Ricardo Calado, a researcher at CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies) and the Department of Biology (DBIO) of the University of Aveiro, has been awarded the 2026 UA Researcher Award, in recognition of his scientific contributions in the field of the blue economy.
The distinction was granted as part of the UA Awards, which aim to recognise merit and impact within the university context. The jury awarded the 1st Prize to Ricardo Calado, highlighting his outstanding scientific career, marked by a significant research output, with 304 published articles, mainly in the area of the blue economy.
In addition to his scientific activity, Ricardo Calado has played a central role in leading strategic initiatives, namely the creation of the Aquaculture Innovation and Technology Centre (CITAQUA), an infrastructure under development near ECOMARE, in Gafanha da Nazaré. This centre will integrate the Aveiro hub of Hub Azul – Network of Infrastructures for the Blue Economy, reinforcing the University of Aveiro’s position in promoting innovative solutions for the marine sector.
The researcher notes that “this award is an incentive to continue promoting excellence in research in the areas of the blue bioeconomy at the University of Aveiro, investing in infrastructures and equipment that are unique at a national and even European level, and that I will continue to contribute to realising the potential that we all recognise in the Portuguese sea.”
During the ceremony, the Vice-Rector for Research, Artur Silva, highlighted the high quality of the applications and the importance of collaborative work in scientific research, a point also emphasized by the awarded researchers.
The UA Awards were presented on April 17, in a ceremony chaired by the Rector, Paulo Jorge Ferreira, who stressed the importance of recognising those who contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge, the education of people, and the transformation of society.
At the UA Awards, distinctions were also granted in the areas of Good Teaching Practices and to technical, administrative and management staff (TAG), reinforcing the University of Aveiro’s commitment to recognising merit in all its dimensions.
Original news: UA News, April 17, 2026