FCT has released the provisional results of the international evaluation process of R&D Units, awarding CESAM the highest rating of Excellent. The evaluation focused on the scientific and technological activities carried out between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2023, as well as on the objectives, strategy, activity plan, and organisational structure for the 2025–2029 period.
CESAM, a Research Unit of the University of Aveiro (UA), holding the status of Associate Laboratory since 2005 and rated Excellent since 2014, was one of 14 UA units to once again receive this distinction in the current evaluation exercise.
Standing out among all those evaluated in the area of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, CESAM was the only unit to receive the highest classification, thereby achieving the top national rating in this field. Other institutions evaluated in this area include the Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR, University of Porto), the Dom Luiz Institute (University of Lisbon), the Centre for Nuclear Sciences and Technologies (NOVA University Lisbon), and the Centre for Marine and Environmental Research (CIMA, University of the Algarve).
With an overall score of 15 out of 15, CESAM was also the highest-rated national research unit among those whose activity is focused, wholly or in part, on marine science, even when compared with those that submitted their application under other evaluation panels.
“This is the first time CESAM has received the maximum score across all evaluation criteria. This result consolidates and validates the strategic decisions we have made and demonstrates the international calibre of our entire team. With the ambition of establishing ourselves as a centre of international excellence in environmental and marine sciences, this evaluation serves as both recognition and encouragement in pursuing our mission: to promote transdisciplinary and transformative research that responds to environmental and marine challenges, encompassing interactions between the atmosphere, soils, rivers, transitional waters, and the ocean,” states CESAM Director, Professor Amadeu Soares.
Through both fundamental and applied research, CESAM develops sustainable solutions for the management and conservation of natural resources and biodiversity, promoting the well-being of ecosystems and humankind. Adopting the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, and considers global change processes, CESAM actively contributes to policy development and informed decision-making.
Caring for the Future.