J. Norberto Pires Innovation Award given ex aequo to projects on Camões and cancer detection

For the first time, the J. Norberto Pires Innovation Award was shared between two projects: one that brings together 16th-century poetry and 21st-century imagery, and another that applies quantum computing to improve AI models for detecting gastrointestinal cancer.

The winners of the 4th edition of the award, presented on 8 October during Inovação@UC 2025 at Convento São Francisco, are “Camões | Outros 500”, by UC Faculty of Arts lecturer and researcher Clara Almeida Santos and journalist Francisco Sena Santos, and “G-quAI: Predicting Gastrointestinal Cancer Using Quantum AI”, led by Gabriel Falcão from UC’s Faculty of Science and Technology.

Created as part of the 500th anniversary celebrations of Luís de Camões’ birth, “Camões | Outros 500” produced 29 short videos that combine Camões’ poetry with contemporary images inspired by the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The series, voiced by journalist Maria Flor Pedroso and scored by Máximo Francisco, has been featured by RTP and Antena 1 and is available online through Australia’s public broadcaster SBS.

The “G-quAI” project uses quantum computing to enhance AI-based diagnostics for gastrointestinal cancer, improving processing speed, diagnostic accuracy, and energy efficiency. “We want colorectal cancer diagnosis to be faster, more accessible, and more sustainable,” said Gabriel Falcão.

According to UC Rector Amílcar Falcão, who chaired the jury, the decision to award two winners reflects “the quality and diversity of innovation produced at the University of Coimbra.” Jorge Salvador, Coordinator of the General Council’s Innovation Committee, added that the distinction honours Professor Norberto Pires’ legacy while promoting applied, socially relevant science.

More information about the award and jury is available at www.uc.pt/premionorbertopires.