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CESAM celebrated World Soil Day on December 5th at 2:30 p.m. with a scientific session held in the Auditorium of the Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism (DEGEIT) at the University of Aveiro. The initiative aligned with the FAO’s theme for 2025, “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities,” highlighting the importance of soil health for urban sustainability and resilience.

The event was organized by Susana Loureiro, CESAM researcher and professor at the Department of Biology, and Sofia Corticeiro, CESAM/DAO researcher. The session took place within the activities of the RC2 Research Cluster – Soil Functions, Agriculture and Forestry, coordinated by Susana Loureiro with Sofia Corticeiro as Vice-Coordinator. This cluster focuses on understanding the ecological and biogeochemical processes of soil, on developing sustainable practices for the agricultural and forestry sectors, and on promoting resilient and environmentally responsible production systems.

The celebration underscored the relevance of soil as an essential resource for environmental balance, quality of life, and sustainable development in urban areas. Soil degradation and loss of soil quality are growing challenges, especially in territories under urban and agricultural pressure, reinforcing the need for a multidisciplinary scientific approach and integrated management of this resource.

The programme included a broad set of scientific presentations from various Research Units of the University of Aveiro, addressing current and emerging topics in soil sciences. Highlights included: nature-based solutions to improve soil health in the context of the upcoming European Soil Monitoring Directive, presented by Sara Peixoto (CESAM/DBIO); research on agricultural-based bioplastics designed to return safely to soil environments, presented by Idalina Gonçalves (CICECO/DEMAC); and the characterization of potentially toxic elements in rice paddy soils of the Baixo Vouga Lagunar, presented by Nuno Durães (GEOBIOTEC/DGEO). Additional contributions included Miguel Viegas (DEGEIT) on European agricultural policies, Margarida Pinho Lopes (CERIS/DCIVIL) on soil sustainability from a civil engineering perspective, and Ana Rita Rodrigues (DAO), who presented the Curiosoil project focused on soil literacy. The session also included an exhibition of paintings by primary school children from CIAQ, developed within the Curiosoil project, as well as a coffee break that promoted interaction among participants.

The event concluded with a roundtable discussion dedicated to the new European Soil Monitoring Directive and the role of higher education institutions in promoting healthy soils in urban environments, moderated by Ana Quintela (RAIZ), followed by the closing of the session at 5:30 p.m.

The initiative reinforces CESAM’s commitment to promoting scientific knowledge, facilitating knowledge transfer to society, and raising awareness of the need to preserve one of the most fundamental resources for the sustainability of cities and the planet.

On 5 December, CESAM hosted a delegation from the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS) on an institutional visit aimed at strengthening scientific cooperation between the two entities. The Chinese delegation, led by Fang Hui, Director-General of the East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute (ECSFRI), also included Li Chuangju, Director-General of the Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute; Guo Quanyou and Wang Cuihua, both Directors and Professors at the East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute; and Li Junyi, Director and Associate Researcher at the Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute.

The delegation was welcomed by Amadeu Soares, Director of CESAM, who opened the meeting by highlighting the strategic importance of reinforcing ties between the two institutions. Representing the University of Aveiro (UA) was Artur Silva, Vice-Rector for Research, who emphasized the institutional framework and the potential for expanding academic and scientific cooperation. Also present was Rosa Freitas, Deputy Director of CESAM and responsible for the Sino-Portuguese Joint International Laboratory in Aquatic Ecotoxicology with Nanjing Tech University, who underlined the importance of the shared and complementary research areas between CESAM and CAFS.

The meeting brought together CESAM researchers with consolidated work in microbiology and environmental biotechnology, marine microbiomes and aquaculture sustainability, functional nutrition and ex vivo models applied to precision aquaculture, as well as parasites and the immune system of bivalves. They presented perspectives on possible areas of common interest and potential lines of joint research.

The main goal of this visit was to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen communication channels with a view to establishing future collaborations. Among the topics discussed were the possibility of developing joint projects between the two institutions and creating shared laboratories. CAFS also expressed its intention to move forward with a Memorandum of Understanding with CESAM and UA.

During the meeting, the Chinese delegation renewed its invitation for a visit to their institutions, located across several cities including Beijing, Qingdao, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Wuhan.

This encounter represented a significant step in consolidating cooperation between CESAM and the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, opening new prospects for scientific collaboration, institutional exchange and joint research development between Portugal and China.

The XVII International Congress of SECEM (Iberian Society for the Conservation and Study of Mammals) was held in Évora, at the Colégio do Espírito Santo, from 5 to 8 December 2025. This scientific meeting, organised biennially, is one of the main Iberian platforms for the presentation and discussion of advances in mammal research, bringing together specialists, managers, technicians, students and organisations dedicated to wildlife conservation.

CESAM/DBIO was represented by Ana M. Figueiredo, Mariana Rossa, Beatriz Afonso, Victor Bandeira, Rita Tinoco Torres, Filipa Peste Costa, João Carvalho, Eduardo Ferreira, Paloma Linck, Pedro Severino, Carlos Fonseca and Daniela Teixeira. The researchers delivered four oral communications and presented eleven posters, contributing to the dissemination of recent studies developed within the Wildlife Unit and strengthening CESAM’s institutional presence in the field of mammal research in the Iberian context.

The congress included several thematic sessions covering areas such as ecology, behaviour, conservation, habitat management, emerging threats and the application of new monitoring methodologies. These sessions provided opportunities for the exchange of up-to-date scientific results and fostered collaboration among researchers from different institutions across the Iberian Peninsula and other European countries. In addition to formal presentations, the event offered moments of debate and reflection on conservation strategies, emphasising the importance of cross-border cooperation and the integration of science into management practices.

The participation of CESAM/DBIO researchers reinforces the institution’s commitment to producing relevant scientific knowledge and transferring that knowledge to the scientific community and to stakeholders involved in the conservation of Iberian mammals.

The detailed programme of the congress can be consulted here.

Victor Bandeira, from CESAM/DBIO, was a guest on the Science Cast podcast, where he shared different aspects of his work in ecology, conservation, and the communication of Portugal’s natural heritage. During the conversation, he highlighted his research dedicated to the Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon), a species on which he has carried out in-depth studies, including work on its distribution in Portugal and several aspects of its ecology and biology. Victor Bandeira is also co-author of the chapter on the Egyptian mongoose in the Red Book of the Mammals of Mainland Portugal and is part of the international team responsible for assessing the species for the IUCN European Red List.

In addition to his research, Victor Bandeira plays an important role in science communication and environmental education. He is co-author of several BioRia fauna guides, including the Mammal Guide and the more recent BioRia Amphibians and Reptiles Guide, released in 2024. This publication aims to facilitate species identification in the region and contribute to reducing stigmas associated with amphibians and reptiles.

Another highlight of his recent work is the coordination of the first National Census of Free-Roaming Animals, whose results were released in 2024. The study, carried out in collaboration with ICNF and funded by the Environmental Fund, estimated the presence of more than 930,000 free-roaming animals in mainland Portugal, including over 830,000 cats and more than 100,000 dogs. In addition to population estimates, Victor Bandeira and the team analysed public attitudes and perceptions regarding responsible pet ownership, as well as the potential impacts of free-roaming animals on wildlife, contributing to informing national policies and strategies.

With his participation in Science Cast, Victor Bandeira reinforces the essential role of biologists in building bridges between science and society, promoting awareness of Portuguese biodiversity and supporting informed decision-making for nature conservation.

Watch the full interview here: Science Cast – Victor Bandeira

Amadeu Soares, Director of CESAM, participated in the CNN Portugal Summit “The Sea of Opportunities”, held on 28 November 2025 at the Cais Criativo da Costa Nova, in Ílhavo. Organised by CNN Portugal, the event brought together national and international experts to discuss the future of the ocean and Portugal’s strategic role as an Atlantic nation, in a context in which the sea is increasingly seen as a driver of economic, environmental, and geopolitical development.

Portugal has an Exclusive Economic Zone of approximately 1.7 million km²—over 18 times the area of its mainland territory—which reinforces the central importance of the ocean in national development. Throughout the day, the conference addressed topics such as the role of ports as sustainable hubs, defence and security in the Atlantic, the challenges of decarbonisation, and the various dimensions of Portugal’s blue economy, including energy, transport, living resources, and blue biotechnology. The programme featured opening and closing sessions with representatives of the Government and public entities, as well as several roundtables with port authorities, private-sector leaders, and research centres focused on marine and maritime issues.

CESAM was represented in the roundtable “The Blue Economy in Portugal”, where Amadeu Soares emphasised the contribution of scientific research to informing public policies and investment decisions, particularly in risk assessment, the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems, and the reconciliation of these goals with the diverse stakeholders of the blue economy. He also highlighted the promotion of sustainable resource-use models. As a Research Unit with the status of Associate Laboratory, CESAM reinforced, through this intervention, its role as a reference partner for companies and State institutions in the transition towards a competitive and resilient blue economy aligned with climate-neutrality objectives.

Holding the Summit in Ílhavo—a territory with a strong maritime identity and historical links to fisheries and nautical activities—added a local and regional dimension to the debate on the major global challenges facing the ocean. CESAM’s participation contributed to bringing science closer to public discussion on the sea and highlighted the importance of the knowledge produced at the University of Aveiro in creating new opportunities for Portugal in the Atlantic. Amadeu Soares also noted the partnership between CESAM and IPMA, which includes strengthening the capacities of IPMA’s Aveiro Delegation and CESAM’s participation in SNMB (the National Bivalve Mollusc Monitoring System) within the area covered by this Delegation. He further highlighted the provision of a new analytical virus-testing service aimed at regional and national aquaculture producers, contributing to a sustainable, knowledge-based blue economy.

Luís Tarelho, a researcher at CESAM and professor at the Department of Environment and Planning (DAO) of the University of Aveiro, has been elected a member of the Board of Directors of CoLAB ForestWISE for the 2025–2028 term, strengthening CESAM’s presence in the scientific and strategic governance of one of the most relevant Collaborative Laboratories in Portugal dedicated to forest and fire issues.

CoLAB ForestWISE – the Collaborative Laboratory for Integrated Forest and Fire Management – aims to develop applied research, innovation, and knowledge transfer to address the challenges associated with the Portuguese forest territory. The laboratory brings together universities, companies, research centres, and public entities with the goal of promoting science-based solutions for more sustainable, resilient, and informed forest management. Its areas of activity include rural fire prevention and suppression, the valorisation of forest biomass, the development of decision-support technologies, and capacity-building for sector stakeholders, thereby contributing to public policies and integrated management strategies.

This new cycle marks an important moment in the institutional life of CoLAB, reinforcing its commitment to solid and representative governance aligned with the strategic challenges of forests and fire in Portugal.

Rita Tinoco Torres, researcher at CESAM/DBIO, took part in the Antena 1 radio programme “90 Seconds of Science”, where she presented the Wolf Pack Programme 2025–2035, an initiative focused on analysing and defining the key measures to be implemented to improve the conservation status of the Iberian wolf in Portugal.

Her participation follows the involvement of the Wildlife Unit (CESAM/DBIO) in several monitoring, conservation, and research projects on the Iberian wolf, namely the Monitoring of the Iberian Wolf South of the Douro (ACHLI), which has now been running continuously for 13 years, as well as more recent participation in the National Iberian Wolf Census (2019–2021) and the projects LIFE WOLFLUX and LIFE LUPI-LYNX.

Full interview available here.

The CESAM research centre played a significant role in the field of Environmental Science and Engineering, as reflected in the University of Aveiro’s (UA) performance in the ShanghaiRanking Consultancy (Shanghai GRAS 2025). In this area, nine out of the ten top individual contributors to UA’s ranking position are researchers directly affiliated with CESAM: Amadeu Soares, Rosa Freitas, Susana Loureiro, Isabel Lopes, Armando C. Duarte, Teresa Rocha-Santos, Mónica Amorim, Marcelino Miguel Oliveira, and Joana Pereira. The presence of these nine names in the top 10 highlights the importance of the centre’s work for UA’s scientific recognition.

This strong collective contribution enabled the University of Aveiro to once again position itself among the world’s leading institutions, ranking in the global top 150 in Environmental Science & Engineering. This result reinforces UA’s status as a national reference in environmental research and environmental engineering—areas in which CESAM delivers scientific excellence.

The 2025 edition of the Shanghai GRAS evaluated around 2,000 higher education institutions across 92 countries, analysing research quality in 55 scientific fields. Beyond the Environmental area, UA also achieved notable results in several disciplinary domains, further strengthening the breadth and competitiveness of its scientific output.

According to CESAM’s Director, Amadeu Soares, the strong representation of CESAM researchers in the ranking demonstrates the scientific strength and maturity that have been built over the years. “These international results recognise not only the quality of the research we carry out, but also its relevance in addressing increasingly complex environmental challenges. It is clear evidence that we are generating knowledge with real impact and contributing to a more sustainable future.”

Original publication: UA News, 19 November 2025

On 26 November, a dissemination session entitled “Classification and Monitoring of Bivalve Production Zones” took place in Algés, Lisbon, promoted by the National Monitoring System for Bivalve Molluscs (SNMB) of the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA). The initiative aimed to strengthen the exchange of technical and scientific knowledge on the processes of delimitation, classification, and monitoring of bivalve production zones in Portugal, a responsibility assigned to IPMA through the SNMB.

The session brought together around 80 representatives from public entities, producers’ associations, aquaculture organisations and companies involved in the harvesting, production, and marketing of bivalves, including DGAV, DGRM, ASAE, APA, Docapesca, producer organisations and associations of shellfish gatherers and farmers. The Director of CESAM, Amadeu Soares, attended the event, where the centre’s important role in improving the implementation of the monitoring plan within the IPMA Aveiro operational area—covering the coastal sector between Figueira da Foz and the northern limit of the Ria de Aveiro—was highlighted. CESAM’s participation was recognised as an asset in strengthening the technical and scientific capacity required for water quality assessment and the sustainable management of marine resources.

The programme included contributions from several IPMA specialists, addressing key topics related to food safety and the management of production areas. The presentations covered the mission of the SNMB, the classification of production zones, sampling procedures, microbiological and metal contaminant monitoring, the analysis of harmful phytoplankton, and the detection of marine biotoxins. The event also featured a roundtable discussion with representatives from DGAV, DOCAPESCA, DGRM, sectoral associations and producer organisations, fostering interinstitutional dialogue on current challenges and future improvements.

The presence of CESAM at this initiative, held at the invitation of IPMA’s leadership, reinforces its contribution to advancing scientific knowledge applied to the management of coastal ecosystems and the protection of public health. Events such as this are essential for strengthening cooperation networks, promoting continuous technical development, and consolidating the scientific foundations that support the monitoring of marine resources, which are vital for the sustainability of aquaculture and the bivalve harvesting sector in Portugal.