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With its opening scheduled for 3 April at 5:00 PM, the photography exhibition “A Colourful World of Spiders” will be on display at the “Nicho Expositivo” in the Department of Biology (DBIO), University of Aveiro, until 30 June. The exhibition showcases the work of Aldiro Pereira, António Vieira, and Fábio Gomes, who have captured the beauty and complexity of these fascinating creatures. Each image reflects the photographers’ sharp eye and sensitivity, highlighting intricate details often invisible to the naked eye.

The world of spiders is both fascinating and misunderstood, frequently associated with fear, myths, and legends across various cultures. In Greek mythology, Arachne is transformed into a spider after challenging the goddess Athena; in ancient Egypt, spiders symbolized protection and rebirth; in Hindu tradition, the spider represents illusion and the creation of the universe; and in Eastern European folklore, spiders and their webs play starring roles in Christmas stories. From a human perspective, spiders may be among the most patient and persistent organisms, particularly in their web-building hunting strategies.

Morphologically, spiders have eight legs (in contrast to insects, which have six), and possess chelicerae capable of injecting venom. They are anatomically distinct from other arthropods due to their body plan: a cephalothorax, where the eyes are located, and an abdomen, which includes the spinnerets used for producing silk. Each species has unique traits, including its web, which can vary widely in both form and function.

Spiders are generalist predators, feeding primarily on insects and other invertebrates. They play an essential ecological role by helping to control insect populations, including agricultural pests, thus contributing to crop health. Furthermore, spiders are valuable indicators of environmental health, as their presence often reflects habitat quality. They also serve as prey for small reptiles, amphibians, insects, and other arachnids.

Thanks to their remarkable adaptability, spiders can be found in nearly every type of habitat, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts, and even at extreme altitudes such as 6,700 meters in the Himalayas. In Portugal, around 1,000 species of spiders are known, with only two, the Mediterranean Black Widow (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) and the Violin Spider (Loxosceles rufescens) posing any potential medical concern. However, both are extremely shy and pose no real threat to humans, preferring to flee rather than engage.

Through the lenses of Aldiro Pereira, António Vieira, and Fábio Gomes, visitors are invited to explore a colourful and diverse world, rich in textures and forms. Each photograph opens a window into nature’s extraordinary complexity and artistry. The exhibition features striking images that highlight spiders’ morphological, behavioral, and adaptive diversity, aiming to promote greater appreciation and acceptance of these vital yet often maligned creatures.

The exhibition is curated by Aldiro Pereira, with scientific review and species identification by Jorge Henriques (CESAM/DBio researcher) and Cristóvão Belperin (CESAM/DBio PhD student), who also provided detailed captions for each image.

The exhibition is open to the public during DBio’s regular hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Originally published in UA Notícias on 26 March 2025.

On April 9, at 5:00 p.m., the exhibition “The Climate Line” opened at the Hélène de Beauvoir Room in the Library of the University of Aveiro (UA). The exhibition will run until May 21, 2025. It offers a reflection on climate change, using crochet to transform scientific data into textile art. Admission is free, and the event aims to engage both the academic community and the public in raising awareness of one of the greatest global challenges.

“The Climate Line” presents 30 scarves, each representing a year in the climate series of Aveiro, from 1994 to 2023. Each row of crochet symbolizes the average daily temperature of a given day, translating thermal variations into unique, handmade pieces. The project is a collective initiative by researchers from the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and the Department of Environment and Planning (DAO) at the University of Aveiro, in collaboration with the University’s Library, Information and Museology Services (SBIDM).

More than just an exhibition, “The Climate Line” offers a new way of communicating science in a sensitive and accessible manner, bringing the community closer to scientific knowledge through creativity. Textile art emerges as a vehicle for reflection on our relationship with the planet and the impacts of climate change on our daily lives.

In addition to the exhibition, two complementary activities aim to deepen public engagement through hands-on experiences related to crochet and atmospheric sciences. On April 10 and 11, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., crochet workshops took place in the Hélène de Beauvoir Room. During these sessions, participants will learn crochet techniques and collaborate in creating new pieces, while being encouraged to reflect on the relationship between art and science.

On April 14, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the workshop “Data Acquisition for Atmospheric Sciences – ERA5 and CAMS” took palce in the Library’s Training Room. This workshop will focus on using the API provided by the ECMWF/Copernicus Programme to access meteorological reanalysis and air quality data. Registration for this workshop is mandatory.

The “Climate Line” project is supported by Rosários4, a brand recognized for its commitment to sustainability, using ecological fibers and natural dyes, reflecting the values of environmental awareness that underpin the entire exhibition.

Activity Calendar

Exhibition: The Climate Line
April 9 to May 21, 2025 | Hélène de Beauvoir Room, UA Library | Free entry

Crochet Workshops
April 10 and 11, 2025, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Hélène de Beauvoir Room, UA Library | Free entry

Workshop: Data Acquisition for Atmospheric Sciences – ERA5 and CAMS
April 14, 2025, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | UA Library Training Room | Registration required

“The Climate Line” is a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of art and science, offering a fresh perspective on climate data and the urgent need to take action in response to the changes already affecting our planet. Don’t miss the chance to take part and engage in this important conversation.

Originally published in: UA News, March 25, 2025

Biologist Carlos Fonseca, from CESAM/DBIO, was one of the experts who contributed to the Forest Intervention Plan 2025–2050. The document, already presented by the Government, outlines a strategic approach aimed at creating and enhancing the value of forests by increasing productivity and the income of forest producers.

The Forest Intervention Plan 2025–2050 is structured around four key pillars: valorization, resilience, ownership, and governance. This document, resulting from a Council of Ministers resolution dated September 27, was developed under the coordination of the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, José Manuel Fernandes, in collaboration with other governmental departments.

According to Professor and Researcher Carlos Fonseca, the plan aims to generate value in the forest sector by increasing productivity, promoting multipurpose use, and improving the profitability of forest producers — including the valorization of non-timber forest products. In terms of fire resilience, the plan foresees strengthening rural fire crime investigation teams, as well as expanding the resources of the State Secretariat for Forests to support this objective. Moreover, fuel load reduction will be promoted through grazing and other land-based activities, complemented by the monitoring and control of invasive species, the enhancement of native tree species, and the reinforcement of the forest ranger program.

The plan also includes strengthening the role of municipalities, Intermunicipal Communities, and forest producer organizations in fuel management. It further proposes the improvement and maintenance of the forest road network, which is essential for effective wildfire response and the mobility of forest agents.

Another key aspect is the proposal to revise current legislation, allowing the State to intervene more swiftly on private lands to carry out fuel management actions. These measures aim to foster a more sustainable and economically viable forest, ensuring its preservation and long-term value.

Originally published in: UA Notícias, March 26, 2025

Meteorology is an integral part of our daily lives, often limited to the weather forecasts we see in the news. However, it goes far beyond that, encompassing the complex physical processes that occur in the Earth’s atmosphere. These processes include climate, which in recent decades has placed meteorology “in the spotlight” due to the increasing impact of climate change worldwide. Today, meteorology is an essential science for predicting, understanding, and adapting to the climatic changes affecting our planet.

CESAM has a robust and active research program in Meteorology, Climatology, and Climate Change, with one of its main research lines focused precisely on these topics. The strategic research line TL1 – Climate Change, Adaptation, and Mitigation has contributed to the development of new approaches to understanding and combating climate change.

Within this research line, Research Cluster 3 – Oceanic and Atmospheric Modeling is dedicated to atmospheric, climatic, and meteorological modeling and research, with a focus on predicting significant climate and atmospheric phenomena. The work carried out by this research cluster has been crucial in leading and participating in several high-impact research projects, both nationally and internationally.

Among the key projects led by CESAM are:

• ClimACT: A climate atlas for Portugal’s future, focusing on impact studies and climate change mitigation.
• CLICURB: A study on urban air quality, climate change, and city resilience.
• FIRESTORM: Research on meteorology and firestorm behavior, a phenomenon increasingly relevant due to wildfires.
• CLIPE: Analysis of climate change impacts on extreme precipitation events in the Iberian Peninsula.

These and other projects developed by CESAM have provided insights and contributions to the advancement of meteorological and climate science, reinforcing the importance of scientific research in developing solutions to tackle the challenges of climate change.

Video: Meteorology explores atmospheric and climatic phenomena, including their causes, behaviour, and forecasting.

Water is an essential resource for life, and its quality has a direct impact on both human health and the environment. Contamination from industrial waste, sewage and pesticides can lead to disease and compromise entire ecosystems. Ensuring clean water today is an investment in the future of the next generations.

On 1 January 2025, the new European Directive on Urban Wastewater Treatment came into force, introducing significant changes in environmental regulation. For the first time, the directive sets limits on the discharge of emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals, which had not previously been regulated. This revision marks an important step in the protection of water resources, updating legislation that had remained unchanged for over 30 years.

Urban wastewater is one of the main sources of contamination of surface and groundwater bodies. The introduction of restrictions on compounds previously disregarded reflects growing concern over environmental and public health impacts. However, despite this progress, some aspects of the directive have been the subject of debate, with experts questioning the feasibility and effectiveness of certain measures.

The implementation of this directive represents a crucial first step in reducing the pressure of microcontaminants on aquatic ecosystems. Nonetheless, it will be essential to continue evaluating and refining the adopted strategies to ensure effective and sustainable water quality management across Europe.

In this context, CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies), through its Thematic Line on Environmental Management, Pollution and Modelling, which focuses on investigating the sources, pathways and impacts of environmental pollution, has played a key role in advancing R&D projects aimed at the integrated and sustainable management of these systems. The line develops innovative strategies for monitoring, modelling and risk mitigation to protect environmental and public health, with significant contributions from Research Cluster 4 – Ecosystem Management and Conservation.

The LED project investigates the effects of light pollution, in combination with the presence of pharmaceuticals, as a potential endocrine disruptor in urban aquatic ecosystems, assessing impacts at both physiological and ecological levels. The BMRex project, funded by the European Union, is developing innovative biocatalytic membranes for the degradation of micro- and nanoplastics in wastewater effluents, offering sustainable solutions for tackling plastic pollution. Both projects involve CESAM research teams and address emerging challenges associated with environmental contamination in urban and industrial settings.

CESAM is the only Portuguese institution to sign the “Statement of support for updated EU water pollution standards”, in which 28 institutions from 14 countries and around 500 scientists from 38 countries call for the swift adoption of stricter rules to tackle chemical pollution in European waters. The document reinforces the need to update the EU Water Framework Directive, advocating for stronger monitoring and regulation to better reflect the actual impacts of chemical pollution on aquatic ecosystems—particularly by including new pollutants that pose significant risks to human health and the environment.

This position reaffirms CESAM’s commitment to science and environmental protection, contributing actively to the development of more effective public policies for the preservation of water quality and biodiversity.

Video: In this mesocosm system, which simulates river stretches, CESAM researchers test the effects of stressors, physical or chemical, on aquatic organisms.

On this International Day of Forests, we highlight the vital role of science in the conservation and sustainable management of our forest ecosystems.

In 2025, we celebrate Forests and Food, exploring the link between forests and soil fertility – a fundamental connection for food security and planetary health. We also acknowledge other key ecosystem services provided by forests, such as carbon storage and serving as habitats for countless species of birds, mammals, and insects, all essential for preserving biodiversity.

At CESAM, we build on decades of research to find innovative solutions to the challenges faced by forests. From seed to soil, we develop ideas that combine sustainable production with competitiveness, exploring trees’ natural defence mechanisms and their remarkable ability to adapt. We study how forest species respond to adversities such as drought, wildfires, soil erosion, and interactions with pathogens, focusing on their physiological plasticity to support more responsible and effective forest management.

Within Research Cluster 2 – Soil Functions, Agriculture and Forests – several research projects focus on understanding soil processes and their interactions with agricultural, forest, and environmental systems. These projects aim to develop sustainable solutions that enhance soil health, ecosystem resilience, and efficient resource use. The research assesses the impacts of human activity, explores the role of soil biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration, and develops innovative practices to tackle climate change. It also integrates socio-economic dimensions and promotes transdisciplinary collaboration with stakeholders.

One pioneering project, CCforBio, investigates the benefits of ecological corridors in forest plantations, promoting biodiversity and resilience against threats such as wildfires and invasive species. Based in the Quiaios Dune National Forest, the project combines ecological restoration, remote sensing, and cost-benefit analysis. The research supports the sustainable management of forest ecosystems and strengthens CESAM’s role in conservation and environmental monitoring.

More focused on public policy, the HORIZON EUROPE FORADVISE project will develop a European network of organisations, agents, and forest advisory networks, to support the modernisation of the forestry sector and contribute towards national and EU policy goals.

CESAM’s research supports the sustainable management of forests, enhancing their conservation and environmental monitoring. By integrating scientific knowledge with targeted management actions, we promote forest ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change and human pressures, ensuring their long-term value and sustainability, in line with national and European policies.

Video: At CESAM’s Functional Plant Biology Lab, we activate plants’ natural defences using innovative strategies that begin at the seed. We strengthen the resilience of forest species, such as pine, contributing to sustainable and resilient ecosystems, ready to face future challenges.

Davide Gamboa, Researcher at CESAM and professor at DGEO, University of Aveiro, is the new delegate for Portugal at the ECORD Science Support and Advisory Committee (ESSAC). ECORD – European Consortium of Ocean Research Drilling – is the organization responsible for managing the European infrastructure integrated into the international IODP (International Ocean Drilling Programme), which has recently entered its new phase, IODP3.

ESSAC plays a crucial role in the coordination and scientific-technological planning aimed at maximizing Europe’s contribution to IODP. This international marine research program aims to explore Earth’s history and dynamics by using ocean research platforms to recover data recorded in seafloor sediments and rocks and to monitor environments beneath the ocean surface.

IODP3 relies on infrastructure funded by two platform providers, with financial contributions from several partner agencies. Together, these entities represent 16 countries, whose scientists are selected to participate in IODP3 research expeditions conducted across the world’s oceans and in large-scale research projects using ocean drilling archives (Scientific Projects using Ocean Drilling Archives – SPARCs).
Davide Gamboa’s appointment as ESSAC delegate presents an opportunity to further strengthen scientific collaboration between Portugal and the international community involved in IODP3, in line with CESAM’s mission to promote innovative solutions to environmental and marine challenges.

Patrícia Esquete, researcher at CESAM/DBIO of the University of Aveiro, co-led the expedition in PUNTA ARENAS, Chile – An international team aboard the R/V Falkor (too), operated by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, has made a groundbreaking discovery in the Bellingshausen Sea. Following the unexpected calving of iceberg A-84 from the George VI Ice Shelf on 13 January 2025, researchers quickly adapted their expedition plans to study the newly exposed seafloor—an area previously inaccessible to humankind.

On 25 January, the team reached the unexplored depths and conducted the first comprehensive interdisciplinary study of the region’s geology, physical oceanography, and biology. The iceberg, measuring approximately 510 square kilometres—the size of the city of Chicago—revealed an equally vast area of seafloor for scientific exploration.

Patrícia Esquete, co-chief of the expedition and researcher at the CESAM/DBIO of University of Aveiro, highlighted the significance of the discovery: “We seized the moment, changed the expedition plan, and moved forward to observe what was happening in the depths. We did not expect to find such a beautiful and thriving ecosystem. Based on the size of the animals, the communities we observed have likely been there for decades, perhaps even hundreds of years.”

The participation of researcher Patrícia Esquete in the expedition to the Bellingshausen Sea reflects CESAM’s commitment, within the activities of the Deep Sea, Ocean, and Transitional Ecosystems Research Cluster, to expanding knowledge about ecosystems beneath ice shelves and the impacts of climate change in polar regions.

Over eight days, researchers used the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian to explore depths of up to 1,300 metres. Their observations revealed a flourishing ecosystem with large corals and sponges supporting a diverse array of marine life, including icefish, giant sea spiders, and octopuses. This discovery provides an unprecedented insight into the functioning of ecosystems beneath Antarctica’s floating ice shelves.

In addition to collecting biological and geological samples, the team deployed autonomous underwater gliders to analyse the effects of glacial meltwater on the region’s physical and chemical properties. Preliminary data indicate high biological productivity and a significant flow of meltwater from the George VI Ice Shelf.

This expedition, also reported in several international media (see, for example, The Washington Post) was part of Challenger 150, a global deep-sea biological research initiative endorsed by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC/UNESCO) as an official action of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

Artur Alves, Associate Professor at the CESAM/DBIO of the University of Aveiro, is this week’s guest on the Science Cast podcast, where he delves into the fascinating world of microorganisms and their relevance to biodiversity, biocontrol, and biotechnology.

During the conversation, Artur Alves explained how these invisible and often overlooked beings play essential roles in both human health and, on a larger scale, ecosystem health.

The study of microorganisms goes beyond basic biology and involves significant practical applications. In the field of biocontrol, for instance, microorganisms are used to naturally combat agricultural pests, replacing harmful chemical products. In biotechnology, they play a fundamental role in the production of bioactive compounds that can be used in medical treatments and more sustainable industrial processes.

Artur Alves also highlighted the importance of microorganisms in environmental preservation, where they perform crucial functions in nutrient cycling and pollutant degradation. In his research at CESAM, he aims to understand the complexity and interaction of microorganisms in natural ecosystems and how this knowledge can be applied to promote human health and environmental well-being.

His participation in Science Cast is an opportunity for the public to learn more about the importance of microorganisms and the impact of scientific research in health, agriculture, and environmental fields.

The full conversation is available on the official Science Cast podcast channel on YouTube, where Artur Alves shares more insights into the challenges and discoveries in microbiology.

Listen to the full interview here: Science Cast – Artur Alves

One of the most successful wildlife reintroduction programmes in Portugal and across Europe has been under the scientific coordination of the University of Aveiro (UA). Three decades after the reintroduction of cervids in the Lousã mountain range, it is estimated that the deer population now exceeds three thousand individuals, while the number of roe deer is even higher.

Given this growth, the management plan for the Lousã National Hunting Zone now considers the possibility of initiating the hunting of these species within the next six years.

According to Carlos Fonseca, scientific coordinator of the Management Plan for the Lousã National Hunting Zone and researcher at the Wildlife Unit, Department of Biology, and Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies at UA, the strategy until 2030 involves monitoring the cervid population and assessing its negative impact, particularly on agriculture, forestry, and roadways. Among the mitigation solutions under consideration is the potential introduction of hunting in the National Hunting Zone, something unprecedented so far.

“Although there is already a considerable amount of information, it is essential to establish a more detailed knowledge base on these animals in order to consider hunting as a means to enhance the value of this territory,” explains the researcher.

Selective hunting could move forward in the coming years.

The feasibility of hunting will depend on the “quantity and quality” of the animals, says Carlos Fonseca, who identifies 2026 or 2027 as possible years to initiate the process. The specialist believes that conditions are favourable for moving in that direction.

Nevertheless, he emphasises that the hunting methods to be adopted will be “essentially selective”, as the central massif of the Lousã mountain range provides ideal conditions for these species, and efforts should be directed towards promoting sustainable population management.

Originally published in: UA Notícias, 10 March 2025