The third Portuguese Open Week on Animal Research (5–10 July) brought together research institutions, universities and scientific organisations across Portugal to promote openness and public understanding of the use of animals in biomedical research. The initiative forms part of the Portuguese Transparency Agreement and was held alongside EARA's Be Open About Animal Research Day (BOARD26), strengthening the international visibility of Portugal's transparency efforts. 

The Open Week followed the publication of the sixth annual report of the Portuguese Transparency Agreement, which showed that transparency practices are now firmly embedded across the country's 29 signatory organisations. The report highlighted continued growth in public engagement, proactive communication and institutional openness around animal research. 

EARA member Champalimaud Foundation welcomed colleagues from its clinical and support services for guided visits to its rodent and fish facilities, where participants learned about the 3Rs and observed behavioural experiments in mice. The Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) welcomed secondary school students for hands-on activities and guided tours, introducing them to animal welfare, ethical principles and the role of animal research in advancing medicine. EARA member i3S - Institute for Research and Innovation in Health opened its animal facility to journalists for the first time. The visit generated national media coverage, with news articles helping to bring greater public attention to the institute's approach to animal welfare, ethics and responsible research. 

Public engagement also extended beyond laboratory visits. The Portuguese Society for Developmental Biology (SPBD) ran a week-long social media campaign explaining the role of animal research in improving human health, while several institutions, including EARA member NOVA Medical School, the University of Beira Interior (UBI) and EARA member Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), participated in #BOARD26 through videos, quotes and infographics highlighting the complementary roles of animal models and New Approach Methodologies and the importance of transparency. EARA member Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM) released a behind-the-scenes video following the daily work of the head of its rodent platform, showcasing the care, ethics and responsibility underpinning animal research. 

Beyond Open Week, Portuguese institutions continued to broaden their outreach activities. The Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS) opened its preclinical imaging facilities to the public during its "ICNAS at Night!" event, offering visitors an opportunity to explore animal housing, imaging technologies and ongoing research projects. 

These activities reflect the continued growth of Portugal's transparency initiative, with institutions increasingly embedding public engagement and open communication into their everyday research culture while demonstrating the highest standards of animal welfare and scientific responsibility.