Our mission is to advance molecular science We are greater than the sum of our parts

Overview & Mission

Born in 2021, the Institute of Molecular Sciences (IMS) brings together three leading R&D units in chemical sciences: Centro de Química Estrutural (CQE), from Universidade de Lisboa, Centro de Química de Coimbra (CQC), from Universidade de Coimbra, and Centro de Investigação em Química (CIQUP), from Universidade do Porto. Unlike typical R&D models focused on a single facet of chemistry, IMS spans diverse sub-areas – from single-molecule processes and catalysis to functional materials and environmental issues – covering fundamental and applied research.

People CIQUP CQC CQE

Our mission includes

Integrating the use of chemistry to address critical societal challenges.

Promoting advanced training.

Transferring scientific and technological knowledge to generate social, economic, and cultural impacts.

IMS envisions becoming a global leader by leveraging its collective expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to achieve top-tier scientific outcomes. To strengthen chemistry, IMS aims to consolidate chemistry research into five coherent, synergistic themes. This strategy is designed to boost IMS’s competitiveness in fundraising, talent attraction, scientific career development, and creating socioeconomic impact.

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