Cities are changing significantly, as are the sciences that study them. Continuous technological, economic, and sociocultural transformations are emerging, reshaping urban life. Meanwhile, we have been living through times of political reorientation and almost permanent crisis, which calls into question the  right to the city. Nevertheless, it seems clear that it will be through new understandings and the consequent transformation of the systems and metabolisms of cities that a significant part of the great contemporary issues will be decided. 

In three stages, the O Genoma Urbano (Urban Genome cycle) observes the city as a living and thinking organism. What, after all, is its genetic material, and what elements define urbanity and urban life? Seeking to interconnect the sciences for urban issues with seemingly distant fields, such as biotechnology or neuroscience, we consider the possibilities and needs for building fairer and more sustainable urban futures. 

The conference cycle is curated and moderated by João Seixas, geographer and economist, university professor, and researcher at NOVA FCSH in the areas of city policies and urban and territorial development. Author of several books, former consultant to the European Commission, and Pro-Rector of NOVA University of Lisbon for the areas of Social and Territorial Innovation.