At first glance, it may seem strange that World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated twice a year! Indeed, after being celebrated on 9 May, this event, promoted by the United Nations through the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, is marked again on 10 October. The reason for this apparent duplication is that most migratory birds undertake two migrations each year: a post-breeding migration, after the breeding season has ended, and a pre-breeding migration, when they return to their breeding grounds.
Unfortunately, 45% of these birds are in decline, as highlighted in BirdLife International’s report, “State of the World’s Birds”, published in September. Even more alarming is the fact that more than half (54%) of migratory shorebirds are experiencing population declines. It is therefore unsurprising that, just last year, a species belonging to this group, the Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris), was declared extinct.
CESAM researchers studying these birds recently published a study in which they compiled all available GPS tracking data on Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus) worldwide. Their aim was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the species’ migration patterns, identify knowledge gaps, and assess the threats facing different populations. Notably, during the course of this study, the two subspecies found in the Americas were recognised as a separate species (Numenius hudsonicus), while the remaining four subspecies continued to be grouped together under Numenius phaeopus.
Among the study’s key findings is the lack of knowledge about the threats affecting these birds in many parts of the world, as well as the pressures posed by invasive species, hunting, habitat changes, and climate change.
The information gathered in this study will also help guide future research efforts towards the knowledge gaps identified, with the ultimate goal of reversing current population declines and preventing further extinctions among Whimbrels and other migratory bird species.
News article by José Alves, CESAM/DBIO researcher.
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Aveiro (UA), including Peter Roebeling, a researcher at CESAM/DAO, identifies several tourism and recreational activities with the potential to contribute to the restoration and enhancement of the traditional salt pans of the Ria de Aveiro. The research, authored by Filomena Martins, André Pedrosa, Teresa Fidélis, Marco Antunes, Peter Roebeling and Margarida Ferreira da Silva, highlights opportunities ranging from artisanal salt production and biodiversity observation to aquaculture, wellness activities, water sports and tourist accommodation.
The traditional salt pans of the Ria de Aveiro represent an important part of the region’s natural, cultural and landscape heritage. However, the decline in artisanal salt production has contributed to the abandonment and deterioration of many of these structures, threatening their associated ecological and cultural values.
Published in the scientific journal Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, the study was carried out within the framework of the Sal de Aveiro project and examined the potential of salt pans to accommodate new tourism and recreational activities. The research considered the legal framework, the physical characteristics of the sites, their location and accessibility, as well as experiences from other salt-producing regions and wetlands.
From salt to biodiversity: new opportunities for salt pans
Among the activities identified is the promotion of artisanal salt production through tourism experiences that allow visitors to learn about the work of traditional salt workers and the history of salt production in the region.
Biodiversity also emerges as a key resource, with the potential to promote birdwatching, nature tourism and environmental education. The study also identifies opportunities in aquaculture, health and wellness, water sports, outdoor recreation and tourist accommodation.
The researchers argue that combining different activities, adapted to the specific characteristics of each salt pan, could contribute to their revitalisation and sustainability.
Enhancing heritage and preserving ecosystems
The restoration of salt pans is essential to preserving their natural and cultural values, preventing the progressive degradation of these habitats and the loss of their historical identity.
Although the results reveal a diverse range of opportunities, the authors emphasise the need for further assessment of the economic feasibility of the proposed activities and their potential environmental impacts.
The research thus highlights the potential of tourism and recreation as tools for enhancing traditional salt pans, helping to reconcile biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage preservation and sustainable development in the Aveiro region.
CESAM took part in European Researchers’ Night (NEI) 2026, held on 25 September, with activities in Aveiro, Barca d’Alva, Lisbon and Torreira. From biodiversity to biotechnology, including toxin detection, ecotoxicology and marine biology, the centre’s researchers shared projects and scientific knowledge with audiences of all ages.
The programme also included activities run by CESAM researchers. Alisa Rudnitskaya and Catarina Moreirinha, researchers at CESAM/DQ, Diana Matos, a PhD student at CESAM/DQ, and Maria Teresa S. R. Gomes, a CESAM researcher and professor in the University of Aveiro’s Department of Chemistry, presented the projects MISSIONandNANOCEAN, which focus on developing sensors for the rapid detection of cyanotoxins and marine toxins, demonstrating the potential of these technologies for environmental monitoring.
Biodiversity was in the spotlight with the Be Butterfly Friendly (BBF) project, coordinated by Olga Ameixa, a researcher at CESAM/DBIO, and Clarisse Ferreira, a PhD student at CESAM/DBIO. Through the exhibition “Be Butterfly Friendly – Planting Butterflies”, the project raised public awareness of the conservation of butterflies and other pollinators, promoting citizen science and community involvement in protecting their habitats.
Catarina R. Marques, a researcher at CESAM/DBIO, and her team also took part with the initiative “Microfactories for Macrochallenges”, showing how bacteria can help tackle environmental and human health challenges. The projects BIOPLASTAR and 2-DEPLAST were presented, both linked to the development of sustainable solutions to combat plastic waste pollution, along with research on the anticancer potential of bacterial extracts and on using the gut microbiome as a possible tool for the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
Science close to communities, from Barca d’Alva to Lisbon
In Barca d’Alva, at the Open Science Platform, CESAM/DBIO researchers João Carvalho and Jorge Henriques showcased the equipment and methodologies used in fieldwork in ecology and biodiversity. The activity showed how researchers study and monitor ecosystems, highlighting the importance of scientific research for biodiversity conservation in a region particularly vulnerable to increasing aridity and changes in land use.
In Lisbon, at the Pavilhão do Conhecimento, Sónia Cruz, a researcher at CESAM/DBIO, took part in the Pitch and “A Glass Full of Science” activities, part of the European Researchers’ Night programme. In the first, she explained how certain sea slugs are able to incorporate chloroplasts from the algae they feed on and use them for their own benefit, a phenomenon known as kleptoplasty. In the second, she spoke directly with visitors about her research, in an informal format that favoured dialogue and closeness between scientists and the public.
In Torreira, small organisms reveal the effects of pollution
In Torreira, Diana Campos, Patrícia Silva and Rita Silva, researchers at CESAM/DBIO, took part in BlueNIGHTs Torreira 2026 with the activity “EcotoxLab – Small Organisms Revealing the Environment”, aimed at students from 5th grade through secondary school. Using practical examples, the researchers showed how small organisms are used in ecotoxicology studies to assess the effects of contaminants on ecosystems, raising younger people’s awareness of the challenges of environmental pollution.
The activity also gave visibility to the projects ZELDA and TRAFFIq, coordinated by Susana Loureiro, a CESAM researcher and professor in the University of Aveiro’s Department of Biology, and by João Pestana, a CESAM/DBIO researcher, respectively. While ZELDA is dedicated to developing sustainable solutions for crop protection, TRAFFIq investigates the environmental impacts of additives from tyre wear in urban aquatic ecosystems.
A night of shared science
CESAM’s participation in European Researchers’ Night 2026 reflected the diversity of the research carried out at the centre and its commitment to bringing scientific knowledge closer to society.
For Amadeu Soares, Director of CESAM, this broad presence strengthens the link between science and society: “CESAM’s participation in different parts of the country reflects the diversity of our research and our commitment to bringing scientific knowledge closer to the communities and the environmental challenges we face.”
From Aveiro to Barca d’Alva, via Lisbon and Torreira, the different teams helped spark scientific curiosity and demonstrate the importance of research in responding to environmental challenges.
ScienceCast – Uma Conversa com Ciência, a project developed in partnership with CESAM, returns for its fifth season with a significant new development: conversations with scientists will now also be broadcast on RTP2, strengthening the programme’s commitment to science communication and bringing scientific knowledge closer to society.
Hosted by science journalist Vasco Matos Trigo, ScienceCast provides a platform for researchers from different fields of knowledge, aiming to showcase scientific research being conducted in Portugal and internationally in an accessible and engaging way. From biology to chemistry and physics, the new season continues to make complex scientific topics accessible through informative and engaging conversations that offer insights into the world of science.
The fifth season premiered on RTP2 on Sunday, 4 October, marking a new milestone in the development of ScienceCast. Episodes are broadcast on RTP2 and subsequently made available on digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube, enabling the programme to reach increasingly diverse audiences.
When Science Reveals the Invisible
Among the first conversations of the new season is the episode “When Science Reveals the Invisible”, featuring Ricardo Henriques, Principal Investigator at ITQB NOVA.
Working at the intersection of biophysics, advanced microscopy and artificial intelligence, Ricardo Henriques develops innovative technologies that enable scientists to observe cells at previously unattainable levels of detail. His research contributes to a deeper understanding of biological processes and opens up new possibilities for biomedical research.
Internationally recognised for his scientific contributions, the researcher is also committed to developing accessible, open-source scientific tools, fostering a more collaborative approach to science and making advanced technologies available to the wider scientific community.
Launched in 2024, ScienceCast was established to strengthen connections between researchers, scientific projects and society, providing a platform for discussions on science, knowledge and innovation.
CESAM’s scientific collaboration in this project aligns with its mission to promote the dissemination of scientific knowledge and contribute to a better-informed society with stronger connections to science.
Produced by PlaySolutions Audiovisuais, ScienceCast is now entering a new phase with its arrival on public television, extending the reach of a project that places scientists, their research and their experiences at the heart of science communication.
World Habitat Day is celebrated this year on 5 October 2026 under the theme “Adequate Housing for All”, providing an opportunity to reflect on the state of our cities and on the basic right of all people to adequate housing, while drawing attention to the policies, partnerships and practical solutions needed to turn this right into a reality. This entails, among other things, inclusive approaches that address the needs of low-income households, communities affected by crises and disasters, and populations at risk of displacement. It also requires well-planned neighbourhoods and housing solutions with adequate services that are environmentally sustainable, climate-resilient and culturally appropriate.
Global changes, including climate change, population growth and economic development, pose urgent challenges to socio-ecological systems worldwide. Cities, in particular, need to respond to urban and peri-urban challenges such as heat islands and air pollution, flooding and water pollution, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, as well as urban sprawl, gentrification and declining property values. These challenges affect economic activities, public health and well-being and, consequently, adaptation to global change is essential for the cities of the future.
There is growing evidence that Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in urban and peri-urban landscapes can provide effective responses to these multiple challenges through the wide range of ecosystem services and benefits they deliver – thereby contributing not only to mitigation but also to the adaptation of cities and their communities to global change. Over the past decade, CESAM has played a key role in producing scientific evidence on the multiple societal impacts, costs and benefits of NBS – including temperature reduction and improved air quality (see, e.g., Augusto et al., 2020; Ascenso et al., 2021), flood risk reduction and improved water quality (see, e.g., Costa et al., 2021; Quagliolo et al., 2023; Matos & Roebeling, 2022), and urban densification, gentrification and property value enhancement (see, e.g., Roebeling et al., 2017; Mendonça et al., 2026). In addition, the integration and effectiveness of key drivers and policies aimed at promoting the uptake and mainstreaming of NBS in urban and peri-urban landscapes have been assessed (see, e.g., Di Pirro et al., 2022; Lopez et al., 2023; Mendonça et al., 2024).
The main projects that have contributed to CESAM’s cutting-edge scientific knowledge, public policy development and societal impact in this field are: i) Urban Nature Labs (UNaLab; 2017–2022); ii) Rethinking coastal landscapes with climate-resilient interventions: systemic land-to-sea solutions (COAST-SCAPES; 2025–2029); and iii) Hotspot resilience: co-construct approaches to coastal climate adaptation (HARCCA; 2026–2030). These projects focus on the co-creation of nature-based pathways for adaptation to global change in urban and peri-urban landscapes, in close collaboration with local communities and businesses, local and regional authorities, and the European Commission.
Research on nature-based adaptation to global change is currently expanding to rural landscapes and communities through the following projects: i) Valorizing and balancing the ecosystem service benefits offered by legumes, and legume-based cropped systems (LegumES; 2024–2027); and ii) Plant protein for agricultural resilience and feed self-sufficiency (PROCEED; 2026–2031).
Ferramenta sistémica de apoio à decisão para avaliar os potenciais impactos ambientais, sociais e económicos, diretos e indiretos, de cenários de Soluções Baseadas na Natureza (fonte: Roebeling et al., 2021*).
At CESAM, research in this area falls within Thematic Line (TL) 3 – Socio-Ecological Systems and Resources, which aims to address the complex challenges associated with the sustainable management of socio-ecological systems by analysing the socio-economic drivers of global change, assessing vulnerabilities, and developing adaptation strategies. This research is carried out in an integrated manner across different Research Groups, namely RG6 – Circular Economy, Resource Optimisation and Energy, which investigates sustainable practices and solutions through innovative circular economy and (bio)economy principles based on resource and energy optimisation; and RG4 – Ecosystem Management and Conservation, which focuses on the management, conservation and restoration of ecosystems and their associated ecosystem services and values.
* Roebeling, P.C., A. Ascenso, B. Augusto, I. Bastos, S. Costa, M. López, R. Martins, F. Matos, R. Mendes, R. Mendonça, I. Menezes, S. Valente, I. Vaittinen, M. Rios-White, T. Fidélis, J. Keizer, F. Martins, A.I. Miranda and F. Teles, 2021. Systemic decision support tool user guide for municipalities. UNaLab Project, Deliverable D3.2, CESAM & Department of Environment & Planning, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal. 47 pp.
The European Commission has moved to a new stage of infringement proceedings against Portugal, considering the measures adopted to monitor and prevent the accidental bycatch of cetaceans associated with fishing activities to be insufficient. The issue, recently highlighted by the newspaper Público, follows up on a concern previously addressed by CESAM, based on scientific evidence pointing to concerning levels of dolphin mortality in Portuguese waters.
In April this year, CESAM highlighted the scientific contribution of Catarina Eira, a CESAM researcher and professor at the Department of Biology of the University of Aveiro, to understanding the scale of this problem. The data released at the time indicated that at least one dolphin per day dies in Portugal as a result of interactions with fishing gear. These estimates may be conservative, as some mortality occurs at sea and therefore goes unrecorded.
The situation has now taken on a new dimension at European level. According to Público, the European Commission considers that Portugal is still failing to adequately prevent the accidental bycatch of cetaceans and has given the country two months to adopt measures. The case may be referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union if Portugal’s response is deemed unsatisfactory.
The protection of cetaceans is provided for under European legislation, particularly the Habitats Directive, which establishes obligations for the protection and conservation of these species. Member States must monitor the incidental capture and killing of cetaceans and, based on the information collected, take further research or conservation measures as required to ensure that such incidental capture and killing does not have a significant negative impact on the populations concerned.
Species of particular relevance in Portuguese waters include the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). The interaction of these and other protected marine species with certain types of fishing gear has been the subject of research in recent years, with a view to identifying the areas and activities posing the greatest risk and developing measures capable of reducing mortality associated with accidental bycatch.
CESAM has contributed to advancing knowledge in this field through several research projects. These include LIFE+ MarPro, coordinated by Catarina Eira, which brought together several national institutions with the aim of improving knowledge and conservation of cetaceans and seabirds in mainland Portugal, including the development of measures to mitigate accidental bycatch in fishing gear.
This new development at European level reinforces the relevance of ongoing research in this field and the importance of robust monitoring systems to assess the scale of accidental bycatch and evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Scientific evidence plays a key role in identifying the fishing gear and areas associated with the greatest risk, developing solutions to reduce interactions between fisheries and cetaceans, and supporting public policies for marine biodiversity conservation.
The research carried out at CESAM thus contributes to a deeper understanding of the impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems and supports the development of conservation and management measures grounded in scientific evidence.
The latest research article from the Marine Photophysiology and Phycotechnology Laboratory (MP2Lab), part of the Department of Biology and CESAM, is featured on the cover of the scientific journal Biology Open, with an image of the tropical sea slug Elysia crispata. The study shows that different components of the light spectrum elicit distinct responses in these animals: red light promoted faster growth, while blue light was associated with greater longevity of the chloroplasts incorporated from the algae on which they feed.
Elysia crispata is one of the sea slugs belonging to the order Sacoglossa that is capable of sequestering chloroplasts from the algae it consumes and maintaining them functional within its own cells. This phenomenon, known as kleptoplasty, allows these chloroplasts — known as kleptoplasts — to remain photosynthetically active within the animal. Understanding the mechanisms that enable this association and the benefits it may provide to sea slugs is at the heart of the KleptoSlug project, led by Sónia Cruz, a CESAM/DBIO researcher, and funded by the European Research Council (ERC).
In the study, the researchers investigated how the spectral composition of light influences body weight and photosynthetic activity in Elysia crispata, exposing the animals to equivalent intensities of white, red or blue light. During feeding, sea slugs exposed to red light gained weight more rapidly, whereas those exposed to blue light showed higher concentrations of chlorophyll a, used as an indicator of kleptoplast abundance. During food deprivation, photosynthetic activity declined more rapidly under red light and more slowly under blue light, pointing to a trade-off between growth and kleptoplast longevity.
The behaviour of the sea slugs may help explain this pattern. Under blue light, the researchers observed a greater degree of parapodial closure. The parapodia are lateral body extensions containing cells that harbour kleptoplasts. The authors hypothesise that this behaviour may reduce the exposure of kleptoplasts to light and limit photo-oxidative damage, thereby helping to prolong their functionality.
The results therefore show that the spectral composition of light influences the growth of Elysia crispata, the activity of its sequestered chloroplasts and the animal’s behaviour, contributing to a better understanding of the mechanisms that enable these photosynthetic structures to be maintained within animal cells.
Conducted within the framework of the KleptoSlug project — Kleptoplasty: The sea slug that got away with stolen chloroplasts — the study was authored by Carlos Paya, a CESAM/DQ PhD student, Heta Mattila, Vesa Havurinne, Felisa Rey, a CESAM/DQ researcher, and Sónia Cruz and Paulo Cartaxana, CESAM/DBIO researchers. The work was published in Biology Open, an open-access scientific journal published by The Company of Biologists.
The first series of “Abstract” has reached nearly 25,000 views, broadening the reach of this CESAM science communication initiative. Throughout the episodes, CESAM researchers present their work, key findings and relevance through audiovisual content designed to make scientific knowledge clearer and more accessible.
This reach is accompanied by an overall positive assessment of the series. Among respondents to the evaluation survey, 85% rated “Abstract” as “Excellent” or “Very good”, while the average likelihood of recommending the series to a colleague was 8.1 on a scale from 1 to 10.
Scientific credibility emerged as the most highly valued aspect, with an average rating of 4.63 out of 5. Accurate representation of the research received an average score of 4.58, followed by the appropriateness of the video length at 4.55 and effectiveness in communicating the main research findings at 4.47.
The audiovisual component was also rated positively. Image quality received an average score of 4.50 out of 5, while the presentation of researchers scored 4.37, indicating a favourable assessment of both production quality and the way scientific content is communicated.
The evaluation also provided insights into the potential continuation of the initiative. Among participants who responded regarding possible future involvement, the majority expressed their willingness to take part in an episode of “Abstract” if invited.
Taken together, the results highlight two key dimensions of the first series of “Abstract”: the reach of its content, which is approaching 25,000 views, and the positive assessment of aspects that are central to science communication, particularly scientific credibility, accurate representation of research and audiovisual quality.
These indicators support the continued development of “Abstract” as a format for showcasing research carried out at CESAM, helping to bring scientific knowledge closer to different audiences through rigorous, clear and accessible content.
The Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) has 18 applications proposed for funding in the provisional results of the 8th edition of the Individual Call to Scientific Employment Stimulus, corresponding to the 2025 call and promoted by the Foundation for Science and Technology. In the Environmental Sciences evaluation panel, these applications account for 38.1% of the positions proposed for funding, including half of the Assistant Researcher positions. The results were announced on 30 September 2026.
Of the 86 applications supported by CESAM, 18 were recommended for funding, corresponding to a success rate of 20.9%, compared with 17.6% at the University of Aveiro and 13.5% nationally. CESAM thus accounts for 36.7% of UA’s 49 selected applications, out of a total of 278 submitted by the University. In a national call with 2,956 applications and 400 positions recommended for funding, CESAM represents 2.9% of applications and 4.5% of the selected positions.
The strongest result was recorded in the Environmental Sciences panel, where CESAM accounts for eight of the 21 positions nationwide — 38.1% of the total. This includes five of the ten Assistant Researcher positions, representing half of all positions in this category, and three of the eleven Junior Researcher positions.
CESAM also achieved a significant representation in the Environmental Engineering and Environmental and Industrial Biotechnology panel, with three of the 14 positions nationwide, corresponding to 21.4% of the total. All three CESAM applications are in the Assistant Researcher category, representing 60% of the five positions selected in this category.
The 18 selected applications, distributed across seven evaluation panels, reflect the multidisciplinary nature of CESAM’s environmental research. Biological Sciences, Earth Sciences, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Health Sciences, and Mechanical Engineering join Environmental Sciences and Environmental Engineering, bringing together different perspectives to study environmental systems, understand their links with health, and develop solutions for sustainability.
Evaluation panel
CESAM Junior Researcher
CESAM Assistant Researcher
CESAM total
National total
CESAM share of panel
Environmental Sciences
3
5
8
21
38.1%
Environmental Engineering and Environmental and Industrial Biotechnology
0
3
3
14
21.4%
Animal and Veterinary Sciences and Agri-food Biotechnology
0
2
2
15
13.3%
Biological Sciences
2
0
2
20
10.0%
Earth Sciences
1
0
1
6
16.7%
Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Systems
0
1
1
8
12.5%
Health Sciences
0
1
1
12
8.3%
Overall, 12 applications were selected in the Assistant Researcher category and six in the Junior Researcher category. CESAM accounts for 7.6% of the 157 Assistant Researcher positions nationwide and 2.5% of the 243 Junior Researcher positions. Assistant Researcher positions make up two-thirds of CESAM’s selected applications, compared with 39.3% at the national level.
The number of positions increased by 20% compared with the 15 announced in the 7th edition, rising from ten to 12 in the Assistant Researcher category and from five to six in the Junior Researcher category.
These results represent an opportunity to strengthen CESAM’s research teams and support the continuity of scientific careers at different stages of development.
The results are provisional, with the prior hearing period running until 15 October 2026.
On 26 September, World Environmental Health Day, promoted by the International Federation of Environmental Health, is observed, drawing attention to an increasingly evident relationship: protecting health also means understanding and protecting the environment in which we live.
The quality of air, water and food, exposure to chemical and biological contaminants, the presence of emerging pollutants, climate change and ecosystem degradation can directly or indirectly affect human and animal health. Understanding these interactions therefore requires approaches that go beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.
At CESAM, this perspective lies at the heart of the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. Research carried out at the Centre seeks to understand these relationships, develop monitoring and risk assessment tools, and contribute to prevention and mitigation strategies supported by scientific evidence.
One example of this research is the WIN-PLASTIC — World In Plastic: Impact of Plastic and Bioplastic Ingestion on the Gut and Human Health project, which addresses an emerging issue at the interface between environment and health. In response to the presence of micro- and nanoplastics and their additives in the food chain, the project compares the safety profiles of conventional polymers and bioplastics, analysing particle formation and the migration of chemical contaminants, while assessing their potential impacts on human health.
The European project ETERNAL — Boosting the reduction of the environmental impact of pharmaceutical products throughout their entire life cycle also addresses the links between environment, health and sustainability. Funded by the Horizon Europe programme, the project sought to help reduce the environmental impact of pharmaceutical products through an approach encompassing their entire life cycle, from design and manufacturing to use and disposal. The work included assessing environmental risks associated not only with active pharmaceutical ingredients, residues and metabolites, but also with other chemicals and by-products generated during production processes.
These projects illustrate how environmental health depends on the ability to identify emerging risks, understand exposure pathways, and develop solutions that can prevent or reduce impacts on ecosystems and populations.
By marking World Environmental Health Day, CESAM reinforces the importance of understanding the connections between environment and health and of producing scientific knowledge that contributes to healthier ecosystems and more resilient communities.
