte’s Innovation Tour and provided an opportunity to showcase ongoing research projects, the Landscape Laboratory’s day-to-day work, and the journey that led Guimarães to be named European Green Capital 2026.

The Landscape Laboratory welcomed Álvaro Santos, President of the Northern Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR Norte), on Monday as part of CCDR Norte’s Innovation Tour.

Accompanied by Ricardo Araújo, Mayor of Guimarães, and a delegation from CCDR Norte and Guimarães City Council, Álvaro Santos toured the various facilities of the Landscape Laboratory and learned about its work in research, sustainability and the environmental enhancement of the local area.

During the visit to the laboratories, the delegation had the opportunity to discover some of the ongoing research projects, the equipment used and the day-to-day work carried out by the different teams. The Landscape Laboratory’s contribution to scientific knowledge, environmental monitoring and the development of solutions supporting Guimarães’ sustainability strategy was also presented.

The tour also included the immersive experience of Guimarães 26 – European Green Capital. Here, the President of CCDR Norte learned more about Guimarães’ journey towards achieving the title, as well as the main projects, commitments and objectives established for 2026 and the territory’s future.

The visit to the Landscape Laboratory formed part of a programme focused on the municipality’s strategy for innovation, economic development and competitiveness. The tour also included the University of Minho, where the delegation visited the National Centre for Advanced Computing, the Deucalion supercomputer and the new Data Centre; Fábrica do Alto, where the country’s first optical satellite factory is being established; and Fábrica do Arquinho, the future home of TECH G.

The municipality currently has 90 projects approved under the NORTE 2030 programme, representing a total investment of €113.77 million, with €61.53 million in European funding approved.

Álvaro Santos described the visit to Guimarães as particularly positive and highlighted the alignment with the municipality in bringing the innovation ecosystem closer to the real economy. The President of CCDR Norte also identified Guimarães as an example of how European funds can be applied and investment used to generate greater added value, strengthen export capacity and improve quality of life.

The Landscape Laboratory’s inclusion in this tour reinforces its role as a centre for research, innovation and sustainability, putting scientific knowledge at the service of the territory and addressing Guimarães’ environmental challenges.