OUTREACH

DxHub took part in the LS4FUTURE Citizen Science Workshop, held on 27 October 2025 at ITQB NOVA. The workshop, led by Maria João Leão from the Ciência + Cidadã Programme, brought together researchers and practitioners engaged in citizen-science initiatives, offering a platform to share experiences, methodologies and new project ideas. DxHub was invited to present its citizen-science initiative “Diagnosing Waterborne Pathogens: Young Scientists in Action”, represented by Eduardo Coelho (STAB VIDA). The project introduces 7th-grade students and members of the school’s science club to point-of-care diagnostics by working with real water samples. Through hands-on activities, participants learn how rapid tests and simple molecular techniques can be used to detect waterborne pathogens such as Legionella pneumophila—illustrating how accessible tools can empower young people to explore public-health challenges. In addition to the showcase of ongoing citizen-science projects at ITQB NOVA, the workshop included an introduction to citizen science as a research approach and a practical co-creation session, where participants collaborated on the design of new community-driven initiatives. DxHub’s participation highlights its commitment to promoting open, participatory science and to engaging students and citizens in meaningful, real-world diagnostic challenges.