Category: Sem categoria

This week, Ricardo Calado, Researcher from CESAM/DBIO of the University of Aveiro, is the guest on the Science Cast – A Conversation with Science podcast.

Recognized for his innovative work in marine ecology, sustainable aquaculture, and marine biotechnology, Ricardo Calado will share his extensive knowledge about the opportunities and challenges the ocean offers, as well as the sustainable solutions being developed for the preservation of our marine resources. Much of his research is conducted at Ecomare, where he is responsible for the Aquaculture and Marine Research and Extension Center (CEPAM).

Throughout the conversation, the researcher will discuss the importance of the blue economy, scientific advances in the marine sector, and strategies to ensure a more sustainable future for the oceans. This is a unique opportunity to hear from one of Portugal’s leading experts in the field and gain a deeper understanding of the paths to marine sustainability.

This knowledge-filled and innovative conversation is available on all podcast platforms.
You can watch the episode promo here.

ScienceCast – A Conversation with Science is a podcast by PlaySolutions Audiovisuais, and for this second season, it has partnered with the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) of the University of Aveiro.

You can watch the episode of the second season of ScienceCast here.

“A lipidomic approach towards identifying the effects of fragrance hydroperoxides on keratinocytes” by CESAM/DQ researchers Rosário Domingues, Ana Moreira, Inês Guerra, and Tânia Melo has now also been featured on the cover of Wiley’s Contact Dermatitis.

This achievement highlights the innovative work in exploring the interactions between hydroperoxides used in fragrances and keratinocytes, making a significant contribution to the field of lipidomics and skin health.

The article’s distinction on the cover of Contact Dermatitis reinforces the importance of this research and highlights the contribution of scientists from the University of Aveiro to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

FULL ARTICLE LINK

Ana Hilário (deep-sea ecologist in CESAM/DBIO and co-lead of the UN Decade programme Challenger 150) and the University of Aveiro (UA) PhD student Bibiana Nassongole (also lecturer at the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of Lúrio, Mozambique) are currently aboard the OceanXplorer research vessel to study unexplored seamounts in the Indian Ocean.

Their focus is on understanding the patterns of biodiversity and distribution of deep-sea invertebrates, in particular soft corals. This research is a continuation of Bibiana’s PhD in Biology and Ecology of Global Change and will directly contribute to achieve Challenger 150 main goals: to expand deep-ocean biological observations and sampling on underexplored regions and build fundamental ecological understanding of deep-ocean ecosystems including ecosystem services delivered by the deep ocean.

The cruise is the first leg of the “Around Africa Expedition” and is organized by OceanQuest, OceanX, and the National Research Foundation – South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON). Driven by the African Network of African Deep-Water Researchers this cruise is providing opportunities for researchers from various African countries, particularly early career researchers.

In addition to the scientific importance, Bibiana’s participation marks a milestone for marine research in Mozambique, as the UA PhD student and lecturer at UniLúrio Bibiana Nassongole becames the first Mozambican to descend to the ocean floor in a submersible. On board the submersible Neptune, she reached a depth of 560 meters and had the opportunity to observe corals and other forms of life in a rarely explored environment. This experience not only strengthens Mozambican deep-sea research but also serves as an inspiration for young Mozambican scientists, showing that it is possible to break barriers and explore the mysteries of the deep ocean.

Catarina Marques, who is a Researcher of UA at CESAM and the Department of Biology, since 2012, the Researcher has been directly involved in the standardization of procedures to assess Soil Quality, within the Technical Committee TC190 of ISO (International Organization for Standardization). In this ISO/TC190 she assumes the role of Expert in representation of IPQ (Portuguese Institute for Quality), as well as Coordinator of IPQ Experts (since 2018). The Researcher has been representing Portugal in several Working Groups and Sub-Committees (e.g., SC4, SC7) of ISO/TC 190, having even organized two meetings of the Technical Committee TC190 at the University of Aveiro (in 2017 and 2019), which brought together dozens of International Experts to discuss the standardization of multiple ongoing projects.

As a result of her contribution to the standardization of several methodologies and, in particular, methods for analyzing changes in the biological responses of soil microorganisms (e.g., ISO 18187:2024 standard), the Researcher was recently elected, in an international ballot, as Convenor of Working Group 4 of ISO/TC 190/SC 4, which is dedicated to the standardization of methods that allow the evaluation of Effects on Soil Microorganisms. Catarina Marques’ standardization work has thus contributed significantly to the publication of several standards (some of which she was the project leader for standardization), which are used in the assessment of soil quality by different national and international entities and institutions (governmental, non-governmental, enterprises, academic, research centers). These methods, harmonized on an international scale, constitute fundamental tools for implementing current global policies and strategies for the protection, recovery and sustainable use of Soils. The scientific information and data generated through the application of the standards thus leverage and support more conscious and informed management of Soils’ health and quality at a global level.

As part of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Ana Cristina Esteves, professor and researcher at CESAM/DBio of the University of Aveiro, was invited to the program Açores Hoje on RTP Açores, where she emphasized the importance of this date in encouraging women’s participation in scientific research.

During the interview, the researcher highlighted the need to communicate science to children and young people, fostering interest in knowledge and research among new generations. She also discussed the relevance of studying marine fungi, a group of organisms that remains largely unexplored but holds great biotechnological potential. These fungi could have innovative applications in fields such as healthcare, the pharmaceutical industry, and environmental sustainability.

Ana Cristina Esteves’ participation in the program reinforced the importance of giving more visibility to women in science and promoting research in emerging and promising fields for the future.

Watch the full interview here: https://www.rtp.pt/play/p1766/e829270/acores-hoje (20:09 – 32:38)

The Alternet Conference 2025, dedicated to the theme “Achieving Transformative Change for Biodiversity”, coorganised by CESAM and the Alternet network, will take place from 13 to 16 May 2025 at the University of Aveiro. The event will bring together experts, researchers, and policymakers to discuss innovative approaches and science-based solutions to global biodiversity challenges.

Early Bird Registration until 15 February

The early registration deadline is 15 February 2025. Those interested in attending can benefit from a reduced fee by securing their registration through the following link:

🔗 https://unave.sci-meet.org/register/Alternet2025

Abstract Submission until 28 February

Abstract submission for conference presentations is now open. The submission deadline is 28 February 2025. Abstracts must be submitted via the following link:

🔗 https://tinyurl.com/OpenCallAlternet2025

For more details on the programme, thematic sessions, and guest speakers, please visit:

🔗 https://alterneteurope.eu/conference2025/

Rafael Duarte, researcher at CESAM and the Department of Biology (DBio), a specialist in animal ecology and physiology, authors an article in Nature on the metabolic costs of colour change in octopuses.

Recognised for his expertise and contributions to the study of animal pigmentation and colouration, Rafael Duarte was invited by Nature to write an article for the News & Views section. In it, he analyses a study recently published in the journal PNAS, titled High Energetic Cost of Colour Change in Octopuses. This study demonstrated that a 100-gram octopus expends almost as much energy to change its colour as it does to sustain its entire resting metabolism.

This discovery helps explain why octopuses use colour change only when essential, directly influencing their behaviour and ecology. Rafael Duarte’s article highlights the importance of research into the energetic costs of biological adaptations and how this knowledge can deepen our understanding of the evolutionary and physiological processes of organisms with complex chromatic adaptations.

You can access Rafael Duarte’s article here.

The second season of ScienceCast, the podcast that puts science at the heart of the debate, premieres this Thursday (6 February) at 18:00. The first episode of this new season features Amadeu Soares, Full Professor at the University of Aveiro and Director of the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), one of Portugal’s leading research hubs in environmental and marine sciences.

In this conversation, hosted by Vasco Trigo—a science journalist with extensive experience in radio, television, and print media—key topics such as public policy, scientific research, and the relationship with the environment and the ocean are explored. Amadeu Soares discusses the crucial role of science in political and environmental decision-making, highlighting CESAM’s contribution, as a partner of this podcast, to research on sustainability, biodiversity, and the impact of human activities on ecosystems.

With an academic and professional career dedicated to ecotoxicology and environmental conservation, Amadeu Soares has been a vocal advocate for bridging the gap between science and society. His participation in ScienceCast provides an opportunity to reflect on the challenges our planet faces and the role of scientific research in building a more sustainable future.

“Science must go beyond laboratories and academic publications to bring direct benefits to society. At CESAM, we believe that research only truly fulfils its purpose when it is translated into accessible and useful knowledge for decision-making by citizens, businesses, and policymakers. The environmental and societal challenges we face—ranging from the preservation of oceans, soils, and forests to tackling climate change and pollution—demand an open dialogue between science and society. This is why initiatives like ScienceCast are so important: they bring science closer to the public, simplify complex concepts, and encourage reflection on the urgent need to protect ecosystems and find sustainable solutions for the future. As a partner in this project, CESAM reaffirms its commitment to contributing to a more informed society, capable of addressing the major environmental and social challenges of our time,” says Amadeu Soares, Director of CESAM.

You can see the promo for the episode here.

ScienceCast  – Uma conversa com Ciência is a podcast by PlaySolutions Audiovisuais and, in this second season, is partnered with the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) at the University of Aveiro.

You can watch the first episode of the second season of ScienceCast here.

The podcast ScienceCast – Uma conversa com Ciencia, a project by the production company PlaySolutions Audiovisuais in partnership with the Associated Laboratories CESAM and CICECO, both from the University of Aveiro, has been nominated for the Best Podcast of the Year award in the Science, Technology, and Education category at the prestigious Podes Festival.

Launched in May last year, on National Scientist Day, ScienceCast – A Conversation with Science introduces scientists from various fields of knowledge through informal yet in-depth conversations. The main goal of the initiative is to promote scientific literacy by bringing the public closer to scientists and showcasing the excellent science produced in Portugal.

Joaquim Pedro Ferreira (CESAM/UA) and Pedro Miguel Ferreira (PlaySolutions Audiovisuais) are the creators of the project, with Mónica Ribau (CICECO/UA) as the host of the first season. Amadeu Lopes (PlaySolutions Audiovisuais) is the podcast producer and provides the voice for its opening theme.

The Podes Awards are the only awards dedicated to Portuguese podcasting, organized annually by the newspaper Público and Portcasts. The winners will be announced at the festival’s closing ceremony, which will be broadcast online and on Canal Q. This year, the event will take place on February 1st.

Congratulations to the ScienceCast team on this nomination and for their contribution to science communication in Portugal!

The full list of nominees can be found [here].

A report titled Recommendations from the Scientific Committee of CBE-JU was recently published on the website of Circular Bio-Based Europe (CBE-JU). The report was prepared by the institution’s Scientific Committee (SC), coordinated by Helena Vieira (Coordinating Researcher and ERA Chair Holder at CESAM/DAO). This report presents proposals to strengthen the circular economy and industries based on the bioeconomy in Europe, reflecting the concerns of scientists from the social and natural sciences who are part of this advisory body.

The document highlights potential policy changes and stricter regulations that could hinder European innovation and competitiveness in the development of the circular bioeconomy and industries based on biological resources.

In December 2024, the report was submitted to the European Commission (DGRTD), the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC), the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI), and the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE). In January 2025, it was also delivered to the Directorate-General for the Environment (DG ENV) and the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship, and SMEs (DG GROWTH).

The report includes a link to the full composition of the Scientific Committee, available [here]. This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of CESAM scientists to influencing public policies, including at the European level, and contributing to Europe’s sustainable development, promoting an effective transition towards a strong and competitive circular economy.

The document is available on the official CBE-JU website (https://www.cbe.europa.eu/scientific-committee).