BioCosMAp
Strategy for enhancing the value of bee products from the Montesinho Park
Reference:
COMPETE2030-FEDER-02162400
Coordinator:
Fourmag, Lda
Research Group:
Sustaining Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
ANI - National Innovation Agency
Abstract
The BioCosMAp project aims to expand the national portfolio of cosmetics and ingredients, taking into account the requirements for organic product certification, in line with current market trends and European Union policies. Extraction conditions will be optimized to obtain an organic propolis extract, and three cosmetics with organic properties will be created incorporating bee-based ingredients originating from the Montesinho Natural Park region.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/09/2025 - 31/08/2028
CBMA Funding:
192 570,40 €
Website:
-
CBMA Research Team
Partners
Fourmag, Lda (Coordinator);Aveiro University;
MORE CoLAB (Laboratório Colaborativo Montanhas de Investigação);
Sandra Isabel Barbosa, Unipessoal Lda.
Olive4Cereals
By-products of olive pomace to increase the climate resilience of cereals
Reference:
PL25-00001
Coordinator:
GreenUPorto – Sustainable Agrifood Production Research Centre
Research Group:
Growing Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
La Caixa
Abstract
The project aims to add value to a currently wasted byproduct, olive mill wastewater concentrate, by generating an innovative and sustainable biostimulant capable of increasing the climate resilience of cereal crops, with the goal of reducing dependence on agrochemicals, which are associated with soil degradation and losses in agricultural productivity.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/01/2026 - 31/12/2028
CBMA Funding:
23 212,53 €
Website:
-
CBMA Research Team
Partners
GreenUPorto – Sustainable Agrifood Production Research Centre (coordinator);CEBAL - Alentejo Agricultural and Agri-food Biotechnology Center
DIS-FUNCTIONAL
Dispersal and functional syndromes by an invasive alien species
Reference:
COMPETE2030-FEDER-00686700
Coordinator:
CBMA - University of Minho
Research Group:
Sustaining Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
FCT
Abstract
Using a multi-disciplinary approach, we will assess how the phenotypic variability in the signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus may change between and within populations and how this may be responsible for distinct ecological impacts. This will provide a mechanistic framework for investigating how invasive species differ in their biological traits and how this may affect ecosystem functioning at relevant spatial and temporal scales.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
03/01/2026 - 28/02/2029
CBMA Funding:
163 587,60 €
Website:
-
CBMA Research Team
Ronaldo SousaAntónio Nogueira
Partners
IPB - Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, BragançaMARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Coimbra
ToDeFuture
Bridging tradition and Innovation: advancing bread and wine production with the yeast Torulaspora delbrueckii
Reference:
COMPETE2030-FEDER-00733000
Coordinator:
CBMA - University of Minho
Research Group:
Translating Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
FCT
Abstract
Torulaspora delbrueckii, frequently isolated from grape must and home-made bread doughs, has proven to be a superior choice to enhance wine and bread aromatic profiles. However, it exhibits a less robust fermentation performance than the commonly used S. cerevisiae. To improve fermentation efficiency and allow its implementation in innovative fermentation practices, we will elucidate its ecological interactions during fermentation, target its responses to stressors and optimize substrate use.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
16/09/2025 - 15/09/2028
CBMA Funding:
248 480 €
Website:
-
Partners
Filomena Duarte and Margarida Baleiras Couto (INIAV DOIS PORTOS) - External consultantsCarol Camarasa and Delphine Sicard (University Montpellier, INRAE, Montpellier Supagro) - External consultants
2Qua
Water Quality and Quantity, the challenge for the present and future
Reference:
COMPETE2030-FEDER-0691700 (DOI: 10.54499/2023.17517.ICDT)
Coordinator:
Faculty of Sciences - University of Porto (FCUP, Portugal)
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Program:
Call for SR&TD Projects in all Scientific Domains 2023
Funding Management Agency:
Portugal2030 (European Union) & Foundation for Science and Technology (Portugal)
Description:
The main objective of the 2Qua project addresses the world's current problem regarding the quality and quantity of potable water (following SDG #6) in reservoirs, where we intend:
- To assess the ecological potential of the target reservoirs (Aguieira and Rabagão), following the WFD approach, and evaluate the contribution of the information from the evaluation of the dynamic of zooplankton communities to the water assessment,
- To assess the microplastic contamination on the target reservoirs, going beyond legislation in ecological assessment, to identify the potential sources of this contamination,
- To assess the ecological potential of the target reservoirs with the Remote Sensing tools already used in inland waters. Moreover, we also intend to use Remote Sensing tools to assess the water quantity available in each reservoir,
- To conduct an integrative analysis, using with the data gathered in previous tasks to discriminate sensitive indicators that allow a positive correlation between water quality and water quantity,
- To develop a citizen science strategic plan to engage the local communities in minimizing the impacts on the target reservoirs, we intend to raise awareness and bring local citizens closer together in promoting the environmental quality of reservoirs through scientific outreach activities and resources.
Start / End:
11/09/2025 - 09/10/2028
CBMA Funding:
61 776 €
Website:
-
CBMA Research Team:
Partners:
Faculty of Sciences - University of Porto (FCUP, Portugal) - CoordinatorExternal consultants - Jesus Delegido (University of Valencia, Spain) and Portuguese Environment Agency (APA, Portugal)
TRANSFACTORY
Transporter proteins for the optimization of microbial cell factories
Reference:
COMPETE2030-FEDER-00750700
Coordinator:
CBMA - University of Minho
Research Group:
Computing Life, Translating Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
FCT
Abstract
The bioproduction of carboxylic acids, platform chemicals used in various industries, requires the engineering of metabolism and membrane transporters responsible for the import of substrates and the export of products to the extracellular environment. In this project, we aim to identify new transporters, understand their structural aspects, and subsequently optimize them for expression in carboxylic acid-producing strains.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/10/2025 - 30/09/2028
CBMA Funding:
249 782,40 €
Website:
-
CBMA Research Team
Partners
-
NUI-PLASTIC
Impact of marine plastic debris on the settlement and dispersion of nuisance species in Portuguese coastal ecosystems
Reference:
COMPETE2030-FEDER-00734300
Coordinator:
CBMA - University of Minho
Research Group:
Sustaining Life, Computing Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
FCT
Abstract
The project aims to study marine life present in plastic waste in the coastal areas of Portugal, using extensive sampling and innovative methods for waste and community characterization, by a multidisciplinary team. The goal is to identify the most common types of plastic waste in recreational marinas, understand how it affects marine biodiversity, and its potential as a nuisance species habitat, contributing to marine ecosystems conservation.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/10/2025 - 30/09/2028
CBMA Funding:
155 509,20 €
Website:
CBMA Research Team
Partners
Gaspar Frutuoso Foundation (FGF CIBIO-InBIO, Azores University), Portugal
Aqua-Impact
Assessing Trophic Effects of Invasive Alien Species on Freshwater Ecosystems in a Context of Climate Change
Reference:
COMPETE2030-FEDER-00730200
Coordinator:
CBMA - University of Minho
Research Group:
Sustaining Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
FCT
Abstract
Aqua-Impact investigates the signal crayfish's (Pacifastacus leniusculus) impact on European freshwater ecosystems. It aims to develop mitigation strategies through four tasks and investigate the interaction with global stressors such as pollution and climate variations. Aligned with SDGs 6, 13, and 15, the project collaborates with local communities to devise informed management strategies for biodiversity preservation.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/10/2025 - 30/09/2028
CBMA Funding:
186 840 €
Website:
CBMA Research Team
Partners
Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB), PortugalNetwork of Chemistry and Technology (REQUIMTE), Portugal
Begoña Jiménez (CSIC), Spain - External Consultant
Krishna Das (Université de Liège), Belgium - External Consultant
Juliana Souza-Kasprzyk (Adam Mickiewicz University), Poland - External Consultant
URBAnWat3r
Urbanisation Risks to Aquatic Biodiversity: an ecological perspective on nonpoint source pollution and stormWater management practices
Reference:
COMPETE2030-FEDER-00707600 (DOI: 10.54499/2023.17531.ICDT)
Coordinator:
CBMA - University of Minho
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Program:
Call for SR&TD Projects in all Scientific Domains 2023
Funding Management Agency:
Portugal2030 (European Union) & Foundation for Science and Technology (Portugal)
Description:
URBAnWat3r tackles the neglected ecological risks posed by (sub)urban stormwater runoff to aquatic ecosystems. Stemming from three pilot areas, URBAnWat3r will integrate chemical, ecological, and ecotoxicological evidence lines, and engage stakeholders to discuss stormwater management practices. To embrace this endeavour, the URBAnWat3r team comprises specialists in aquatic ecology, ecotoxicology, communication, and science education.
Start / End:
14/07/2025 - 12/07/2028
CBMA Funding:
137 808 €
Website:
CBMA Research Team:
Partners:
Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), University of Coimbra, PortugalFaculty of Sciences (FCUP), University of Porto, Portugal
External consultants - Cláudia Ribeiro (IUCS-CESPU & UCIBIO, Portugal) and Rita Lado (LSRE-LCM & ALiCE, FEUP, Portugal)
