O SSG for Life Sciences é o grupo científico do SCAR responsável por promover e coordenar a investigação sobre os sistemas vivos do continente antártico, abrangendo áreas como biodiversidade, ecologia, evolução e funcionamento dos ecossistemas polares.

The SSG for Life Sciences is the SCAR scientific group responsible for promoting and coordinating research into living systems on the Antarctic continent, covering areas such as biodiversity, ecology, evolution and the functioning of polar ecosystems. The election of José Xavier represents international recognition of his contribution to the advancement of polar science and reinforces Portugal’s role in Antarctic research.

Having devoted his career to the study of the Southern Ocean and the impact of global threats such as climate change and pollution, José Xavier has held positions of great international significance. He is head of the Portuguese delegation to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, co-founder of the Portuguese Polar Programme (PROPOLAR), a member of the advisory committee of the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) and sits on various working groups and specialist committees of SCAR.

Throughout his career, he has helped to bridge the gap between science and politics, promoting international cooperation and the training of young researchers. He was also awarded the Marta T. Muse Prize, becoming the youngest scientist to receive this award, which was granted in recognition of the excellence of his scientific and diplomatic work in Antarctica.

José Xavier’s election to the SSG for Life Sciences reinforces his scientific leadership and highlights the commitment of the CFE and TERRA to polar research and to the generation of knowledge that is essential for understanding and protecting Antarctic ecosystems.

Source: https://cfe.uc.pt/investigador-jose-xavier-eleito-secretario-do-standing-scientific-group-for-life-sciences-do-scar/

The coordinator of CEF and member of TERRA, Professor Manuela Branco, presented the commemorative program, highlighting the diversity of initiatives planned for 2026. This was followed by a historical evocation led by CEF/TERRA Professor Helena Pereira, who revisited the scientific, human, and institutional milestones that have shaped CEF’s journey since 1976. The strategic role of CEF in the national landscape was emphasized in the speeches by Rui Ladeira, Secretary of State for Forests, and Gonçalo Rodrigues, Vice President of ISA and TERRA member.

One of the most memorable moments of the session was the tribute to Professor João Santos Pereira, a leading figure in forestry research. The evocation of his legacy highlighted his decisive contribution to the consolidation of the CEF and to the international recognition of Portuguese forestry research.

The session brought together researchers, former CEF members, institutional partners, and government representatives in a meeting that combined memory, recognition, and projection for the future.

The celebrations of CEF’s 50th anniversary will continue throughout 2026, with a program that includes exhibitions, workshops, and scientific meetings, reinforcing the joint mission of CEF and TERRA in building knowledge for the future of forests.

Find out more at isa.ulisboa.pt/cef/news/cef-assinala-inicio-das-comemoracoes-dos-50-anos-com-sessao-inaugural-no-salao-nobre-do-isa

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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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The University of Coimbra held the first edition of the Scientific Publication Incentive Awards: Quality and Impact, recognizing Ruben Heleno, a researcher at the Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE) and a member of the TERRA Associated Laboratory. The award ceremony, which took place on December 4, is an initiative aimed at acknowledging the merit, rigor, and visibility of scientific production at the University of Coimbra.

The award in the Quality category was presented to Ruben Heleno, Associate Professor at the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Coimbra, researcher at CFE, where he leads the Community Ecology Lab, and member of TERRA.

This recognition highlights the scientific rigor and the significant contribution of his work to advancing knowledge, particularly his publications in two of the most prestigious scientific journals globally: Nature and Science.

The Scientific Publication Incentive Awards: Quality and Impact were established by the University of Coimbra, with the support of the Santander Foundation, to promote the excellence and impact of scientific production.

Learn more about the awardees of the first edition of the Scientific Publication Incentive Awards at uc.pt/fctuc/dcv/noticias/investigadores-do-dcv-distinguidos-na-1-edicao-dos-premios-uc-de-incentivo-as-publicacoes-cientificas/

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Professor Helena Freitas, coordinator of the Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE) and member of the TERRA Associate Laboratory, is the winner of the 2025 Ciência Viva Grand Prize—the highest distinction awarded by the Ciência Viva Agency in the field of promoting scientific culture in Portugal.

The Ciência Viva Awards ceremony will take place on National Scientific Culture Day, celebrated on November 24, at 6:00 p.m., at the Pavilhão do Conhecimento – Centro Ciência Viva, in Lisbon, with streaming on the Pavilhão do Conhecimento YouTube channel – more info here (in Portuguese).

Since 2012, the Ciência Viva Awards have recognized individuals and projects that stand out in promoting science and technology in society. This year, the Grand Prize recognizes the career of CFE and TERRA researcher Helena Freitas. Throughout her career, Helena Freitas has carried out pioneering research in the areas of plant population ecophysiology, plant ecology and invasive species, agricultural and forestry management, and adaptation to climate change — always with a keen eye on biodiversity and the territory.

Helena Freitas has already responded to this distinction on her LinkedIn profile. For the researcher, this award is more than an individual distinction: it is a renewed incentive to continue involving communities, schools, and families in participatory, intergenerational science committed to the future of the planet. She also wrote:“As a biologist, I feel even more honored to see this area of knowledge valued at a time when we are called upon—with urgency and responsibility—to care for biodiversity and nature. The challenge we face is a collective one: to move toward a society that recognizes its interdependence with the living world and chooses to live in harmony with it.” – full comment here (in Portuguese).

Helena Freitas’ distinction honors not only her individual career, but also the collective commitment of TERRA members to open, transformative science that is deeply rooted in the territory.

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Professor José Miguel Cardoso Pereira, researcher at the ForEco group of the Forest Research Centre (CEF) and member of the TERRA Associate Laboratory, has joined the Advisory Board of the Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society, one of the most prestigious international institutions dedicated to the transdisciplinary study of wildfires.

An expert in pyrogeography, fire ecology, and remote sensing, Professor José M. C. Pereira now joins a select group of international experts who contribute to the Centre’s strategic direction, supporting its mission to radically transform the scientific and practical understanding of fires.

The Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society is a collaboration between Imperial College London, King’s College London, the University of Reading, and Royal Holloway, University of London, funded by the Leverhulme Trust for the period 2019 to 2029. Its goal is to radically transform the scientific and practical understanding of wildfires so that society can understand, predict, and manage fire more effectively in the future.

A global pioneer, the Centre has been developing a new field of research that links the human, physical, and ecological dimensions of fires, promoting a comprehensive, multiscale, and transdisciplinary approach to the challenges associated with fire.

Meet the Leverhulme Centre Advisory Board here.

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Eduardo Gomes, a researcher at the Centre of Geographical Studies (CEG) and member of the TERRA Associate Laboratory, has once again seen his work recognized in the Science4Policy 2025 (S4P-25) competition, promoted by PLANAPP in collaboration with the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). The project “Scattered buildings: a new approach to mapping, monitoring, and informing the decision-making process” was one of 27 selected from 60 eligible proposals, securing €49,957.01 in funding.

This is the second consecutive year that Eduardo Gomes has been featured in this program, following the approval of his project in 2024 – news here (in Portuguese). The new research focuses on one of the main challenges to spatial planning in Portugal. Scattered development is currently one of the main challenges to spatial planning, being associated with phenomena such as spatial fragmentation, increased environmental risks, and difficulties in managing public services. This new project aims to contribute solid and applicable scientific knowledge, supporting the formulation of more informed public policies.

The funding now obtained will enable the production of quantitative indicators and a composite dispersion index, to be integrated into national land monitoring systems such as SMOS. The project will also strengthen the link between academia and public administration through direct collaboration with the Direção-Geral do Território and the Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo (CCDR-LVT), ensuring that the results respond to real land planning and management needs.

The third edition of the Science4Policy competition awarded total funding of around €1.3 million, reinforcing the role of science in building more informed and effective public policies. The approved projects cover 20 priority thematic areas defined by REPLAN, within the scope of the Thematic Agendas of the Portugal 2030 Strategy, and are expected to be completed by March 2026, culminating in the delivery of policy briefs with substantiated recommendations.

Access the summary of selected projects here.

More information: planapp.gov.pt

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The European Research Council – ERC awarded only four such grants to Portugal, with TERRA being recognized with one of them, further reinforcing its position as a national and international scientific reference institution.

The PROTEGE project builds upon the advances achieved in the previous ERC-funded project — the ERC Starting Grant GREEN — which marked a turning point in the field of environmental bioelectronics. This initial project led to the development of highly sensitive porous conductive foams, capable of monitoring the electrical signaling of microbial communities in diverse aquatic contexts.

According to researcher Paulo Rocha:

“The ERC Starting Grant GREEN project represented a major advancement in environmental bioelectronics by developing porous foams with high sensitivity, electrochemical stability, and compatibility with complex media. These foams function as sensors capable of detecting and monitoring the electrical signaling of microbial communities across various aquatic environments/systems. The work involved careful optimization of the morphology of the conductive material, as well as its integration with highly sensitive and robust electrical readout systems.

With the continuity now made possible through the PROTEGE project, we are entering a new phase: testing and validating these sensors in real industrial settings, bridging the gap between fundamental research and practical application. This path opens up new possibilities for real-time monitoring of microbial ecosystems, with potential impact in areas such as water treatment, precision agriculture, and environmental biotechnology.”

This new funding enables the CFE research team to take a decisive step toward scientific transfer, applying knowledge generated in the laboratory to real industrial scenarios — particularly in aquaculture systems and drinking water reservoirs, where the presence of harmful microorganisms represents a significant risk to public health and ecosystems.

The awarding of this grant to the PROTEGE project represents not only recognition of the scientific merit of Paulo Rocha’s team but also a reaffirmation of TERRA as a center of excellence in science applied to environmental and food-related issues. In a context where environmental and health challenges demand increasingly swift and innovative responses, this achievement highlights the valuable contribution of national research to globally impactful solutions.

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As a nationally and internationally recognized research unit, LEAF operates across strategic domains including landscape management, spatial planning, sustainable use of soil and water, environmentally responsible agricultural practices, and the agri-food value chain, with a particular focus on vineyards and wine. According to David Fangueiro, “LEAF is committed to affirming and consolidating its core research areas, actively contributing to more sustainable agriculture and land management.”

In the coordinator’s view, today’s challenges demand an integrated and cross-cutting approach. “Our lines of work span interconnected and critical themes — from Landscape Management and Spatial Planning to the enhancement of the Vineyard and Wine Value Chain; from the optimization of Soil and Water Management to the promotion of greener agricultural practices and the transition to healthier, more accessible, and environmentally responsible food systems — for both humans and animals,” he emphasized.

Acknowledging the essential role of strategic communication, Professor David Fangueiro also highlighted his intention to “strengthen collaboration with TERRA’s communication teams,” in a clear effort to amplify the societal impact of LEAF’s research and bring scientific progress closer to the public. This focus on the science-society interface will be accompanied by efforts to foster internal cooperation among TERRA’s research units and to deepen partnerships with external entities that have recently signed cooperation agreements with the laboratory.

The new coordination team also aims to invigorate interdisciplinary collaboration and valorize the work carried out within the TERRA network, promoting synergies that offer a robust scientific response to today’s environmental, social, and food-related challenges.

The TERRA Associate Laboratory congratulates Professor David Fangueiro on his appointment and wishes him great success in this new phase of leadership. We are confident that, with his experience, vision, and ability to mobilize, LEAF will continue to stand out as a center of excellence in knowledge production, contributing to a more just, sustainable, and resilient future.

More information about LEAF here.

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Since Portugal ratified the Antarctic Treaty in January 2010 and joined the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) in 2014, this marked the country’s 12th in-person participation in the Consultative Meetings. These annual gatherings bring together signatory states to coordinate science with public policy development in a context of international cooperation, ensuring the peaceful use and conservation of the Antarctic continent.

The 2025 edition featured the submission of 315 scientific and technical papers, 11 of which were authored by the Portuguese delegation. These contributions addressed key topics such as marine spatial planning, the 2024 Portuguese Antarctic scientific expedition, climate change, biology, conservation, environmental monitoring, pollution, as well as Portugal’s integration in international projects and organizations, and education and outreach on the polar region.

The Portuguese delegation also included the in-person participation of Catarina Frazão Santos, researcher at the University of Lisbon, who also served as a delegate. Portugal’s presence at these meetings, held annually, underscores the country’s ongoing commitment to polar science and environmental protection in Antarctica.

The Portuguese delegation is formally appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the FCT, reflecting the close coordination between science diplomacy, foreign policy, and national research efforts.

The leadership of José Xavier and the contributions of the Portuguese team were highlighted as examples of Portugal’s continued dedication to environmentally responsible governance grounded in scientific evidence, within the framework of the Antarctic Treaty System. This participation reaffirms Portugal’s active role in protecting one of the planet’s most fragile ecosystems, at a time when the impacts of climate change are increasingly visible and alarming to the international community.

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Among the awardees, special recognition goes to Manuel José de Carvalho Pimenta Malfeito Ferreira, researcher at LEAF – Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food – who received the prize in the scientific field of Agronomy (including Forestry and Food Technology). This award reflects the quality of scientific work developed in agri-food and environmental research, as well as its impact on advancing science applied to productive ecosystems.

Honourable Mentions were also awarded to three other TERRA members:

• Cláudia Morais Viana, researcher at the Centro de Estudos Geográficos (CEG), recognized in the field of Geography and Territory, encompassing Physical and Human Geography, Urbanism, Planning, and Transport Systems;
• Sandra Isabel Santos de Oliveira, also a CEG researcher, distinguished in the same scientific area;
• Pedro Manuel Vieira Talhinhas, researcher at LEAF, likewise honored in the field of Agronomy (including Forestry and Food Technology).

These distinctions reflect the diversity and depth of the interdisciplinary work that defines TERRA, spanning key scientific fields such as geography, territorial planning, and sustainable food production. The award ceremony will take place on June 25 at 5:30 PM at the Congress Center of the Pavilion of Portugal, celebrating the dedication, rigor, and social impact of scientific research developed at the University of Lisbon. The full list of awardees can be found here, and the list of honourable mentions is available at this link.

Further information about the awards is available on the official website of the University of Lisbon.

TERRA warmly congratulates all its researchers for this well-deserved recognition.

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This week, the FCT released the provisional results of the evaluation of Research and Development (R&D) Units, under the 2023/2024 Multiannual Funding Program for R&D Units. These outcomes represent a significant improvement over the previous evaluation cycle and reflect the dedication and hard work of the researchers and coordinators involved.

The evaluation pertains to the periodic assessment of R&D Units, in accordance with the current legal framework governing institutions engaged in research and development. The process follows the general principles for the evaluation and funding of R&D institutions and is known for its rigor and competitiveness.

The full results can be accessed here.

The TERRA Associate Laboratory congratulates all five Research Units on this achievement, which guarantees funding until 2029.

A sincere thank you goes out to all TERRA members for their valuable contributions!

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TERRA Laboratory has been well represented throughout the editions of this publication, with renowned researchers such as Helena Freitas, Fernanda Rollo, Helena Pereira, Isabel Sousa, Eugénia Cunha, Maria Manuel Romeiras, and Wanda Viegas featured in previous editions.

Ciência Viva celebrates the presence of women in national scientific research, who make up 45% of the total number of researchers in Portugal. The Women in Science collection brings together portraits and stories of scientists from different generations and fields of knowledge, showcasing their impact on society and encouraging future generations to pursue careers in science.

This tribute began in 2015 with the Women in Science photographic exhibition, inaugurated on March 8th at the Pavilhão do Conhecimento, featuring 20 portraits of Portuguese scientists captured by photographer Luísa Ferreira. Since then, more than 500 female researchers have been highlighted, covering diverse fields such as Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, Social Sciences, Physics, Archaeology, Neurosciences, Geography, Engineering, History, Space Science, and Philosophy.

Photos of Researchers Eduarda Costa, Elizabete Marchante, and Teresa Ferreira

The TERRA Associate Laboratory congratulates these researchers for their recognition and reaffirms its commitment to valuing science and the role of women in advancing knowledge in Portugal

For more information about the collection, click here.

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President of the External Advisory Scientific Committee of IRNAS, Spain

Helena Pereira has been appointed president of the External Advisory Scientific Committee of IRNAS (Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Seville), a renowned research institute affiliated with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). This scientific committee is composed of a team of experts from various prestigious international universities and research centers, including Kathy Steppe from the University of Ghent (Belgium), Noel Hoelbrook from Harvard University (USA), Luca Sebastiani from the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (Italy), and Alon Ben-Gal from the Gilat Research Centre (Israel).

The first meeting of the committee took place in Seville on February 10 and 11, 2025, with the objective of defining the main research areas and international cooperation strategies that will shape the future of IRNAS in the fields of natural resources and agrobiology.

Appointment as External Co-opted Member of the School Council of Instituto Superior Técnico

In parallel, Professor Helena Pereira was also appointed as an external co-opted member of the School Council of Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) at the University of Lisbon. The inauguration ceremony took place on February 3, 2025, when the rector of the University of Lisbon welcomed the new external co-opted members, including Ana Dias and Nuno Amado. The School Council of IST consists of 15 members, and the first meeting of this new cycle took place on February 5, 2025.

International Recognition and Contribution to the Future of Science

These appointments represent international recognition of Professor Helena Pereira’s excellence in environmental and forestry research. Her work, particularly in the areas of natural resources and sustainability, is widely recognized, and these new roles will allow her to contribute further to advancing knowledge and defining research and development policies both nationally and internationally.

The Forest Research Centre (CEF), of which Professor Helena Pereira is an active member, continues to play a vital role in research on forests and the environment, aiming to develop innovative solutions to address the environmental challenges the planet faces.

The TERRA Laboratory congratulates Professor Helena Pereira on these appointments, reinforcing the commitment to scientific excellence and international collaboration in high-impact social and environmental projects.

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There are 13 members of the TERRA Associate Laboratory on the list of scientists with the greatest impact worldwide, and they are therefore in the 2% most influential in their scientific fields.

The World’s Top 2% Scientists Ranking, published by Stanford University (USA) and the Elsevier Group, highlights the world’s most influential scientists in their scientific fields through the number of citations, whose work has helped other scientists. In the 2024 edition, the ranking includes the most cited authors during 2023 – see here. 

TERRA researchers on the list:
Helena Pereira (CEF)
Isabel Miranda (CEF)
Luís Santos Pereira (LEAF)
Vítor Deldado Alves (LEAF)
André Martinho de Almeida (LEAF)
Margarida Tomé (CEF)
João Henrique Nunes Palma (CEF)
Agustín Cocola-Gant (CEG)
José Miguel Pereira (CEF)
José Luís Zêzere (CEG)
César Capinha (CEG)
José Cochicho Ramalho (CEF)
Helena Freitas (CFE)

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