Conference Venue

The conference will take place at the University of Porto’s Abel Salazar Building, a beautifully renovated neo-classical landmark that houses a modern conferences and events centre in the very heart of Porto’s historic city centre. Blending architectural heritage with contemporary facilities, the venue offers an elegant and inspiring setting for scientific exchange and professional interaction.

Ideally located, the Abel Salazar Building is within easy walking distance of a wide range of accommodation options and is surrounded by some of Porto’s most iconic landmarks and cultural attractions, including the Torre dos Clérigos, the renowned Livraria Lello, the historic Bolhão Market, and several traditional cafés. With excellent access to public transport and all essential city amenities, the venue provides a truly central and convenient location, making it an ideal meeting point for conference participants to experience both the conference’s technical and scientific programmes and the vibrant life of the city.

Address:
Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar
4050-366 Porto, Portugal
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Home to the Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), the building holds a long and distinguished academic legacy closely tied to the University of Porto. It was originally constructed in the former Largo da Escola Médica – now Largo do Professor Abel Salazar – adjacent to the former Nossa Senhora do Carmo Convent (Barefoot Carmelites). Designed by architects Rogério dos Santos Azevedo (1898–1983) and Baltazar Castro (1891–1967), it was inaugurated in 1935 to respond to the growing spatial needs of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto.

From an architectural perspective, the building features a Neo-Classical exterior combined with Art Déco interior elements, reflecting both its institutional significance and the design trends of its era. It served as the home of the Faculty of Medicine until 1960, when the Faculty relocated to the São João Hospital campus. Later, in 1975, with the creation of ICBAS, the building became a shared academic space, accommodating various services and departments from the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Sciences, and other university units.

Over time, the building has undergone several improvement and restoration works, most notably following the 1992 fire in the Grand Hall, which led to significant refurbishment efforts. Today, the renovated Abel Salazar Building stands as a symbol of academic continuity and transformation, preserving its historical identity while adapting to the evolving needs of the University of Porto. Ideally located, it is within walking distance of a wide range of accommodation options and surrounded by some of Porto’s most iconic landmarks, including the Torre dos Clérigos, Livraria Lello, and the historic Bolhão Market, as well as numerous traditional cafés. With excellent access to public transport and city amenities, it offers a central and convenient meeting point for participants to engage fully in the conference programme and experience the vibrant life of the city.