Conference 4th International Congress of SPF - The Portuguese Physiological Society

Held every two years by the Portuguese Physiological Society (SPF), this 4th edition brings together physiologists and life sciences researchers, academics, and students from Portugal and the Portuguese diaspora across Europe and other regions. It also aims to engage Lusophone communities that share the Portuguese language and the Iberian space, through the participation as guest societies of honour of the Brazilian Physiological Society (SBF) and the Spanish Society of Physiological Sciences (SECF).

The international physiology organisations FEPS and IUPS will also be represented, confirming a productive alignment of interests and development strategies to promote knowledge and careers in physiology in Portugal, Europe, and around the world.

Join this vibrant and diverse community, which continues Portugal’s rich traditions and the timeless spirit of exploration that we have shared with the world.

Here, knowledge in physiology is celebrated and shared in a context shaped by centuries of discovery, curiosity, and global connection — fostering research that extends far beyond our borders.

Programme

8 October

8:30 am | Registration Opens

9:15 am - 1:30 pm | Pre-Congress – Workshops

• Workshop 1: Active methodologies in physiology teaching
• Workshop 2: Brain–computer interfaces for communication and neurorehabilitation
• Workshop 3: Animal-free innovations
• Workshop 4: Artificial intelligence in higher education and research

Congress

2:00 pm - 2:15 pm | Welcome Session

2:15 pm - 2:45 pm | Opening Lecture

• Teaching and learning physiology and pathophysiology

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm | Thematic Seminar – Sex Differences

• Neuroendocrine mechanisms in puberty and metabolism
• Effects of foetal hypoxia on the cardiovascular system
• Physiology of sex differences throughout life in health and disease

5:00 pm - 6:15 pm | Parallel Sessions

• Poster session
• Coffee break
• Exhibition

6:15 pm - 7:15 pm | Selected Communications + Q&A

7:45 pm | Congress Dinner

9 October

9:15 am - 10:45 am | Thematic Seminar – Brain Health

• Brain circuits and stimulation in psychiatry
• Maternal antibodies and neurodevelopment
• Cortical emotional dynamics and pleasure in music

10:45 am - 12:15 pm | Parallel Sessions

• Poster session
• Coffee break
• Exhibition

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | SPF General Assembly

2:15 pm - 2:45 pm | Plenary Session

• Non-invasive studies of glucose metabolism in MASLD

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm | Thematic Seminar – Longevity

• Mechanisms and evidence of geroprotective therapies
• Exercise physiology and longevity
• Genomics and genetic variation associated with resilience

4:30 pm - 5:45 pm | Parallel Sessions

• Poster session
• Coffee break
• Exhibition

5:45 pm | Closing Session and Awards

• Research Excellence Award
• Best Postgraduate Trainee Award
• Best Poster Award

Find More Information Here