CESAM took part in the conference “Cidade Azul, University and Society: Action in the Territory”, organized by the University of Aveiro (UA) and the newspaper Público, which took place on April 22, Earth Day.
CESAM’s participation included several moments in the programme, contributing to the discussion on the application of scientific knowledge in governance and the sustainability of cities and territories. João Miguel Dias, CESAM researcher, director and professor at the Department of Physics of the University of Aveiro, José Alves, CESAM/DBIO researcher, and Catarina Eira, CESAM researcher and professor at the Department of Biology of the University of Aveiro, explained how their research work influences the definition of public policies. Luís Menezes Pinheiro, CESAM researcher and professor at the Department of Geosciences of the University of Aveiro, Ana Lillebø, CESAM researcher and Vice-Rector of the University of Aveiro, and Myriam Lopes, CESAM researcher and lecturer at DAO, Ana Ascenso, a CESAM/DAO researcher, also participated in this initiative.
also took part in the initiative.
The conference focused on the role of scientific research in promoting more innovative, inclusive and sustainable cities, highlighting the importance of knowledge transfer to society and its integration into evidence-based public policies. Throughout the day, different participants, including academics, policymakers and representatives of public institutions, reflected on how science can generate real impact in the territory.
In the morning, the panels addressed topics such as the articulation between public policies, institutions and regional innovation, as well as the practical contribution of science to tackling environmental and social challenges. CESAM was particularly represented in the latter panel, reinforcing its role in producing knowledge in strategic areas and within the territory, such as coastal systems and sustainability.
Researcher Ana Lillebø presented the A-AAGORA project on collaborative solutions for the restoration of coastal systems, within the framework of a living lab, highlighting the link between nature and communities. Luís Menezes Pinheiro took part in the live recording of the P24 podcast, dedicated to the theme of blue governance.
The programme also included workshops and parallel activities, among them the “Climate Bracelets” workshop, developed under CESAM’s Linha do Clima project, reinforcing the centre’s involvement in promoting innovative solutions and raising awareness on climate issues.
Held at the Central Building, at the Rectorate of the University of Aveiro, the conference was part of the third edition of the Cidade Azul initiative, dedicated this year to the theme “University and Society: Action in the Territory”. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between science, governance and civil society as a foundation for more just, sustainable and informed development.