The Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), a research unit of the University of Aveiro with Associated Laboratory status, celebrates its 25th anniversary with the exhibition “From the Atmosphere to the Deep Sea: Science Caring for the Future.” Currently on display at the Fábrica Centro Ciência Viva de Aveiro, this exhibition synthesizes two and a half decades of research excellence, embodying the centre’s commitment to understanding the environment as a holistic system under the integrative concept of “One Health.”
CESAM is organized into three main thematic lines covering areas from climate change and environmental management to the analysis of socio-ecological systems. These axes support six research clusters, ensuring the technical-scientific support necessary for shaping public policy, driving the energy transition, and advancing the circular economy.
The exhibition traces a path of knowledge that begins with territorial resilience, highlighting projects such as FORES, which studies the adaptation of Mediterranean forests to wildfires, and BioValChar, which promotes the circular economy by transforming forest residues into biochar for soil regeneration. The journey continues through aquatic ecosystems and the management of emerging pollutants, such as microplastics and pharmaceutical residues, where projects like NanoFASE and NanoFATE have established crucial environmental regulations for the European context.
Biodiversity takes centre stage in a section following the route of migratory birds—true sentinels of climate change—and the vital role of the Ria de Aveiro as a living laboratory. Moving toward the vastness of the ocean and the deep sea, CESAM showcases its work on the traceability and sustainability of seafood, through projects such as TraSeaFood and Smart4Sea, and technological innovation in the protection of deep-sea habitats using artificial intelligence in DeepVision and DEEP REST.
The exhibition culminates in a reflection on the practical application of scientific knowledge. This core section demonstrates how CESAM transforms research into concrete tools for public decision-making. Through the compilation of technical reports, policy briefs, and predictive models, the centre highlights how collected data is translated into real-world management strategies, reinforcing its position as a pillar of science in Portugal, focused on protecting the environment and future generations.
This exhibition, which is free and open to all, will be on display at the Fábrica Centro Ciência Viva de Aveiro from July 10, 2026, until the end of April 2027.
Amadeu Soares, Director of CESAM, emphasizes: “This exhibition is part of our commemorations and showcases examples of the best work and excellence in research that we have developed over these 25 years. It reflects our ongoing commitment to caring for the future, bringing science closer to the people and making knowledge more accessible to everyone. We also want citizens to understand where a small part of their taxes goes, in an area where Portugal is still far from meeting the goal, assumed decades ago, of investing 3% of GDP in Science and Innovation.”