BEATS project, led by TERRA researcher, honored at the University of Coimbra Seed Awards
The BEATS project – BEaks, genes and AI Tell Antarctic science Stories, coordinated by Catarina Silva, researcher at the Marine Research Lab of the CFE and member of the TERRA Associate Laboratory, was one of the five winners of the 7th edition of the Interdisciplinary Research Seed Awards of the University of Coimbra. This recognition reinforces the role of TERRA and CFE in promoting innovative, collaborative research with societal impact.
The initiative, which combines genetics, artificial intelligence, and morphology, proposes a pioneering approach to uncovering the diversity and ecology of Antarctic squids. The project draws on unique scientific and museum collections, combined with advanced AI-based identification tools, to reveal new perspectives on these organisms that are essential to polar ecosystems.
The BEATS team also includes CFE scientists José Xavier, Lucas Bastos, and Joana Magalhães, reinforcing the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the proposal.
By integrating genetic data, AI models, and morphological characteristics, BEATS aims to improve the identification of Antarctic squid species, understand ecological and evolutionary patterns, enhance historical scientific collections, and contribute to global knowledge of polar ecosystems, which are particularly relevant in the context of climate change.
Launched by the University of Coimbra with the support of the Santander Portugal Foundation, the program annually distinguishes five interdisciplinary projects, one for each Strategic Area of the UC: Health; Climate, Energy, and Mobility; Natural Resources, Agri-Food, and Environment; Digital, Industry, and Space; Heritage, Culture, and Inclusive Society. Each project receives €20,000 in funding, intended to boost lines of research with international impact.
More information about the award ceremony for the 7th edition of the “Interdisciplinary Research Seed Projects” can be found at noticias.uc.pt/artigos/7-edicao-dos-premios-semente.
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