147
MEMBERS
+35M€
COMPETITIVE FUNDING
+1400
SCIENTIFIC PAPERS
+110
CONCLUDED PhD THESES
The Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA) is an FCT Research Unit hosted in the School of Sciences and Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), at the University of Minho. CBMA is a founder member of the Associate Laboratory ARNET - Aquatic Research Network.
Our VISION is of a sustainable transformation in society based on the responsible use of natural resources that enables human well-being and a prosperous future within safe planetary boundaries.
Our MISSION is to deliver excellence in research and postgraduate training in Biological Sciences, while fostering scientific literacy and knowledge transfer to our national and international stakeholders.
Organization
CBMA’s researchers, fellows, and students are organized into four RESEARCH GROUPS (RGs), led by one of its researchers (RG Leader). Integrated members (researchers holding a PhD degree) discuss and approve strategic actions in the SCIENTIFIC COUNCIL, which also elects the Director.
The overall coordination of CBMA is assured by the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, which receives feedback from two important consulting organs, the INTERNAL CONSULTING BOARD and the EXTERNAL ADVISORY BOARD. All CBMA’s activities are supported by its staff, organized in SUPPORTING OFFICES.
Cláudia Pascoal
DIRECTOR & RESEARCH
Teresa Lino Neto
TRAINING
Andreia Gomes
SOCIETY
Bruno Castro
TEAM
GOVERNANCE SCHEME
Partnerships
Given the complexity of global challenges, we prioritize strengthening our network with strategic partners, both national and international. These partnerships foster synergies, promote interdisciplinary approaches, accelerate progress, and amplify the scale and scientific impact of our research outcomes.
KEY PARTNERS INCLUDE
RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURES
CBMA is partner or member of key research or technological platforms that leverage various activities and boost our research capacity, including:
PT Open Screen: National Infrastructure for Chemical Biology and Genetics
Genome PT: National Research Infrastructure for Genome Sequencing and Analysis
CryoEM-PT: National Advanced Microscopy Network for Health and Life Sciences
MIRRI-PT: Microbial Resource Research Infrastructure
MACC: Minho Advanced Computing Center
INNOVATION PARTNERSHIPS
CBMA is engaged in important interface platforms with industry, regulatory agencies, and municipalities. These include:
CoLAB4Food: Collaborative Laboratory for Food Industry Innovation
CoLAB VINES&WINES: Collaborative Laboratory for Vine and Wine sectors
Water Co-Re CoLAB: Water-driven Collaborative Laboratory for Resilient communities
Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S) and its Strategic Business Council, composed by key industrial players
INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS
CBMA members are engaged in relevant international research networks, including:
– Portugal representative in the International Barcode of Life (iBOL) and its global scale research programme BIOSCAN
– Volunteer experts in the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Specialist Groups for aquatic fungi, molluscs and invasive species
– Members of the Marine (MBON) and Freshwater (FW BON) Biodiversity Observation Networks within GEO-BON
– Member of the International Network on Soil Biodiversity (NETSOB)
– Council member of the European Group on Biological Invasions (Neobiota)
LIVING LABS
CBMA is a privileged partner in field stations and living labs that open opportunities for RESEARCH, whilst providing important grounds for activities dedicated to TRAINING or knowledge transfer to SOCIETY. These include:
– Marine Field Station (in Viana do Castelo), featuring our boats to support research (biodiversity monitoring and prospection), training and outreach activities
– EVAG (Estação Vitivinícola Amândio Galhano), a field station dedicated to the modernization and development of viticulture in the Vinho Verde region
– a new aquatic mesocosm facility that is foreseen in the Cávado river (in partnership with AGERE)