A CESAM/DBIO team brought science to EB1 de Santiago, in Aveiro, engaging 48 fourth-grade students in hands-on activities about marine environmental protection. The initiative included experiments with aquatic organisms, bringing younger students closer to scientific research in the field of ecotoxicology through a highly relevant environmental issue: marine paints.
As part of the Spring Day celebrations, the Coordination of the Santiago School Centre (Prof. Joaquina Mourato) and the Parents’ Association organized, on April 24, a series of sports, artistic, and educational activities, including a science communication session led by members of CESAM/DBIO, namely researcher Roberto Martins and PhD students Diana Carneiro, Diogo Gama, Joana Figueiredo, and Mariana Bruni. The activity was aimed at the school’s graduating classes, involving two fourth-grade groups, a total of 48 students, and two teachers: Prof. Cremilde Pereira (4th B) and Prof. Maria João Pinho (4th A).
The activity presented, in an accessible and practical way, some of the work carried out at DBio, with a special focus on ecotoxicology. Participants learned what ecotoxicology is and how integrated and multidisciplinary approaches, within ongoing R&D projects such as SAFERCOAT, NEXTGENCOAT, and NANOBIOESCUDO, contribute to the protection of marine ecosystems, namely through the assessment of contaminant impacts and the development of new marine paints that are more efficient and less harmful to the environment.
The practical component played a central role, allowing students to replicate simplified laboratory assays to evaluate the ecotoxicity of leachates from marine paints, using microalgae, marine crustaceans, and zebrafish larvae (freshwater species).
The initiative stood out for the students’ strong engagement and enthusiasm, promoting direct contact with scientific methodologies and reinforcing the importance of scientific literacy from the earliest stages of education.
Original news published in: UA Notícias, May 4, 2026.