Our colleagues from FCNAUP – UPorto, Patrícia Antunes, Cristina Santos, and Olga Viegas travelled to São Tomé to oversee the planning and construction of the infrastructure for the pilot laboratory “TecBioFood Lab”. This laboratory will contribute to the development of new nutritionally adequate and safe food products tailored to the needs of different local communities in São Tomé and Príncipe.

The rehabilitation process of the space at the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of São Tomé and Príncipe included the planning of a new water supply and sanitation network to support the laboratory, as well as the installation of solar panels with battery storage systems to power laboratory equipment — a major step forward in addressing the energy crisis that São Tomé and Príncipe has been facing. Despite unexpected challenges, this project will ensure the necessary conditions for future work, particularly the development of new food products for local communities.

Apart from the restructuring process, our colleagues also delivered a full week of on-the-job training aimed at future professionals who may work in the laboratory, once it is operational.

We hope this space will become a valuable asset for strengthening the training of Food Science and Technology Students in the country, and that it will make a meaningful difference in food availability for the communities of São Tomé and Príncipe.