Margaritifera Cobitis
Margaritifera Cobitis | Monitoring of threatened aquatic species and definition of priority habitats.
Reference:
-
Coordinator:
CBMA - University of Minho
Research Group:
Sustaining Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
Montesinho Natural Park
Abstract
The project aims to monitor two threatened aquatic species (Margaritifera margaritifera and Cobitis calderoni) in Montesinho Natural Park (PNM), with the purpose of updating information on their distribution and abundance and contributing to biodiversity management and the identification of priority habitats.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/05/2026 - 31/12/2027
CBMA Funding:
6 504,00€
Website:
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CBMA Research Team
Partners
IPBragança
CBMA - EQUIPAR+2
National Investment to Strengthen Scientific Equipment in R&D Units
Reference:
UID/PRR2/04050/2025 (DOI: 10.54499/UID/PRR2/04050/2025)
Coordinator:
CBMA - University of Minho
Research Group:
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Program:
EQUIPAR +2 (PRR - Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência)
Funding Management Agency:
Description
EQUIPAR+2 will strengthen CBMA’s infrastructure, expand its research capacity, and support the implementation of its strategic plan, benefiting all research groups. The project is organized into three clusters:Cluster I: Cross-Omics and Bioinformatics
A strategic infrastructure for DNA/RNA isolation from environmental samples and ancient DNA, and advanced data analysis, promoting integrative biodiversity research.Cluster II: Functional Screening and Imaging
Integrates screening platforms, advanced microscopy, and image analysis, enabling large-scale phenotyping and strengthening translational research and national and international collaboration.Cluster III: Microbial Biobanks
Focused on the expansion and standardization of microbial culture collections through their characterization and preservation, reinforcing CBMA’s role as a reference center for microbiological resources, aligned with European infrastructures.
Objectives
The proposed equipment clusters are strategically relevant for the implementation of CBMA’s Strategic Plan, as well as for their synergies within RNIIE—Genome-PT (omics and bioinformatics integration), PT-Openscreen (high-throughput functional screening and imaging), and PtmBRCN/MIRRI-PT (microbial collections)—and the corresponding European infrastructures EU-Openscreen ERIC and MIRRI-ERIC, within ESFRI, promoting international access, collaboration, and data sharing.
Expected results
Strengthened the scientific and technological capacity of CBMA Increased scientific impact and internationalization Consolidation as a reference infrastructure in biodiversity, multi-omics, and microbiological resources
CBMA Funding:
631 191,32 €
Website:
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Equipment
Vertical Deep Freezer with racks PHCI Eco VIP -86º, 729 L 2 Fitoclima Climatic Camera Aralab 1200 PLH Chemidoc Imaging System BioRad Go Imaging System Real Time PCR BioRad CFX Opus 96-System 96-Well ROV - Remotey Operated Vehicle Poseidon Robotics Lanai XL 2 Automated systems for extraction and purification of DNA, RNA, proteins ThermoScientific Kingfisher Duo Prime System Upgrade for widefield fluorescence microscope with Computational Clearing technology Leica THUNDER 2 Incubated and Refrigerated Benchtop Shakers ThermoScientific Solaris 4000R Multi-mode microplate reader Molecular Devices SPECTRAMAX ID3s ACAD 3YRS
STrengthS4WineChaiN
Scientific and technological synergies for the development of the vine and wine chain in the Northern Region
Reference:
NORTE2030-FEDER-01786100
Coordinator:
UTAD - University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro
Research Group:
Growing Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
CCDR-N
Abstract
This project encompasses activities ranging from sustainability and technological innovation in vineyards, in an environment increasingly threatened by climate change and the need to reduce the application of synthetic pesticides, to issues aimed at using more efficient technologies for wine production and its enhancement in terms of food safety, environmental sustainability, and competitiveness.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/03/2025 - 29/02/2028
CBMA Funding:
374 568,85 €
Website:
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CBMA Research Team
Hernâni Gerós (Coordinator at University of Minho)
Partners
UTAD - University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (coordinator)UP - University of Porto
ExoPath
Biomimetic artificial exosomes for nose-to-brain delivery
Reference:
2024.17197.PEX
Coordinator:
CBMA - University of Minho
Research Group:
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
FCT
Abstract
Exosomes are natural vesicles that mediate intercellular communication and have emerged as promising drug delivery vehicles. However, their clinical application is limited by scalability and heterogeneity. This project aims to engineer fully artificial exosomes for customizable delivery of bioactive molecules, including RNA. Additionally, we will adapt them for nose-to-brain delivery using a spray-dried formulation, enabling non-invasive and efficient transport of therapeutics to the brain.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/01/2026 - 30/06/2027
CBMA Funding:
59 684,60 €
Website:
CBMA Research Team
Partners
Fabio Sonvico (University of Parma) - External Consultant
River2Ocean2.0
New Socioecological and Biotechnological Solutions for the Promotion of the Aquatic Natural Capital of Northern Portugal
Reference:
NORTE2030-FEDER-02705000
Coordinator:
CBMA - University of Minho
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
CCDR-N / NORTE2030
Abstract
The project emerges with the following objectives: I) creation of a long-term biomonitoring network with standardized methodologies, ii) co-creation of a data platform for biodiversity and aquatic ecosystem services in conjunction with stakeholders, iii) development of a biotechnological platform oriented towards the creation of value-added solutions, including sensorization and remediation of pollutants, and the production of compounds of high biotechnological interest.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/04/2025 - 31/03/2028
CBMA Funding:
782 223,34 €
Website:
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Research Team
Cláudia Pascoal,Cristina Ribeiro,
Partners
-
HyPerRem
HYbrid REMediation Solutions for Mitigating PER- And Poly-Fluoroalkyl Compounds in Aquatic Environments
Reference:
COMPETE2030-FEDER-00737900
Coordinator:
CBMA - University of Minho
Research Group:
Translating Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
FCT
Abstract
HyPerRem introduces a novel hybrid water-treatment approach for PFAS that combines photocatalysis and bioremediation. Addressing the persistence and bioaccumulation of PFAS, this method uses 3D-printed multilayer photocatalytic membranes and bacterial catabolism to maximise defluorination and degradation of PFAS in water, thereby reducing environmental impact. The process's scalability will be assessed to support industrial optimisation.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/10/2025 - 30/09/2028
CBMA Funding:
150 638,40 €
Website:
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CBMA Research Team
Partners
CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research
ATLANTIDA II
North Atlantic coastal observatory in Portugal
Reference:
NORTE2030-FEDER-01799200 - CBMA
Coordinator:
CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research
Research Group:
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
CCDR-N / NORTE2030
Abstract
The North Atlantic coastal observatory in Portugal will intervene at the level of physical, chemical, biological and microbiological components, carrying out a detailed mapping of the northern coastal strip, thus becoming a fundamental instrument to support political, scientific and economic decision-making (from fishing to offshore energy production, including the emerging blue and environmental bio-economy).
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/03/2025 - 29/02/2028
CBMA Funding:
501 807,96 €
Website:
Partners
CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (Coordinator)CITAB - Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (UTAD)
PhotoPharm
Photonic systems for agriculture: towards healthy soils and smart, sustainable farming
Reference:
NORTE2030-FEDER-02719000
Coordinator:
CMEMS - University of Minho
Research Group:
Growing Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
NORTE 2030
Abstract
The PhotoFarm project aims to develop sustainable precision agriculture solutions focused on soil regeneration and management, integrating advanced sensor, actuation, and communication technologies, validated in laboratory and field trials. Electronic integration will ensure data acquisition and wireless communication. The impact will be evaluated in vitro and in the field, analyzing microbiota, nematodes, and the physicochemical properties of the soil.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/06/2025 - 31/05/2028
CBMA Funding:
36 355,19 €
Website:
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CBMA Research Team
Partners
CMEMS - Center of Microelectromechanical Systems, University of Minho (Coordinator)ICT - Earth Sciences Institute, University of Minho
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:
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CBMA Research Team
Partners
Fourmag, Lda (Coordinator);Aveiro University;
MORE CoLAB (Laboratório Colaborativo Montanhas de Investigação);
Sandra Isabel Barbosa, Unipessoal Lda.
