In this special season, I would like to wish the entire CESAM community, as well as all our partners, a Christmas filled with joy, good health and moments of sharing.
Internally, 2025 was marked by the electoral process, with very strong participation: 75% of the members of the electoral college voted, electing the Director with a result which, for the first time under this election model, exceeded 50% of all members entitled to vote.
As we bring another year to a close, with very positive results both collectively — the application to FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia) as a Research Unit and the EQUIPAR+2 outcomes — and individually, particularly in terms of the number of approved projects, we express our deep gratitude for the commitment, dedication and valuable contributions of the entire CESAM community, which continue to be essential to our growth, scientific impact and commitment to sustainability.
The year 2026 will be particularly significant, both because of the changes anticipated in the National Scientific and Technological System (SCTN) and because it marks 25 years since CESAM was created as a Research Unit — a milestone that reflects a collectively built path of excellence, collaboration and innovation. It will be a year of celebration, but also of renewed commitment to thescientific and social challenges we face now and in the future.
We count on you all to continue, together and from the many different roles and positions we hold — from technical and administrative staff and management support, to researchers leading national and international projects, to those who hold external positions and to our student community — to strengthen CESAM and to project it into the years ahead.
Season’s Greetings and best wishes for an excellent New Year. May we continue, together, to “Care for the Future”.
Amadeu Soares, Director of CESAM