esad—idea is one of the organising bodies of the Alimenta Summit’26 — Designing Healthier Food Systems, which will take place on 29 and 30 October at the Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre. The event is organised in partnership with the Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, the European University and The FORK Organisation.

The Alimenta Summit focuses on reflection and experimentation around healthier, more sustainable and culturally significant food systems, bringing together different fields of knowledge by combining food design, gastronomy, nutrition, health, hospitality, tourism, sustainability and regional development. The programme aims to bridge the gap between scientific research, professional practice, pedagogical innovation and social impact.

ESAD—idea contributes to the organisation and scientific framework of the event through the participation of its researchers in various capacities: researcher José Simões is a member of the Organising Committee and will take part in one of the panel discussions; researchers João Lemos and Margarida Azevedo are members of the Scientific Committee; and researcher Ricardo Bonacho serves as chair of the Scientific Committee.

The event will also be attended by researchers from ESA—IDEA: Lígia Afreixo, Antonino Jorge, Ana Cardoso and Sérgio Lemos, further highlighting the research unit’s presence at this forum for interdisciplinary exchange and debate.

Participation in the Alimenta Summit’26 reflects esad—idea’s work in building partnerships and research networks that bring design closer to other fields of knowledge. Through these collaborations, the unit promotes interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary challenges, contributing to the sharing of knowledge and the development of solutions with cultural, social and environmental impact.