CINTECX 20/10/2025
More than 200 people took part in the 6th Open Days of the Research Center for Technologies, Energy and Industrial Processes at the University of Vigo (Cintecx), an initiative aimed at bringing science and innovation closer to society. Under the slogan Research that connects, the event was held on October 16 and 17 with an expanded program that, for the first time, included specific activities for the general public, in addition to the usual ones aimed at educational centers.
Guided by around twenty researchers, participants had the chance to explore the center’s laboratories and projects through themed tours and interactive workshops that showcased the key role of engineering in societal progress.
Cintecx: Innovation that connects with young and old alike
The first day, dedicated to the general public, welcomed over 60 people of all ages. After receiving a welcome kit, they were organized into groups and accompanied by researchers along four different routes through the center’s facilities. Participants experimented with processes for remediating polluted water and generating hydrogen in the workshop Colorful Environmental Processes, where science revealed its most visual side. In the infrared thermography activity, they observed real-time thermal images and learned how different materials respond to radiation. Meanwhile, the high-speed camera allowed them to discover phenomena invisible to the human eye, and in Corrosion: a problem, an opportunity, they explored the effects of corrosion on various materials and its potential in industrial applications.
One of the most innovative spaces was dedicated to bioprinting, where applications of biomaterials in biomedical and environmental fields were presented. Additionally, the Dracarys workshop offered a striking experience with combustion demonstrations that captivated both children and adults. After the tours, attendees could continue experimenting with more workshops and activities: from drawing their own designs with 3D printing pens, climbing into the UM25 car from the UVigo MotorSport team, to diving into Beyond Reality with virtual reality headsets.
From assembling an engine to uncovering the secrets hidden in minerals
Friday was the turn of educational centers, with nearly 170 secondary and high school students from Vigo, Redondela, and Santiago de Compostela participating in a scientific treasure hunt through Cintecx’s facilities. Divided into groups of 10 to 15 people, they followed three interactive routes lasting approximately two hours, during which they had to complete challenges related to various engineering fields.
In addition to workshops on thermography, high-speed cameras, environmental processes, and combustion, students faced new challenges. In Rock Eyes, they identified different types of ornamental rocks and minerals, learning about their extraction methods and everyday applications. In the reverse engineering and 3D scanning space, they discovered how to redesign existing objects using 3D digitization technology. They also experimented with mixed reality glasses in an interactive virtual environment and tested their technical skills by assembling a real engine following precise instructions.
The day concluded with a knowledge test and an award ceremony for the winning teams, recognizing their engagement, creativity, and enthusiasm throughout the experience.
Six years of scientific adventure
Since 2019, Cintecx has organized open days as part of its commitment to scientific outreach and knowledge transfer. With nearly 200 researchers working in areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste valorization, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence, the center has established itself as a benchmark in connecting science with society.
This year’s activities were supported by the Xunta de Galicia and the European FEDER Funds, and are part of a broader strategy to promote scientific and technical culture and inspire future vocations in engineering.
