On 24 October, CESAM marked the International Day against Climate Change, established by the United Nations. The date underscored clear priorities for Portugal and for the world: climate adaptation, efficient water use, resilient infrastructure, and the energy transition.
Amadeu Soares, Director of CESAM, highlighted that at CESAM science is understood not only as the satisfaction of curiosity but as an instrument of transformation. Researchers study impacts on coastal zones and on terrestrial and marine ecosystems, develop nature-based solutions, model risks and compound climate events, assess public policies, and co-create innovation with municipalities, businesses, and communities. The Centre’s research deepens knowledge, underpins informed decisions, protects biodiversity and public health, strengthens water security, and drives a low-carbon economy.
In Sustainable Bioeconomy and the Circular Economy, CESAM promotes applied research in biomass and waste valorisation, biorefineries and bio-based products of terrestrial and marine origin, life-cycle assessment and circularity metrics, as well as models for the reuse of water and nutrients, accelerating decarbonisation and resource-use efficiency. In R&D Units and Associated Laboratories such as CESAM, collaborative research converts robust scientific evidence into concrete solutions for territories, the economy, and communities.
In 2026, building on current projects, CESAM will intensify applied research for local adaptation with a focus on water, soils, wildfires, and coastal zones; accelerate knowledge transfer to public policy and the economic fabric through objective, open-access syntheses; and strengthen advanced training and climate literacy, enabling professionals and citizens to translate evidence into action. Critical knowledge gaps will also be prioritised: regional downscaling of extremes and multi-risk events; cost–benefit evaluation of adaptation options with social justice; long-term effects of water reuse, aquifer management, and ecosystem restoration; and interactions between climate, biodiversity, and health in the Mediterranean context. These axes align with the national priority on adaptation and with recent sectoral policies such as the Água que Une Strategy.
It is also essential to look inward. Reducing the environmental footprint of scientific activities—by monitoring and disclosing operational metrics and aligning procedures with continuous improvement in resource efficiency—is a growing responsibility. This internal commitment must reflect the same rigour and transparency demanded of decision-makers and partners.
Amadeu Soares also highlighted that multisectoral cooperation is crucial: science serves its purpose when it reaches decision-makers and those responsible for implementation. The CESAM community has been, and will continue to be, ready to support local authorities, the Government, the private sector, and civil society in turning knowledge into effective, measurable, and transparent policies.