Objective? To join forces to advance the study and application of essential oils. Participants? Scents from Nature and CBIOS – Center for Research in Biosciences and Health Technologies - Universidade Lusófona, among other companies and key partners. Result? Partnership with the Master’s in Natural Bioactive Chemistry, which opens doors to knowledge and development of natural solutions that improve health and well-being.
In the academic year 2024/25, Universidade Lusófona will launch the first edition of an innovative master’s course that includes essential oils, which was the basis of the partnership protocol signed between Professor Patricia Rijo and Paulo Branco, CEO of Scents from Nature, among other companies and key partners in the field of natural bioactives, including pharmaceutical, cosmetic, medical device, and dietary supplement brands such as Somai pharmaceuticals.
This collaborative partnership aims to contribute to the development of Pharmaceutical Sciences education and provide students of the Master’s in Natural Bioactive Chemistry with the unique opportunity to research the benefits and applications of essential oils and other natural products, putting their learning into practice through internships at leading companies in the sector, such as Scents from Nature.
Scents from Nature is a Portuguese company dedicated to the import, export, and production of vegetable oils and organic essential oils. It has distilleries and raw material production in Portugal, Spain, but mainly in Angola, where it has a team of botanists, chemists, and agricultural technicians dedicated to the conservation and cultivation of native plants and the production of essential and vegetable oils according to the principles of organic farming and sustainable harvesting practices.
The essential oils developed by Scents from Nature are carefully crafted to capture the unique properties and fragrances of the plants used. They are 100% natural and safe for use in a wide range of applications.
Under the direction of Patrícia Rijo, the Master’s in Natural Bioactive Chemistry at Universidade Lusófona – Bio.Natural – began to take shape during a doctoral thesis in collaboration with Scents from Nature. The initial project was based on the study of Scents from Nature’s essential and vegetable oils, as well as the formulation and in vivo application of a face cream from Tecnocosmética.
Years later, the course took shape with specific objectives to train specialists in the field of essential oils, focusing on innovation, sustainable development, the commercialization of bioactive products, and the promotion of the use of natural products. The master’s, through the use of essential oils, will enable students to understand the importance of applied research as a key element for innovation, competitiveness, and economic and social progress.
During the first year of the Bio.Natural Master’s (two semesters), pharmaceutical sciences will be comprehensively addressed, with an emphasis on essential oils and natural bioactives. The program will also include computational studies, biological studies, nanotechnology, medicinal chemistry, dermocosmetics, dietary supplements, and entrepreneurship associated with sustainable practices.
It is important to note that this master’s at Universidade Lusófona is based on the European master’s project: BioNatural - Natural Products Chemistry for Bioactives Application (Erasmus Mundus Design Measures program - 101127246 - Chemistry of Natural Bioactives).
The curriculum of the Bio.Natural Master’s at Universidade Lusófona includes subjects such as Structural Analysis, Formulation Strategies and Nanotechnology, Bioactivity Mechanisms, Molecular Modeling and Cheminformatics, Natural Bioactive Chemistry, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Research Methodologies, Medicinal and Therapeutic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, among other areas that cover the study of essential oils and other natural bioactives applied to cosmetics, diet, and dietary supplements.
The Bio.Natural Master’s is intended for graduates, masters (or equivalents) in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Nutritional Sciences, Health Sciences, and related fields, as students will acquire skills and deepen their advanced technical-scientific knowledge in natural products.
Because it offers great possibilities, such as the opportunity to delve into the study of essential oils, the Master’s in Natural Bioactive Chemistry is a valuable choice. Acquiring skills in this field not only enriches scientific knowledge but also opens doors to various professional and personal opportunities.
Essential oils, being natural bioactives with therapeutic properties and versatile applications, have a wide range of applications in various areas of health and well-being. By mastering the complexities and benefits of essential oils, students position themselves at the forefront of innovation in cosmetics, health, and well-being. They are equipped to develop sustainable and effective solutions, contributing to a future where science and nature work together in harmony.
The Master’s in Natural Bioactive Chemistry is a transformative course, especially for those who want to dedicate themselves to the study of essential oils, innovate, and make significant contributions to health and well-being.
Get to know Scents from Nature and discover a new dimension of sustainable and effective vegetable oils and essential oils that can elevate your professional practices!
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