Category: Sem categoria

Susana Loureiro, researcher at CESAM and lecturer at the Department of Biology (DBIO) of the University of Aveiro, was this week’s special guest on ScienceCast, a podcast by Playsolutions Audiovisual dedicated to science communication, with CESAM as an institutional partner. The discussion focused on Ecotoxicology and Ecological Risk Assessment — fields in which she has developed nationally and internationally recognized research.

Her work focuses on analysing the effects of chemical contaminants — such as pesticides, heavy metals, microplastics, and nanomaterials — on non-target organisms inhabiting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Through bioassays and biomarkers, she has contributed to understanding the impacts of these substances at multiple levels of biological organisation, from the cellular level to populations and ecosystems.

The episode explored the challenges of conducting ecological risk assessments in real-world environments, where multiple pollutants and environmental variables interact in complex ways. In this context, the relevance of using organisms such as earthworms, microinvertebrates, and plants as bioindicators was highlighted, enabling ecotoxicological testing that more accurately reflects natural conditions.

The conversation also included a critical reflection on the limitations of current regulatory methods, advocating for the integration of ecological data, field studies, and new environmental monitoring tools into decision-making processes. Nature-based strategies, such as the use of wetlands to mitigate diffuse pollution, were also discussed.

This participation in ScienceCast reinforces CESAM’s commitment to promoting scientific literacy and knowledge transfer to society, at a time when environmental challenges demand informed, rigorous, and sustainable responses. The episode illustrates how applied research can support the development of more effective public policies, tailored to emerging risks from chemical pollution.

Watch the full interview here: ScienceCast – Susana Loureiro

The University of Aveiro recently hosted a prominent conference in the European biodiversity landscape, organized by CESAM to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ALTERNET network. This high-level scientific event, held in May 2025, brought together researchers, policymakers, and partner institutions to reflect on two decades of European cooperation in biodiversity and to discuss emerging challenges at the science-policy interface.

Established in 2004 as a European-funded network of excellence, ALTERNET has grown into a pan-European platform of scientific institutions responding to major questions concerning biodiversity and ecosystem services.“Alternet was born thanks to Europe, which funded us for five years starting in 2004. We began with 20 to 25 institutes and now have 32 members. Today, we have more than 9,000 researchers linked to the network,” said Maurice Hoffmann, a member of the ALTERNET board, emphasizing that the network’s pan-European character and high specialization are its greatest strengths.

The conference in Aveiro reinforced CESAM’s role in integrating marine perspectives into biodiversity debates.“Until CESAM became a member, we didn’t have much focus on the marine environment. We were very focused on terrestrial and freshwater environments. Since CESAM joined, we’ve gained that new perspective,” Hoffmann added.

Over the three days of the event, participants explored topics related to the One Health concept, focusing on the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health. Amadeu Soares, Director of CESAM, highlighted that “The One Health concept is fully aligned with CESAM, which fits very well with the conference’s main theme. In fact, at CESAM we address biodiversity issues in ways that impact both nature itself and the human population.”

Soares further emphasized: “This is our core mission: to conduct excellent science with impact on public policy and to contribute to sustainable transformations, preserving and using our biodiversity for the health of the planet and, in truth, for human health, in the spirit of the One Health concept.”

Jiska van Dijk, Chair of the ALTERNET Network Council, praised institutional collaboration as a pillar of the network. “Looking at 20 years of ALTERNET, I think the greatest achievement has been collaboration — finding each other, developing new projects, and strengthening the science-policy interface,” she said, envisioning the future of the network as a “network of networks”, continuing to expand partnerships and interdisciplinary synergies.

The conference in Aveiro not only celebrated the past and the milestones achieved, but also looked ahead to the next 20 years of ALTERNET and biodiversity science in Europe. The discussions and exchanges underscored the importance of aligning transformative research with the needs of society and public policy development, strengthening the network’s mission: science with impact.

Audiovisual record of the event, available here.

CESAM/DBIO researcher, Rita Tinoco Torres, collaborated on a study that identifies the main research priorities concerning terrestrial herbivores in the Arctic, in the context of current global change. This work stems from her participation in the international Herbivory Network, which includes over 200 researchers from 20 countries. The network aims to facilitate collaboration among scientists and to develop standardized protocols to assess herbivory in alpine and Arctic environments.

The published article, “Emerging priorities in terrestrial herbivory research in the Arctic”, seeks to understand how herbivores may contribute to the resilience of Arctic socio-ecological systems under global change, in order to support sound decision-making and effective mitigation strategies. The study provides a strategic framework for inclusive and interdisciplinary collaborations, aiming to optimize terrestrial herbivore research and sustainable management practices in a rapidly changing ecosystem such as the Arctic.

The collaboration of the CESAM/DBIO researcher in this study, together with scientists working in diverse ecosystems, particularly Mediterranean ones, was essential to contribute knowledge on shared challenges, especially those linked to climate change. This reinforces CESAM’s central role as a centre of scientific excellence in the field of ecology and herbivore conservation.

Susana Loureiro, a researcher at the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and a professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Aveiro, was appointed President of SETAC Europe (Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry) on 14 May in Vienna, during the 35th Annual Meeting of SETAC Europe.

The election for the SETAC Europe governing bodies took place in the first quarter of 2024, at which time Susana Loureiro assumed the role of Vice-President. Her succession to the presidency is now formalised, in accordance with the Society’s statutes.

SETAC is a non-profit international scientific organisation, with more than 16,000 individual members and 85 partner organisations across over 90 countries. Dedicated to advancing environmental science and management, SETAC fosters interdisciplinary dialogue among researchers, industry representatives, policymakers and non-governmental organisations. SETAC Europe is one of the organisation’s largest geographic units.

At the inauguration ceremony, Dr Susana Loureiro stated:
“It is an honour to serve as President of SETAC Europe, a society of scientific excellence and social impact, at such a crucial time, as the world continues to face many challenges related to different types of pollution and struggles to meet the European Union’s Zero Pollution targets.”

Amadeu Soares, Director of CESAM, welcomed the appointment, noting:
“This is the third SETAC Europe presidency held by CESAM members, beginning with my own presidency in 1995/96. It is further recognition of CESAM as a research unit that hosts internationally excellent groups in the fields of Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, among others.”

From May 13 to 16, the University of Aveiro is hosting the European Conference of the Alternet Network, dedicated to the theme “Achieving Transformative Change for Biodiversity.” Organized in partnership with CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, the event aims to be a leading forum for discussing scientific and policy responses to the global biodiversity crisis.

The conference brings together academics, policymakers, representatives of European institutions, and professionals from various sectors, fostering dialogue between science and policy at a critical moment for the implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.

The program includes scientific sessions and plenaries on emerging topics such as:

• Advanced biodiversity monitoring using new technologies;
• Nature-based solutions to address climate change;
• Integration of biodiversity in the agriculture and forestry sectors;
• The role of citizen science in data collection and public awareness;
• Development of transformative public policies and inclusive governance models.

Keynote speakers include renowned international researchers such as:

• Ingrid J. Visseren-Hamakers (Radboud University), expert in global environmental governance;
• Vera Helene Hausner (UiT The Arctic University of Norway);
• Alex Franklin (Coventry University), scholar in transformative governance;
• Toke Thomas Høye (Aarhus University), ecologist;
• Sebastian Villasante (University of Santiago de Compostela), expert in ecological economics.

From the Portuguese context, Alexandra Aragão (University of Coimbra), an expert in environmental law, and Gilles Doignon from the European Commission, offering the institutional perspective of the European Union, are also participating.

This event reinforces the role of the University of Aveiro and CESAM in promoting sustainable solutions grounded in scientific research. CESAM stands out for its “One Health” approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, actively contributing to the development of effective public policies.

More info here.

The ingestion of macro-litter by marine mammals feeding in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean off the Portuguese and Spanish coasts poses a serious environmental threat. This is the conclusion of research conducted by the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM/DBIO) at the University of Aveiro, which highlights the increasing danger of ocean plastic pollution, particularly for species such as the Cuvier’s beaked whale, pygmy sperm whale, and sperm whale — the latter globally classified as vulnerable.

The study, led by marine biologist Sara Sá, found that large marine debris — items larger than 2.5 centimeters — is commonly present in deep-diving cetaceans across the Ibero-Atlantic region. This form of pollution has become a major contributor to their mortality rates.

According to Sá, “approximately half of the stranded cetaceans recorded between 1990 and 2019 had macro-litter in their digestive systems, and in many cases, this was the direct cause of death.” The examinations revealed the presence of plastic bags and packaging, fishing gear made of plastic and metal, metallic objects, and even leather gloves.

The species most impacted by this problem include the Cuvier’s beaked whale, the pygmy sperm whale, and the sperm whale. The situation is particularly critical for sperm whales, which are listed as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their feeding strategy — suction feeding along the seafloor — increases the likelihood of unintentionally ingesting marine debris.

Sara Sá describes the situation as “quite severe” and calls for global measures to halt the buildup of plastics in the ocean. Without effective action, populations of these deep-diving cetaceans could face a sharp decline, undermining the balance of marine ecosystems and their ability to adapt to climate change.

The cetaceans examined in the study were found along the northern and northwestern coastlines of the Iberian Peninsula. This includes Portugal’s central-northern coast, from Caminha to Lisbon, as well as the Galician, Asturian, Cantabrian, and Basque coasts in northern Spain.

Due to their preference for deep oceanic waters and steep continental slopes, these species are rarely observed and remain poorly studied. In this context, necropsies of stranded individuals are essential tools for assessing human impacts and monitoring the progression of marine pollution.

Sá emphasizes the need for ongoing research: “Continuing these studies will be key to developing and implementing truly effective conservation strategies.”

The Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) of the University of Aveiro held its electoral process on May 5, 2025, to appoint its first Director, following recent amendments to the internal regulations that replaced the role of Scientific Coordinator with that of Director. The voting took place in CESAM’s meeting room and saw active participation from its integrated members.

Out of 216 integrated members, 160 cast their votes, resulting in 117 votes for Professor Amadeu Soares, 2 null votes, and 41 blank ballots. Consequently, the proposal was submitted to the Rector of the University of Aveiro to appoint Professor Amadeu Soares as CESAM’s Director, a position he will hold for the next four years.

Professor Amadeu Soares expressed his appreciation for the high level of participation, despite being the sole candidate. He stated that “this strong mobilization reflects the recognition of the work carried out by CESAM’s staff and the team of Vice-Coordinators, to whom I extend my sincere thanks for their support.”

Rui Rocha, researcher at the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Aveiro, was this week’s special guest on ScienceCast, a podcast produced by Playsolutions Audiovisual dedicated to science communication, with CESAM as an institutional partner.

In this episode, Rui Rocha discussed his journey in the field of sustainable aquaculture, with a particular focus on the farming of low-trophic-level species, such as bivalves and corals. His research aims to develop environmentally responsible production methods, with practical applications both in industrial settings and in coastal communities in developing countries.

One of the highlights of the conversation was his work in Mozambique and Angola, where he leads and collaborates on community-based aquaculture projects with strong social and environmental impact. These initiatives promote the use of handmade diets developed from local agricultural by-products, providing low-cost solutions tailored to the socio-economic realities of the communities. Rocha also emphasized the importance of actively involving women and youth in production chains, contributing to the economic resilience and food security of coastal regions.

In Mozambique, particularly in the province of Cabo Delgado, Rui Rocha has been working with local communities on bivalve mollusk farming, while assessing both the ecological impacts and the economic viability of small-scale production. In Angola, he has advocated for the great potential of the Namibe region for aquaculture development, with a special focus on oyster farming.

In addition to his applied research, Rui Rocha is also co-author of the book “Introdução à Aquacultura” (Introduction to Aquaculture, 2021), a pioneering work that compiles the current state of global aquaculture and offers a comprehensive perspective for students, technicians, and entrepreneurs across Portuguese-speaking countries.

ScienceCast has been featuring scientists who, like Rui Rocha, combine academic rigor with social and environmental engagement, all in a language accessible to the general public. Hosted by Vasco Trigo, ScienceCast’s mission is to bring science closer to citizens.

The episode is available on the main streaming platforms and on the “Science Cast” social media channels, offering the public an accessible and engaging way to discover the science being developed in Portugal.

Watch the full interview here: Science Cast – Rui Rocha

The University of Aveiro (UA), through the Department of Environment and Planning (DAO) and the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), hosted a working meeting and a stakeholder workshop on April 28 and 29, as part of the COST Action “DSS4ES – Decision Support Systems for Environmental Services.”

This COST Action, which aims to promote the development of decision support systems for environmental services, is coordinated by CESAM, with researcher Sofia Corticeiro (CESAM/DAO) serving as the institutional representative at UA and coordinator of the “Governance (Implementation and Monitoring)” working group.

Over the course of the two-day meeting, 21 members of the COST network from various European countries took part. The stakeholder workshop on April 29 brought together 14 international stakeholders from sectors such as forestry, environmental management, public administration, and governance, enabling a rich exchange of experiences and perspectives on the needs and challenges  of using decision support systems on the sustainable management of ecosystem services.

The successful hosting of this initiative at UA reinforces CESAM’s role as a bridge between science, policy, and society, promoting international cooperation and the development of innovative solutions to today’s environmental challenges.

CESAM has played a strategic role in supporting the design and implementation of public environmental policies at both national and European levels, contributing with high-quality scientific research and the transfer of knowledge to inform decision-making.

More information about the COST Action “DSS4ES” is available at: https://www.dss4es.com/en/

With “REPORTAGEM CESAM”, the CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies) launches a new audiovisual series that follows research projects with direct societal impact, carried out by researchers from CESAM and the University of Aveiro.

Each episode, lasting between 3 and 5 minutes, highlights interdisciplinary studies with practical applications — from supporting the development of public policies to collaborating with companies and communities.

The initiative is aligned with CESAM’s mission to understand global change processes and actively contribute to policy-making and evidence-based decision support.

Aimed at an adult audience, the project seeks to bring science closer to people by showing how environmental research helps transform everyday life.

“This series is an opportunity to show how the excellent research we conduct at CESAM helps address environmental and societal challenges,” says Amadeu Soares, Director of CESAM.

The first episode (https://youtu.be/j6qV29-1QYM), “Coastal Erosion Monitoring Observatory,” follows the installation of a new video and laser system for coastal bathymetry detection. This innovative technology allows researchers to monitor the formation of rip currents, identify vulnerable areas, and better understand erosion processes during high-impact periods, such as harsh winters.

Released monthly, the series will include three seasons of 10 episodes each and will be available on CESAM’s official YouTube channel and website. On social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, the public will also be able to view selected interview excerpts in adapted formats.