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Newsletter

June 2025

EARTH AND PUBLIC POLICIES

During the month of June, the TERRA Associated Laboratory dedicated itself to reflecting on the role of science in the formulation of public policies in Portugal. TERRA researchers such as Paulo Branco (CEO TERRA), Gonçalo Rodrigues (LEAF), Luís Mendes (CEG) and Ana Louro (CEG) actively participated in the public debate by publishing several opinion articles in national media, addressing issues such as land use planning, housing, agricultural policy and urban development.

THEME OF THE MONTH

On June 27, the Thalia Theater in Lisbon hosted the event “Transformative Knowledge: Science and Policies for TERRA”, promoted by the Associated Laboratory TERRA. The initiative brought together researchers, policymakers and representatives of public institutions to reflect on the application of scientific knowledge in the formulation of public policies in areas such as the environment, health, land management and spatial planning.

May 2025

Clarification session on European funding brought TERRA researchers together with ANI at TERRA

On May 15, in the TERRA meeting room, an information session on European funding was held in close collaboration between the TERRA Associated Laboratory and the National Innovation Agency (ANI).

Researchers from the TERRA Associated Laboratory distinguished in Research.com’s international ranking

Recently, several TERRA researchers were featured in the prestigious international ranking of the Research.com platform, which annually distinguishes the scientists with the greatest impact and relevance at a global level, based on objective and demanding criteria. Congratulations to all the researchers whose work has been recognized this year!

April 2025

FCT has released the provisional results of the 2023/2024 evaluation process for R&D Units

Three of the five research units that make up the TERRA Associate Laboratory received the (maxmum) rating of EXCELLENT and two of VERY GOOD in the most recent evaluation promoted by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).

World Earth Day: Event brought together science, philosophy and political action for a sustainable future

On April 22, 2025, the TERRA Associate Laboratory held its annual meeting to celebrate World Earth Day at the National Library of Portugal in Lisbon. This meeting brought together representatives from various sectors of society, including government officials, public administration and local government authorities, as well as scientists and academics.

March 2025

Researchers from the TERRA Associate Laboratory featured in the 2025 edition of “Women in Science”

On International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8th, the 5th volume of the Women in Science collection was launched. The 2025 edition highlights three researchers from the TERRA Associate Laboratory: Teresa Ferreira, Eduarda Costa and Elizabete Marchante.

TERRA debates

In March, TERRA recorded two new debates: the first on the documentary Regenerating Life – How to cool the planet, feed the world, and live happily ever after by John Feldman, and the second on “Beyond Trade: Building a Sustainable Partnership between the EU and Mercosur”.

February 2025

Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR)

Professor Teresa Ferreira, coordinator of the TERRA Associate Laboratory, is one of the signatories of an opinion article published in the Público newspaper, which highlights the need to reprogram the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) for the benefit of science and innovation in Portugal.

TERRA Grande Debate Cycle

TERRA recorded another session of the TERRA Grande Debate Cycle, a space for reflection and sharing on key issues for the future of our planet. The debate in this fourth session focused on “Alternative Water Sources: Desalination?”

January 2025

Changing the land use law

CEF/TERRA professor Manuel Madeira warned of the risks of changing the land use law, which was voted on January 24 in Parliament, highlighting soil sealing and changes in the urban landscape.

Research units in the spotlight

The 13th Portuguese Antarctic Flight departed on January 16, carrying 99 scientists and technicians from various
nationalities to Antarctica as part of the Portuguese Antarctic Campaign 2024-25.

E-book Happened at TERRA 2024

TERRA Associate Laboratory has put together all the monthly newsletters for 2024 in a single compilation! With special messages from Executive Director Paulo Branco and Chair of the Board of Coordinators Teresa Ferreira, this publication celebrates a year marked by collaboration and scientific innovation. Here are the activities carried out by TERRA and its Research Units, from pioneering projects, scientific publications, events and initiatives, to awards and distinctions.

December 2024

TERRA members in the spotlight
Susana Barreiro (CEF) and António Monteiro (CEG) have been approved for funding for the Trees4Adapt project.

TERRA presents a new talk by TERRA philosophers: “Complexity in the food system”
TERRA brought together Christophe Béné (Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT), Margarida Queirós (CEG) and João Baptista (ICS) for a conversation about complexity in the food system.

TERRA in the media
Hugo Osório (ISAMB) and César Capinha (CEG) warned of the risks associated with the increased presence of the Aedes albopictus mosquito in Portugal – an invasive species that transmits diseases such as dengue.

November 2024

TERRA members in the spotlight
Professor Anabela Raymundo (LEAF/TERRA) was appointed to the National Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (CNCTI) and Professor José Miguel Cardoso Pereira (CEF/TERRA) was invited to join the team of experts for the Forest Intervention Plan 2025.

TERRA makes available the third session of the TERRA Grande Cycle of Debates
TERRA has launched the third session of the TERRA Grande Cycle of Debates “Farmers’ rights in the use of water”.

TERRA on the networks
In November, TERRA marked several important anniversaries on its social networks, highlighting issues relevant to science and sustainability.

October 2024

TERRA scientists in the TOP 2% of the world’s scientists
Several TERRA members have been featured in this year’s edition of the World’s Top 2% Scientists, making them among the 2% most influential in their scientific fields.

TERRA holds the second session of the TERRA Grande Debate Cycle
Different perspectives were discussed on the redistribution of water resources between different agricultural regions and the challenges of guaranteeing a sustainable supply.

Missão: TERRA
In the new video Missão: TERRA, Professor João Neves Silva (CEF/TERRA) takes us to Gorongosa National Park (Mozambique).

September 2024

TERRA researchers at the 3rd Edition of the City of Zero
At the round table promoted by TERRA, researchers had the opportunity to share their points of view and solutions for a more sustainable future.

TERRA launches the TERRA Grande Cycle of Debates
The first cycle has four sessions, covering topics such as water scarcity for agriculture, solidarity transfers and supplies, farmers’ rights in the use of water, and alternative sources of water.

Thematic infographics
TERRA’s new infographic looks at the ICARO surveillance system and helps you understand how this innovative system monitors environmental and human health.

July & August 2024

TERRA researchers with projects approved in the Science4Policy Competition
Of the 18 projects approved, two are led by researchers from the Center for Geographical Studies (CEG).

Missão: TERRA
Researchers Carlos Neto (CEG) and José Carlos Costa (LEAF) coordinate a Geobotanical Expedition to the Afromontane of Serra da Namba and Morro do Moco, in Angola.

Thematic infographics
A thematic infographic on fire risk reduction was released in July. In August, TERRA launched the infographic “Drought and desertification”.

June 2024

Interview with Teresa Cabrita, Executive Director of PROPOLAR

TERRA publishes an exclusive interview with the Executive Director of the Portuguese Polar Program – PROPOLAR

TERRA researchers recognized in the ULisboa/CGD 2024 Awards

Agustín Cocola-Gant, Cláudia M. Viana and David Fangueiro were awarded for their scientific research activity

Thematic Infographic: Urban Biodiversity
The month of June saw the release of a thematic infographic dedicated to Urban Biodiversity.

May 2024

Meeting “Human Consciousness – A look at the crisis and sustainability”
TERRA helped organize the multidisciplinary meeting on sustainability and human responsibility.

Theme of the month
In May, TERRA’s social media content focused on urban biodiversity

Missão: TERRA
TERRA and CEF researchers were in Chile collecting data to better understand fire behavior

April 2024

TERRA meeting on World Earth Day

TERRA held a meeting to mark its public presentation and bring science, sustainability and development into the discussion.

Theme of the month

In April, TERRA’s social media content focused on World Earth Day and the important issues that the Lab’s five thematic lines work on

TERRA Academy
Training Courses for TERRA Members continue to run

March 2024

International Day of Forests

Video released with testimonies highlighting ISA’s more than a century of innovation

Theme of the month

In March, TERRA’s content on social media was centered on the theme of Climate Change

Interactions between researchers TERRA

Photographic and documentary exhibition “CARPOTECA”, from March 21 to April 30, at the ISA Library

February 2024

Missão: TERRA

TERRA researchers in Antarctica

TERRA Academy

Launch of the TERRA Academy, with free courses for TERRA members

Thematic infographics

TERRA’s first thematic infographic dedicated to the Restoration Law is now available

December 2023 & January 2024

Missão: TERRA

TERRA researcher in Saudi Arabia

Workshop Thematic Line 5

The 1st Workshop & World Café on “Landscape and environmental restoration in Portugal” was held at the ISA in January

Scientific Council

The TERRA Scientific Council was held in December to present TERRA’s activities during 2023 and the action plan for 2024.

November 2023

Missão: TERRA

TERRA researchers in Mozambique and the Galapagos Islands

University of Lisbon/Caixa Geral de Depósitos Scientific Awards 2023

Isabel Sousa (LEAF Coordinator), Paulo Branco (TERRA CEO) and António Manuel Saraiva Lopes (CEG Researcher) distinguished at the University of Lisbon/Caixa Geral de Depósitos Scientific Awards 2023

TERRA a Terra Seminar Cycle

On November 8 with Professors José Miguel Cardoso Pereira (CEF) and Isabel Sousa (LEAF), and on November 22 with Researchers Cristina Nabais and Susana Rodriguez (CFE).

October 2023

International Day against Climate Change

TERRA researchers contributing to a better understanding of the impact of climate change in Portugal

TERRA a terra Seminar Cycle

On October 4, with Paulo Branco, Executive Director of TERRA, and José Luís Zêzere, Director of the Center for Geographical Studies (CEG), and on October 18 with Helena Freitas, Coordinator of CFE, and Ana Abreu, Director of ISAMB.

Highlights from the Research Units in October

September 2023

Missão: TERRA

Researchers in the field in Michigan and the Pantanal, contributing to sustainability

TERRA researchers on the list of the best in the world

15 researchers from the TERRA Associate Laboratory have had their name and work recognized by the Research.com ranking

TERRA a Terra

On October 4, the cycle of seminars to foster interactions between TERRA researchers begins