Introduction
The project UID/PRR2/50017/2025 – EQUIPAR+2, funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology through the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), supports the acquisition and upgrading of scientific equipment and research infrastructures at CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies of the University of Aveiro, under Call AAC No. 02/C05‑i13/2025 – EQUIPAR+2. With a total budget of €809,967.18, the project focuses on major scientific and technical equipment and instruments, specialised software, technical support services, materials, and building adaptations required for the installation of these infrastructures, thereby strengthening CESAM’s scientific capacity and the excellence of its R&D activities.
The implementation period runs from 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2026, forming part of investment C05‑i13 – Scientific Research Units of the PRR. As with other PRR/FCT funding schemes, the project is subject to strict rules on expenditure eligibility, public procurement, transparency, and accountability, as well as commitments to Open Science, including the deposit of publications in open access repositories within the RCAAP network.
Overall Framework in the Activities Plan
The mission of CESAM (Center for Environmental and Marine Studies), from the University of Aveiro, is to promote transdisciplinary and transformative research and knowledge exchange to address societal needs, namely environmental and marine challenges, global change processes, and sustainable solutions for the management and conservation of natural resources and the well-being of ecosystems and humanity, building upon a One-Health Approach. This is achieved through fundamental and applied research. CESAM gathers ca. 500 members (researchers, PhD students and collaborators) with knowledge and competences on a broad expertise on environmental sciences (e.g. modelling and forecasting, risk assessment, nature-based solutions, life cycle assessment, ‘omics’ technologies, bioinformatics, environmental economics).
CESAM aims to promote the efficient use of terrestrial and aquatic resources, from land to deep sea, fostering a prosperity economy and innovative sustainable development models and approaches to combat global threats. CESAM has its research structured organised in 3 transversal thematic lines (TLs) that are operationalized through 6 research groups (RGs), fostering an integrated and comprehensive approach to addressing the multifaceted nature of environmental and marine sciences. In brief, TL1 ‘Climate Change, Adaptation and Mitigation’ aims to understand the scientific basis of climate change and address its impacts at economic, environmental and social levels; TL2 ‘Environmental Management, Pollution and Modelling’ investigate environmental pollution sources and impacts and enhance environmental quality through advanced modelling and management practices; and TL3 ‘Socio-Ecological Systems and Resources’ address socio-economic drivers of climate change, assessing vulnerabilities and developing adaptive strategies. CESAM defined 4 Strategic Objectives (SO) that reflects CESAM’s comprehensive approach to address the transdisciplinarity and complexity of its targets: SO1 ‘Advancing Knowledge & Innovation’ to generate new insights and innovative solutions through fundamental and applied research, driving scientific excellence through transformative R&I, knowledge transfer, open science practices, infrastructures reinforcement (e.g. the recently funded Centre for Innovation and Technology in aquaculture at ECOMARE) and cutting-edge equipment acquisition (e.g. confocal Microscope for high-definition evaluation of materials, observation of sub-cellular structures, and dynamic processes). This will boost CESAM´s scientific reputation and attractiveness (e.g. boosting ERC and MSCA-PF grants applications); SO2 ‘Fostering Impact & Collaboration’ for translation of research into action through strategic partnerships with other research organizations, policymakers, industry, and other stakeholders, including the citizens. The CESAM’s scientific, economic and societal impacts will bolster through an active and professional science communication and manager team to make scientific research more accessible and relevant (e.g. producing documentaries for national open TV channels), an enhancement of the technical skills of science managers (e.g. organization of info sessions about relevant calls and funding programmes; improve support in competitive funded international proposals); an increase of international collaborations (e.g. organizing key international conferences) and strategic projects (e.g. MSCA-DN and ERA-Chair); foster collaborations with academic (e.g. UCalgary UN University Hub), non-academic Portuguese agencies (e.g. ICNF, APA), and private sector (e.g. non-academic chairs in FCT tenure programme); SO3 ‘Promoting Social & Ecosystem Health’ to promote solutions for human and environmental well-being, inform evidence-based policies and generate valuable knowledge on biodiversity, ecosystem-based management and restoration, aiming to restore and protect the resilience of ecosystems. Particular focus is proposed on the promotion of scientific and technological literacy (e.g. produce educational resources to empower local communities and citizens in tackling ecosystem health challenges) and citizen science (e.g. promote citizen science initiative award) to actively contribute to knowledge-driven society; SO4 ‘Enhancing International Standing’ by actively pursuing international key partnerships (e.g. with University Calgary for collaborative research and training in water sustainability) and leadership roles in international scientific (e.g. SETAC) and/or policy bodies (e.g. UNESCO) to help shaping the research agenda in environmental and marine sciences and leverage global research synergies (e.g. taking advantage of the HE-Widening programme). This objective also includes efforts to provide advanced training in specific cutting-edge areas (e.g. organization of hand-on sessions in specific fields like bioinformatics or in specific equipment) and career development opportunities, particularly for early career researchers, emphasizing the inclusiveness and gender equality aspects. Each SO is underpinned by SMART KPIs for precise performance tracking, integrating Board-dependent KPIs for governance oversight and Transversal KPIs across RGs and TLs for a holistic approach. Anticipating future challenges, CESAM remains adaptable, ready to refine strategies to sustain research excellence and societal impact. CESAM’s strategic objectives are crafted to ensure a balanced advancement in both fundamental and applied research, contributing to curiosity-driven knowledge, innovation, economic growth, and societal well-being. Through our carefully designed activity plan, our integrated approach to environmental and marine sciences will continue to be monitored and refined by the CESAM community and EAC members.
Equipment
Equipment is aligned with CESAM’s multi-annual plan 2025–2029 and essential to deliver SO1–SO4. They fill gaps in lab, field and computational capacity, reinforcing CESAM as a reference in sustainability sciences. The portfolio modernises outdated infrastructure, ensures biosafety and reproducibility, supports digital transformation (AI/ML, UAV-LiDAR, advanced data integration), and expands CESAM’s integration in European infrastructures (EMBRC, ACTRIS, LifeWatch, AnaEE, eLTER). It will enhance PhD training, stakeholder engagement and open science. Contributions to KPIs are clear: more laboratory users and access requests, better reproducibility, growth in interdisciplinary projects, stronger international partnerships, and delivery of health metrics, policy evidence and sustainable practices.
1. Capillary electrophoresis with diode array detection (CE-DAD) – By enabling precise, rapid and solvent-free analysis of organic and inorganic compounds in complex environmental matrices, capillary electrophoresis with diode array detection (CE-DAD) expands CESAM’s analytical capacity. Applicable to water, soils and sediments, CE complements existing chromatographic platforms, providing comparable or superior resolution while reducing solvent use, aligning with green chemistry principles and lowering the ecological footprint of analysis. It is particularly relevant for the study of emerging contaminants, their impacts and remediation strategies, supporting TL2 and SO3 and reinforcing CESAM’s contribution to the EU Zero Pollution Action Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals. Shared across CESAM, CE-DAD fosters reproducibility, innovation, training, workshops and collaborations. Contributing to SO1–SO4, it directly supports RG5 in delivering impactful publications and policy-relevant outputs. [See here. € 95,283.95 + VAT].
2. Infrared Gas Analysis System (IRGA) LCi T Photosynthesis Analyser – Measuring gas exchange and photosynthetic rates with precision, the IRGA LCi-T analyser provides real-time assessment of CO₂ assimilation and water-use efficiency in plants. It is essential for studies on photosynthesis physiology, plant–environment interactions and responses to stressors such as drought, salinity, pollutants and climate variability. The analyser complements CESAM’s phenotyping systems (TraitFinder, MicroScan) and greenhouse facilities by adding detailed physiological data to morphological and multispectral measurements, creating an integrated workflow from growth traits to photosynthetic performance. Shared across CESAM, the IRGA expands reproducibility, innovation and cross-disciplinary research in plant sciences, agriculture and forestry. Contributing to SO1 and SO3, it also strengthens impactful publications and policy inputs (SO2), while reinforcing CESAM’s international collaborations and visibility (SO4), directly supporting TL2 and RG2. [See here. € 47,122.50 + VAT].
3. StreamLine Pro (IFA) with hot-wire dual-sensor probes and accessories – The acquisition of the StreamLine Pro thermal anemometry system, complemented with dual-sensor probes and supports, is essential to expand the wind tunnel’s capacity and provide high-resolution, multi-axis velocity measurements for detailed characterisation of turbulence and fine-scale flow structures. This investment contributes directly to SO1 and SO2 by enabling advanced physical modelling of pollutant dispersion, aerodynamic comfort assessments and validation of numerical models, while also supporting SO3 and SO4 through applications in climate adaptation, environmental health and sustainable urban planning. Fully complementary to the existing infrastructure, the system ensures reproducible and internationally competitive results, promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthens CESAM’s positioning in European networks and projects dedicated to environmental sustainability and resilience, and enhances the wind tunnel as a national and international reference facility. [See here. € 97,800.00 + VAT].
4. Modular Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)- For large-scale aquatic assays, the modular recirculating aquaculture system (RAS, 5,000 L capacity) provides controlled facilities with mechanical and biological filtration, UV/ozone disinfection, thermal regulation and real-time monitoring of oxygen, pH, temperature and turbidity. Its modular design allows flexible configuration of tanks, flows and meshes, ensuring stable water quality and reproducible conditions across aquatic species and life stages. The RAS supports nutrition and growth trials, environmental stress tests and aquaculture assays in both marine and freshwater scenarios. By securing animal welfare, biosafety and traceability, it strengthens CESAM’s experimental robustness and competitiveness. Shared across CESAM, it fosters innovation, training, collaborations and sustainable, policy-relevant outputs, contributing to SO1–SO4 and directly supporting RG6. [See here. € 56,936.00 + VAT].
5. Particle-Into-Liquid Sampler (PILS) – By transferring airborne particles into liquid in real time, the PILS system preserves labile, water-soluble compounds that are often lost in traditional filter methods. This capability opens new opportunities for toxicological studies, enabling correlation of pollution episodes such as traffic, biomass burning and industrial emissions with oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. The approach is uniquely suited for exposure assessment and complements ACSM and SMPS/CPC systems, which address regulatory compliance, by focusing on biological and toxicological impacts. Shared across CESAM, PILS enhances reproducibility, expands innovation and strengthens interdisciplinary research at the chemistry–toxicology interface. Contributing to SO1 and SO3, it also supports impactful publications and policy evidence (SO2), while reinforcing CESAM’s international visibility and collaborations (SO4). It directly supports KPIs on training, expanding lab users and generating sustainable solutions. [See here. € 61,800.00 + VAT].
6. Replacement of climate control systems in aquatic and soil ecotoxicology laboratories – Replacing obsolete air conditioning in laboratories, culture rooms and test facilities is a non-structural adaptation required to ensure stable climate control, ventilation and biosafety. CESAM maintains Europe’s most extensive range of aquatic (freshwater and marine) and soil species cultured for ecotoxicology, and their reliable use in assays demands controlled conditions that safeguard welfare and reproducibility. The upgrade secures proper functioning of experimental equipment, reduces risks of failure and optimises integration of housing and monitoring systems. Shared across CESAM, it increases throughput, supports reproducibility and strengthens international competitiveness. Contributing to SO1 and SO3, it also reinforces impactful outputs and policy inputs (SO2) and consolidates CESAM’s visibility and leadership (SO4), directly supporting KPIs on training, collaborations and sustainable solutions. [See here. € 19,038.00 + VAT].
7. Advanced Multi‑Modular Equipment Set for Automated Assessment of Physiological, Behavioral, and Cognitive
Responses in Biota (Loligo Systems) – Combining metabolic, behavioural and cognitive assays, the Loligo multi-modular system standardises experiments across aquatic invertebrates, amphibians and fish. It allows high-throughput measurement of oxygen consumption in water and air, coupled with automated behavioural tracking, video imaging and shuttle box/dual-choice modules, enabling reproducible studies under ecologically relevant conditions. Swim tunnel units expand research in physiology, energetics
and biomechanics. Shared across CESAM, the system fosters innovation, reproducibility and transdisciplinary projects, supporting both curiosity-driven and policy-relevant studies. Contributing to SO1 and SO3, it also enhances impactful publications and policy outputs (SO2), while reinforcing CESAM’s international visibility and collaborations (SO4). It directly supports training of doctoral students, interdisciplinary workshops and development of sustainable solutions. [See here. € 141,518.00 + VAT].
8. Rack Stand Alone System for the maintenance of Xenopus sp cultures – To maintain healthy Xenopus colonies under controlled conditions, the Xenoplus housing system ensures precise environmental regulation and standardised husbandry, enabling high-throughput, reproducible experiments while safeguarding animal welfare. It strengthens CESAM’s aquatic vertebrate facilities, supporting research in developmental biology, genetics, ecotoxicology and One Health. Shared across CESAM, it improves efficiency, fosters transdisciplinary projects and expands training opportunities for doctoral students and early-career researchers. By integrating molecular, physiological and ecological approaches, the system advances open science, sustainability and innovation, while contributing to SO1 and SO3. It also reinforces CESAM’s visibility and international leadership (SO4) and supports impactful outputs and policy evidence (SO2), consolidating its role as a hub for environmentally relevant vertebrate models. [See here. € 51,245.27 + VAT].
9. Single-door chamber-type aquatic washing machine designed for the cleaning of tanks, bottles and laboratory accessories associated with animal housing systems – Calypso washing system – Replacing outdated equipment in CESAM’s zebrafish facility, the Calypso washing system is critical for washing and sterilising tanks, aquaria and accessories. It guarantees hygienic conditions, reduces cross-contamination and safeguards animal welfare. By automating cleaning, it ensures reproducibility, optimises labour and supports compliance with biosafety and welfare standards. The system reinforces the quality, reliability and scalability of data generated with zebrafish models, supporting research in environmental toxicology, biomedical sciences and translational studies on climate adaptation and public health. Shared across CESAM, it enhances efficiency, protects experiments, fosters collaborations and strengthens training opportunities. Contributing to SO1 and SO3, it also supports impactful outputs and policy inputs (SO2) and reinforces CESAM’s international visibility and leadership (SO4), consolidating its role in European zebrafish research networks. [See here. € 48,235.31 + VAT].
10. Accelerated Multi-Processing System (AMPS) – Accelerating CESAM’s digital transformation, the Accelerated Multi-Processing System (AMPS) provides GPU-based computing, AI/ML capability and high-performance data integration for advanced modelling. It replaces an obsolete cluster and enables real-time, large-scale analysis across marine, terrestrial and atmospheric systems. AMPS strengthens CESAM’s capacity to calibrate and validate predictive models, integrate omics, climate and ecotoxicology data, and extend the scope of experimental equipment through digital replication. Managed by UA’s HPC services with CESAM support, it ensures robust, secure and shared operation. Contributing to SO1 and SO3, it also delivers impactful outputs and policy evidence (SO2), reinforces CESAM’s international visibility and leadership (SO4), and directly supports all TLs and RGs in delivering interdisciplinary research, training and sustainable solutions. [See here. € 120,183.00 + VAT].
11. Vertical ultra-freezer (–86 °C) with energy backup – CESAM hosts a unique microbial collection, especially fungi from Portuguese marine and estuarine ecosystems and international sources, a distinctive resource in Europe. Preserving these strains safely over the long term requires vertical ultra-freezers (–86 °C) with energy backup, essential to prevent loss under suboptimal conditions. Beyond fungi, the freezers will store algae, corals, extracts and other biological samples for research in biotechnology, nutraceutics, pharmacology and ecotoxicology. This infrastructure underpins microbial diversity, taxonomy and biotechnology studies, linking fundamental knowledge to sustainable applications. Shared across CESAM, it enhances reproducibility, supports training, fosters collaborations and directly supports RG1, RG2, RG5 and RG6. Contributing to SO1–SO4, it consolidates CESAM’s leadership in preserving fungi, microbial and biological resources for sustainable, policy-relevant outputs, complementing short-term storage elsewhere. [See here. € 14,890.00 + VAT].
12. Enterprise Storage Units for Expanding the Capacity of Synology DS1823xs NAS Systems – Supporting CESAM’s digital transformation, these enterprise-grade storage units expand the capacity of the Accelerated Multi-Processing System (AMPS). AMPS strengthens CESAM’s ability to calibrate and validate predictive models, integrate omics, climate and ecotoxicology data, and extend the capabilities of experimental equipment through digital replication. Managed by the University of Aveiro’s High-Performance Computing services, with support from CESAM, the system ensures robust, secure and shared operation. Contributing to SO1 and SO3, it also promotes the production of high-impact scientific outputs and the generation of evidence to support public policy (SO2), reinforces CESAM’s international visibility and leadership (SO4), and directly supports all Thematic Lines and Research Clusters in delivering interdisciplinary research, advanced training and sustainable solutions. [See here. €55,500.00 + VAT].