The Center for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), as in previous years, is taking part in another edition of Portugal’s largest science and technology event, Ciência 2023. This event is taking place from July 5th to 7th on the campus of the University of Aveiro, focusing on the theme: “Science and Ocean beyond the horizon.”
As Elvira Fortunato, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Higher Education, stated, “Ciência 2023 will be a very important milestone for all of us. For the first time, it is decentralized: it leaves Lisbon and comes to Aveiro.” Helena Vieira, a researcher from CESAM/DAO and the Commissioner of Ciência 2023, also highlighted the double significance of this edition, stating, “It is also, for the first time, a thematic encounter, with a focus on the ocean and water, their intrinsic connections, and (…) the role of science in all its contributions to understanding, exploring, and also protecting the true lung of this planet.”
CESAM has a significant presence throughout the three-day program of the event, with individual researchers contributing and organizing sessions. Over the three days, visitors will be able to explore 40 scientific posters submitted by CESAM researchers and participate in CESAM’s activities available in the event’s demonstration area.
One notable session is the thematic session “Discovering the Potential of the Blue Economy,” organized by CESAM and the Center for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry at the Catholic University (CBQF). On the second day (July 6th), between 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM, researchers such as Luís Tarelho (CESAM/DAO), Ana Maria Gomes (CBQF), Ricardo Calado (CESAM/DBIO), Paula Castro (CBQF), Manuela Pintado (CBQF), and João Pinto da Costa (CESAM/DQ) will discuss blue biotechnology as a crucial driver to replace fossil fuel-based value chains, enhance circular food systems, and reduce pollution.
On the same day (July 6th), CESAM will also be represented in a nighttime session aimed at the public of Aveiro City, taking place at the University of Aveiro’s Rectory Building. Titled “An Ocean of Science for Everyone in Aveiro,” the event will feature the documentary “ECOMARE – Research and Rescue of Marine Species,” produced by PlaySolutions – Audiovisuais with scientific coordination from CESAM. The documentary premiered on RTP1 and was awarded the gold medal in the “Wildlife – Seas and Forests” category at the International Tourism Film Festival of Africa (ITFFA). In this session, researchers Ricardo Calado and Ana Hilário (CESAM/DBIO) will deliver a joint presentation titled “From the Depths of the Sea to the Plate!”
Regarding participation in plenary sessions, Luis Menezes Pinheiro, a researcher from CESAM/DGEO and President of the Portuguese Committee for the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, will be a guest speaker at the “Governance” Plenary Session (9:00 AM to 10:30 AM). On the last day of the event (July 7th), CESAM/DAO researcher Cristina Pita will also be a guest speaker at the “Food” Plenary Session.
In terms of thematic session participation, researcher Sónia Cruz (CESAM/DBIO) will be present in the “A Sea of Opportunities for Health” Thematic Session organized by the Clinical Research and Biomedical Innovation Agency (2:30 PM to 4:00 PM, July 7th). And researcher Ricardo Calado (CESAM/DBIO), mentioned earlier, will participate in the “Employment and Circular and Sustainable Blue Economy” Thematic Session (11:15 AM to 12:45 PM, July 5th) organized by the Collaborative Laboratories B2E CoLAB, CoLAB +ATLANTIC, S2Aqua, and Greencolab.
For more information about the event and the complete program, click here.
Text by: CESAM