https://www.biopolis.pt en

REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Human activities have been reshaping biodiversity patterns on a global scale for decades. Yet, our ability to detect species and track their distributions over time and space remains limited, a challenge frequently highlighted by major international initiatives. Current monitoring methods, while extremely valuable, often come with important limitations: they are often taxon-specific, invasive, and difficult to apply at large scales. In this seminar, I will present my work using environmental DNA (eDNA) collected from several sources, including guano, water, and air. Through several case studies, I will demonstrate how analyzing DNA traces in environmental samples is transforming biodiversity monitoring and enabling assessments of anthropogenic impacts across scales and [...]]]>

REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Driver ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Dorylus (Anomma)) form some of the largest animal colonies on Earth and conduct vast predatory raids covering the forest floor in search of food. These ants are mobile fortresses of biodiversity, whereby myriad animals associate themselves to driver ants as mutualists, parasites, and commensalists, following the nomadic colonies around the landscape as they move. Birds follow the raids to consume insects flushed by the ants. Chimps and pangolins search for and consume driver ants. Blind snakes live within the nest for food and protection. Dozens to hundreds of invertebrate species variously live within the nest, follow the raids, or interact with the columns. Almost every sub-Saharan African language has a specific word [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTIONHow can we conserve freshwater ecosystems as efficiently as possible? This question drives my research, which focuses on understanding the gaps, opportunities, and coordination needed to safeguard global biodiversity—especially freshwater species. First, are we sure we have sufficient knowledge of freshwater biodiversity? My work shows that major information gaps, taxonomic biases, and uneven sampling across regions limit our ability to assess species’ status and design effective conservation strategies. Second, can less threatened ecosystems yield the same conservation benefits as the most threatened ones? By examining spatial patterns of freshwater species and threats, I evaluate whether conservation investments in moderately impacted systems can deliver equal or greater [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
The seminar will describe the historical motivations, actions and decisiones that led to the introduction of different crayfish species to Spain, and facilitated their expansion across the Iberian Peninsula. It will focus mainly in the arrivals of the Italian crayfish (Austropotamobius fulcisianus) in the 1580s and the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in the 1970s.
I did my PhD in 2004 on otter and freshwater fish and I have since worked in different Spanish research institutions and a wide variety of organisms and systems. My research aims at providing useful information for the conservation of biodiversity. Currently, I work in three main, interconnected lines, namely the ecology of river and wetland biodiversity, the description of biological invasions and [...]]]>

REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
In this Welcome Seminar, I will provide an overview of my scientific trajectory and the research vision for the newly established Ancient DNA and Population Genomics (ADNA) group at Biopolis/CIBIO. My work integrates population genetics and ancient DNA to investigate how past populations and ecosystems responded to long-term environmental and demographic changes. I have developed approaches that combine genomic data from ancient and modern populations with archaeological and palaeoenvironmental evidence to reconstruct key evolutionary processes, including the deep human past, the role of natural selection in shaping the evolution of natural populations, or the importance (or lack thereof) of genetic diversity in conservation. I will also present the research program of the ADNA [...]]]>

This course will cover the history of zoology and its associated natural history collections in the Portuguese world, especially in Portugal and African speaking countries. Participants will learn about the main naturalist and zoologist of the eighteenthn, nineteenth and twentieth century and their respective research interests, the overall theories and topics that provided the theoretical backbone of their work, as well as the history of their collections. We will also explore methods and techniques to extract biological relevant data from historical documentation, collections and specimens and how these data can be used in modern day research.

PROGRAMDay 1.9.30 – 12.30. Introduction to history of science and historical research methods applied to biodiversity14.00 – 17.30. The birth of modern natural history in the [...]]]>

REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTIONPinnipeds (seals, fur seals, sea lions and walrus) are a monophyletic carnivore lineage whose terrestrial ancestors recolonised marine environments around 30 million years ago. They are an important mammalian example of how the evolution of radical morphological and physiological adaptions facilitate exploitation of novel niches. A key feature of pinniped annual life histories is spatiotemporal partitioning of foraging and breeding, enabled by blubber for energy storage and high fat milks (up to 60% fat in some species) to support pup development. Pinnipeds have thus evolved some of the most extreme lipid and lactation physiology of any mammalian group. In this talk I will explore how genomic, molecular evolution, and transcriptomic analyses are yielding insights into some of [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Ancestral Recombination Graphs, or ARGs, a generalization of phylogenies with recombination, are becoming increasingly central to population genetics. I will outline the tskit software library for ARG storage and analysis, which permits integration of the popular msprime and SLiM simulators, and forms the backbone of the standard library of population genetic simulations (stdpopsim). Tskit is designed from the ground up to enable megascale genomics, providing efficient analysis tools for thousands or millions of whole genome sequences. Using examples from recent publications, I will showcase how tskit can be used for genetic analysis, as well as development of bespoke genetic algorithms, and how we are using it to infer genealogies from genome-scale data. I will conclude by [...]]]>

Research synthesis, the process of synthesising research findings, has been increasingly in the ecological and biological sciences. The course is developed for students and researchers at an early stage of their career, and aims to provide basics on literature search and review. Participants will be able to:(1) understand the process of research synthesis, incl. search protocols and software;(2) conduct a systematic literature search and review; and(3) apply different methods for analyzing published scientific evidence, such as meta-analysis tools.

PROGRAMDay 01 Introduction to research synthesisProtocols of literature searchesSoftware and literature management
Day 02 Best practices in the literature review processAnalysing the outcomes of literature reviewsWorking group session 1 - Practical [...]]]>

REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
How do publics already engage with nature and biodiversity, and what does this mean for how we understand participation in research and conservation? Moving beyond traditional models that view public engagement as communication or consultation exercises, this lecture draws on Science and Technology Studies (STS) to explore participation as diverse, material, and already-existing in practice. Drawing on the Material Democracy project—a six-year research initiative funded by the Strategic Research Council of Finland—I examine how material participation challenges assumptions about who counts as an expert and what forms of knowledge matters in biodiversity. Through attention to the material practices, embodied engagements, and power relations that shape [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Brain size and cognition are complex traits determined by many genes. Recent, potentially adaptive, brain size differences have been observed in rodents and other species inhabiting the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, which has been radioactively contaminated almost 40 years ago. Comparing the transcriptomes of several brain regions between individuals from contaminated versus uncontaminated areas, we identified genes with differential gene expression. Interestingly, we revealed a severe breakdown of the molecular networks of genes involved in brain size development and cognition in individuals from the contaminated areas. Depending on the brain region, however, we also observed compensatory network changes that might have evolved to cope with the stressful environmental [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Admixture, reticulate evolution, hybridisation and adaptive introgression are commonplace, but admixed genomes have been difficult to label in a useful fashion. Genome polarisation uses the linkage disequlibrium generated by admixture to colour a set of genomes by their sources. The algorithm uses no taxonomic priors, no windowing, and scales in linear time to large genomes. Data can be re-sequenced, reduced representation, or mixed. The approach is unbiased by missing data. Applications are diverse. For a hybrid zone, genome regions identified as barriers to geneflow by polarisation correspond to reduced effective migration regions according to the coalescent. I summarise further results regarding conservation and invasion biology, and adaptive introgression. I discuss how [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Diapause is a deep resting stage that facilitates temporal avoidance of unfavourable environmental conditions, and is used by many insects to adapt their life cycle to seasonal variation. Although considerable work has been invested in trying to understand each of the major diapause stages, we know very little about the extrinsic and intrinsic drivers of transitions between stages, especially diapause termination. Here I will present three studies using pupae of the butterfly Pieris napi. (1) In this species, diapause is associated with both temperature-dependent and -independent processes. While the general diapause phenotype is established in a temperature-independent fashion, diapause termination is temperature-dependent and requires a cold signal. (2) The shape of [...]]]>

The course will focus on the ecology of endangered animals, especially the main threats and how certain ecological characteristics increase their vulnerability for extinction. In the second part we will focus on conservation solutions that proved effective, as well as those that are not effective for certain species/threats. Throughout the course we will give special focus to endangered keystone species, such as apex predators, scavengers and ecosystem engineers, which have disproportionally important ecological roles in the ecosystems. In the last part students will gain knowledge how conservation of keystone species can be used for broader conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration.

PROGRAMDay 1- Introduction to biodiversity conservation and global patterns of biodiversity [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Archaeological evidence suggests that dogs diverged from wolves during the Palaeolithic >15,000 years ago. The earliest unequivocal genetic evidence, however, is associated with dog remains from Mesolithic archeological contexts (~10,900 years ago). To test for evidence of dogs in the Palaeolithic, we generated both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes from canid remains at Pınarbaşı (Türkiye) and Gough’s Cave (UK) directly dated to between 15,800 and 14,300 years ago. We also generated genomic data from dogs excavated from two Mesolithic contexts in Serbia (Padina and Vlasac). Combined, our genetic analysis demonstrates that dogs were widely distributed across West Eurasia during the Late Upper Palaeolithic (~14,300 years ago), and may have spread alongside the expansion [...]]]>

All living organisms on Earth interact in intricate ways, forming a complex, interwoven system—what Charles Darwin famously referred to as the "entangled bank." Network Theory provides a set of concepts and analytical tools that enable us to unravel this complexity and address pressing ecological and conservation issues. This course is designed to empower students to integrate Network Ecology into their research endeavours. It blends theoretical frameworks with hands-on practice, driven by both individual and collaborative projects. Students are encouraged to pursue their ecological interaction projects and work with their datasets, as many course activities centre on data analysis and interactive discussions. 

PROGRAM23/03(Mon) 9:30-13:0014:00-17:30 Introduction of the course, instructors, and studentsTheory 1: History and [...]]]>

This course is intended to provide students with theoretical background and practical experience on the spatial analysis of genetic data, with a main focus on the  bioinformatic tools available to automatise the search, preparation, analysis, and representation of single marker data. Students will learn how to clean and curate data, access and handle DNA data from online repositories (e.g. GenBank), automate data queries and species identification and integrate them with spatial biodiversity databases (e.g. IUCN, GBIF). Automatized procedures will be conducted mainly in R and occasionally in python; preliminary knowledge on the former environment is recommended.

PROGRAM- Day 1 (morning) – Review on genetic data and databases: [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
On a global scale, human-induced climate change and the over-exploitation of marine species is placing severe pressure on regional biodiversity and ecosystems. Now more than ever, it is critical to preserve the unique genetic populations adapted to specific environmental niches due to the vulnerability of elasmobranchs (sharks, skates and rays) to global change. Genomic studies provide a means not only to assess the degree of connectivity between marine populations but also to allow the identification of gene regions involved in genomic adaptation by comparing relative differentiation among genome-wide loci. The overall aim of our research is therefore to improve our knowledge on elasmobranchs impacted by fisheries and environmental changes in coastal waters of the [...]]]>

Through a combination of lectures, hands-on labs and field visits to local sites around the CIBIO-UP Campus, this course will cover major topics in lichen and bryophyte biology, ecology and evolution. An emphasis is placed on comparative lichen and bryophyte anatomy, morphology and structure as well as on ecologically key species, including those which may have important applications. Attendees are also given an overview of the incredible diversity of lichens and bryophytes and how these organisms evolved and interacted with the environment. Field visits will involve observing a range of (micro-)habitats where the specimens can be identified within their ecological context. Specimens may be taken back to the laboratory for examination and identification.

After successfully completing the [...]]]>

REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
This study addresses the challenge of two invasive alien species, Chromolaena odorata and Mesosphaerum suaveolens, in central and southern Benin, using six complementary approaches. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review was conducted to synthesise current knowledge on their ecology and impacts. Their ethnobotanical importance was assessed through structured interviews with 196 respondents across six municipalities. Land use dynamics were analysed with multi-temporal Landsat imagery and field surveys to understand their influence on species distribution. Ecological impacts were evaluated by comparing floristic diversity and natural regeneration in invaded versus non-invaded plots in the Lama Forest. Socio-economic impacts were examined [...]]]>

REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Hibernation is a remarkable energy-saving strategy that enables mammals to survive extended periods of cold and food scarcity by drastically reducing their metabolic rate, core body temperature, and overall physiological activity. This phenomenon has been thoroughly investigated in placental (eutherian) mammals, particularly rodents and bats, which serve as classical models. However, our understanding of hibernation across the broader mammalian phylogeny remains incomplete, with marsupials being notably underrepresented despite their key evolutionary position. Here, I introduce our hibernation research in Dromiciops gliroides, a small arboreal marsupial endemic to the temperate rainforests of southern Chile and Argentina. As the only living representative of the order [...]]]>

Research in the settlement and contact history of Southern Africa has been an important activity within the TwinLab cooperation between BIOPOLIS-CIBIO and our partner institutions in Angola. In this workshop, entitled Angolan Language Ecologies: Contexts of Contact, Change and Normalization (Vairão, 9–11 October 2025), researchers from eight countries explore how linguistic, historical, and ecological perspectives can be integrated to better understand language contact and change in Angola. The event marks Angola’s 50th anniversary of independence and takes this milestone as an opportunity to reflect on the country’s remarkable linguistic dynamics, where Portuguese – an erstwhile colonial language – has developed in close interaction with numerous Bantu and Khoisan languages.

The workshop brings together 20 scholars [...]]]>

Mixed models are a powerful, flexible tool that empower biologists to control for various sources of non-independence ("pseudoreplication”) without losing (hardly any) statistical power to detect a significant pattern in their variable of interest. In this three-day course, students, who must already be familiar with linear models and GLMs in R, will learn how to code and implement the next natural step: mixed models. Students will learn the difference between fixed effects and random effects, will learn how to ditch clunky transformations and instead embrace the native distribution of the data, and will be forced to think critically about experimental design. Students will also analyze their own data, so this course is particularly well suited to those with data in hand [...]]]>


In June 2025, BIOPOLIS-CIBIO organized three stakeholder workshops as part of the wildE – Climate Smart Rewilding project, focusing on the two Portuguese case studies: Baixo Sabor and Antarr.
wildE is a Horizon Europe-funded project that brings together 22 organizations from across Europe, integrating cutting-edge scientific research with practical implementation. The initiative aims to develop an innovative approach to ecological restoration that delivers benefits for both climate and biodiversity, while also addressing the needs of local communities. The project focuses on climate-smart rewilding as a response to the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. It collaborates closely with policymakers, local communities, and businesses to generate new knowledge, methodologies, and [...]]]>

REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
The subsurface is one of the most unexplored and unknown ecosystems on Earth. Cave systems, due to their easier accessibility, offer a window into this hidden biosphere, making them ideal natural laboratories for studying subsurface life. Caves can be hosted in various rock types and form as a result of a range of processes, such as dissolution, mechanical weathering, mechanical movement, melting, and solidification. Despite these differences, caves tend to share several characteristics, including the absence of light, limited nutrient input, and isolation from surrounding environments, making them highly oligotrophic. Nevertheless, previous studies have demonstrated that caves harbor a diverse microbial consortium, relying on chemotrophy and mutualistic interactions to [...]]]>

REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
The Sahara and Arabian Deserts, collectively the largest warm desert region on Earth, encompass approximately 17% of the planet's total landmass. Despite their vast expanse, these deserts have historically been overlooked by conservation communities. However, they are home to roughly one-quarter of the world’s terrestrial vertebrate fauna, many of which are endemic species uniquely adapted to survive in harsh environmental conditions. The biodiversity patterns of these desert ecosystems have been profoundly influenced by the long-term biogeographical connectivity between Africa and Asia, which facilitated significant faunal interchange over millennia. This historical dynamic has shaped the unique assemblage of species found in the region today. This presentation will [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
This study investigates the fungal diversity of Atlantic laurel forests, including continental and insular environments, which are relict ecosystems of Tertiary origin harboring high, yet understudied, biodiversity. Using a standardized, replicable sampling protocol across multiple sites dominated by Laurus spp. and Prunus lusitanica subspecies, intensive fieldwork over three years yielded over 1,100 samples and identified 811 distinct fungal species. Sampling included soil, decaying wood, and foliage strata, with identifications based on morphological and genetic analyses. The findings reveal numerous poorly documented taxa and potentially new genera and species, confirming these forests as fungal biodiversity hotspots.
Saúl holds a PhD in [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
The evolution of cornified skin and its appendages, such as claws and hair, were major steps in the diversifying evolution of terrestrial vertebrates. Their development is a dynamic process which depends on several biochemical mechanisms such as Hoxc13 depending regulation of skin appendages and the process of transglutamination. Hoxc13 is a transcription factor which controls the development of hair and nails in mammals. The main components of hair are known as hair keratins. We identified hair keratins in the claw bearing frog Xenopus tropicalis. Hair keratins and hoxc13 are co-expressed in the claw epithelium, and Hoxc13 binding sites were identified in the hair keratin promoters of X. tropicalis. To test the function of Hoxc13, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing was used to [...]]]>

REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Plants and insects are locked in a coevolutionary battle, where plants develop novel chemical defenses and insects adapt to overcome them. These interactions are responsible for much of the Earth’s biodiversity, with adaptations that are key innovations driving speciation bursts on both sides of the interaction. One persistent question is whether traits identified as key innovations on a macroevolutionary scale accurately predict functional performance and selection dynamics within species, as this necessitates characterizing their function, investigating their fitness consequences, and exploring the selection dynamics acting upon them. I will cover the nearly 20 years of my work studying interactions between mustard plants and their butterfly herbivores, focusing upon [...]]]>

REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Animal domestication provides an extraordinary framework to study evolution. As an example, domestication is hypothesized to drive correlated responses in animal morphology, physiology and behaviour, a phenomenon known as the domestication syndrome. However, the expectation that traits within the domestication syndrome are actually correlated lacks quantitative confirmation. Upon testing this commonly applied paradigm in domestication research using standardized behavioural and morphological data from more than 76,000 purebred dogs, we found limited support for the domestication syndrome hypothesis. Another popular domestication hypothesis posits that dogs have evolved unique abilities to interpret social-communicative behaviour expressed by humans post-domestication. This [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
This Open Lecture will explore key challenges and considerations in adopting decentralized approaches to natural resource management, with a particular emphasis on the economics of managing mobile public bads (such as vector-borne diseases). The presentation will begin by outlining the conceptual and methodological distinctions between centralized and decentralized management frameworks. It will then examine the economic incentives encountered by different stakeholders under decentralized governance. Finally, the discussion will address the implications of these dynamics for the design and implementation of effective policy instruments. Illustrative examples, including anecdotal evidence and insights from a recent publication will be used to ground the discussion in [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
The Anthropocene is a product of locked-in cultural evolutionary trajectories that are bringing us on the verge of a global polycrisis, where global environmental and social disruption amplify each other. Sustainability transformations trying to change this trajectory must be informed be informed by these underlying dynamics dynamics or they risk being overwhelmed by the dynamics of business-as-usual. In this talk I give an overview of recent and ongoing empirical synthesis research on dynamics and interactions of polycrisis and sustainability transformations in the Anthropocene. Doing so, I will also dive into case studies, such as antibiotic resistance that illustrate the particular challenges of governing coevolutionary dynamics between human culture and the living [...]]]>

OPEN CLASS IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Genomic tools have revolutionized our ability to investigate biological questions at unprecedented resolution, but with this power comes a responsibility to critically assess the data, methods, and inferences we produce. In this talk, I explore how assumptions, batch effects, and analytic flexibility can lead to erroneous conclusions even in high-profile publications, and how such pitfalls are often hidden beneath layers of statistical confidence and computational output. By highlighting real examples from ecological genomics, I show how different aligners, priors, and analytical choices can drastically alter evolutionary interpretations, particularly those involving selection inference, trait association, and comparative genomics. From replicate failures in model organisms to [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
The Western Rattlesnake clade consists of several species, including C. cerberus, C. viridis, C. oreganus and C. scutulatus (hereafter CVOS), with combined ranges that span the western half of the United States, extending into south-central Mexico and SW Canada. The taxonomy of the group has been contentious and debated for some time, and understanding regional differentiation is complicated by numerous cases of range expansion/contraction, secondary contact and introgression in many areas, and current isolation due to geographic features. However, these same factors have produced a natural experiment scenario for evaluating their effects on venom phenotypes on a broad geographic scale. Over many years, we have collected venom samples broadly, focusing [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
A growing need for food is causing increased interest for seaweed farming globally. This requires the knowledge of the industry’s effects on the marine environment. We therefore aimed to explore the communities hosted by a kelp farm compared to that of wild kelp forests. The study was performed in mid-western Norway. Kelp associated fauna were collected from farmed kelp (Saccharina latissima and Alaria esculenta), in wild kelp forests (S. latissima, A. esculenta, and Laminaria hyperborea), and from fauna traps in the water column. The study showed that the kelp farm had lower taxa abundance and richness and a lower biodiversity than the wild kelp forests. Nonetheless, the farmed kelp hosted many associated species, with communities different from what was found on [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Climatic extremes are becoming increasingly common against a background trend of global warming. In the oceans, the frequency and duration of marine heatwaves (MHWs)—periods of anomalously warm water—have increased significantly over the past century, with wide-ranging impacts on ecosystems and coastal societies.  Our understanding of MHW patterns, drivers and impacts has expanded rapidly in recent years, with MHWs emerging as pervasive drivers of ecosystem change. We quantified trends and physical attributes of MHWs heatwaves globally, and examined their biological impacts from individuals to ecosystems. The physical attributes of prominent recent MHWs varied considerably, but all had deleterious impacts across a range of biological processes and taxa, including critical [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Angola’s coastal waters harbor a diverse elasmobranch fauna, sharks and rays, that remain among the least studied in the eastern Atlantic. Historically, the scarcity of baseline scientific data has hindered effective management and conservation, leaving many species vulnerable to overfishing, habitat loss, and unregulated fisheries. The Angola Elasmo Project was founded to fill this critical knowledge gap by establishing the first comprehensive, long-term research and conservation programme focused on Angola’s shark and ray populations.  Since 2019, the AEP has systematically generated essential biological and ecological data through extensive fishery surveys, covering over 50,000 specimens. By combining rigorous scientific monitoring with socio-economic assessments [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
A core challenge of our time is to predict how organisms will respond to global environmental change. Yet most of our current predictive tools are correlative (statistical) methods that largely overlook the mechanisms underlying organism-environment interactions and thus have a limited capacity to extrapolate responses to unprecedented environmental scenarios. An emerging area of research is committed to developing mechanistic models to capture these interactions – a multidisciplinary endeavor integrating disparate fields such as thermodynamics, physiology, and evolutionary biology. A starting point towards achieving this integration has been to develop biophysical models describing energy and mass exchange between an organism and its (micro)environment to derive metrics of [...]]]>

STUDENT SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Ecologists have long sought to understand how species with similar ecological niches coexist, especially in sympatric environments. Traditional studies using low-resolution presence and environmental data have provided insights into these processes but often focus on a single season (mainly breeding) and are limited in capturing spatiotemporal environmental variation. Recent developments in satellite data and high-resolution biologging now enable researchers to better understand species coexistence and distribution in dynamic ecosystems. Sandgrouse (Pteroclidae) are ideal for studying niche dynamics and coexistence due to their narrow environmental requirements year-round. Here, we investigated habitat suitability and niche overlap between pin-tailed (Pterocles [...]]]>

REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
The Biodiversity Genomics Europe (BGE) project aims to accelerate the use of genetic tools to better understand biodiversity, track how it is changing, and support efforts to protect it. One of its main goals is to study patterns of species diversity across Europe and to help develop standard methods for collecting and analysing environmental DNA (eDNA). This seminar gives an overview of the contribution of BIOPOLIS-CIBIO within the BGE project, with a focus on both eDNA sampling of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, to address knowledge gaps in biodiversity for across Europe. The terrestrial eDNA component focusses on assessing soil biodiversity to identify patterns and examine the dynamics of ecological intensification and restoration across land chronosequences in Europe. [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Understanding how fruits ripen and accumulate metabolites in their tissues holds enormous potential for the agro-industrial and pharmaceutical sectors, enabling the development of healthier foods and plant-based medicines. Studying transcription factors (TFs) in unconventional plants such as grapevine presents a scientific challenge but offers immediate applicability, as specialized metabolism and developmental programs like ripening are tightly regulated by spatiotemporal constraints. Understanding these constraints and finding ways to bypass them is one of the key biotechnological interests in this field. In our research group, we focus on the transcriptional regulation of ripening and secondary metabolism. Our goal is to characterize transcription factor families and gene regulatory [...]]]>

REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
This presentation will provide an overview of the challenges associated with the development of conservation strategies for the red-billed chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) in Scotland. The chough population has decreased in size and range markedly over the last 30 years and is currently restricted to the Hebridean islands of Islay and Colonsay. The cause of this decrease is low first-year survival (from fledging to age one year) attributed to low food abundance and/or availability. Ideally, the increases in food that are required to ensure population persistence would be achieved through effective grassland habitat management that increases availability and abundance of the chough’s invertebrate prey. However, given the urgent need to increase first-year survival to ensure short-term [...]]]>

STUDENT SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Climate change is impacting biodiversity, especially ectotherms, which are highly vulnerable due to their dependence on external environmental conditions. Microhabitats can provide refuge and mitigate impacts like water and heat stress. Using a mechanistic modelling approach, we assessed how microhabitat variability and physiological traits influence lizards’ activity, preferred temperature, shade selection, and water loss in northern Portugal. Microhabitats were classified using high-resolution geospatial data, and biophysical models were applied to simulate organismal responses under current and future climate scenarios (+2°C and +4°C). The NicheMapR microclimate model was calibrated with field data, and steady-state ectotherm models were used to extract physiological [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Animal welfare is an increasingly important concern in the research community, and researchers are asked to comply with the European Union’s guidelines on the use of animals in research. The ORBEA-BIOPOLIS-CIBIO is the Animal Welfare and Ethics Review Board and supports this mission by advising researchers on issues related to animal welfare, the application of the 3Rs, and by providing non-binding opinions on projects involving animals. This seminar is aimed at presenting the role and responsibilities of ORBEA, introducing its members, and clarifying how it can support researchers working at BIOPOLIS-CIBIO. The seminar will be divided in two parts: the first for presenting key ethical and regulatory considerations related to animal use in research. The second part will focus [...]]]>

REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Studies examining the evolution of genomes have been mainly focused on sequence conservation. However, the inner working of a cell implies a tightly regulated crosstalk between complex gene networks, controlled by small dispersed regulatory elements of physically contacting DNA regions. How these different levels of chromatin organization crosstalk in different species underpins the potential for genome evolutionary plasticity. I will provide an overview on the evolution of chromatin organization, discussing on general aspects of the mode and tempo of genome evolution to later explore the multiple layers of genome organization. We propose that both genome and chromosome size modulate patterns of chromatin folding and that chromatin interactions facilitate the formation of [...]]]>

REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Effective wildlife conservation requires more than biology-derived data—it requires an integrated understanding of the people who share landscapes with wildlife. In the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau, this approach is especially critical. The Bijagó ethnic group lives in insularity and depends heavily on non-timber forest products and small-scale agriculture. Consequently, their livelihoods are particularly vulnerable to crop-raiding species such as the three guenons they coexist with: the spot-nosed monkey (Cercopithecus petaurista), Campbell’s monkey (Cercopithecus campbelli), and the green monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus). Of these, the spot-nosed monkey is of particular conservation concern. Likely extirpated from the mainland, its insular populations may represent [...]]]>

REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Engaging local communities is essential for the success and sustainability of wildlife conservation efforts worldwide. This approach recognizes the vital role that community knowledge and participation play in addressing complex conservation challenges. By integrating ecological and socio-economic perspectives, conservation strategies can be more effective and resilient. In diverse regions, community involvement helps bridge gaps between conservation goals and local needs. This engagement fosters a balance between preserving biodiversity and supporting community livelihoods. By embracing inclusive and participatory methods, conservation efforts can achieve long-lasting impacts that benefit both ecosystems and human populations. The focus is on exploring how communities can [...]]]>

REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Biodiversity in Europe is in crisis: nearly 60% of European species have experienced population declines in recent decades, and over 80% of habitats within the EU are currently classified as being in poor condition. In this context of rapid global change, it is essential that we develop efficient and accurate tools to capture the spatio-temporal dynamics of biodiversity in order to inform effective management and mitigation strategies. While species richness remains the most commonly used metric for tracking biodiversity change, biodiversity itself is a complex, multidimensional construct—encompassing genetic, taxonomic, phylogenetic, and ecological components. Integrating all of these dimensions with traditional monitoring methods is logistically and technically challenging, as [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Freshwater fish represent one-fourth of the world’s vertebrates and provide irreplaceable goods and services but are increasingly affected by human activities. Here I will present how anthropic disturbances changed fish biodiversity across the globe considering taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic dimensions of biodiversity. I will show that most rivers of the globe experienced drastic biodiversity changes during the two last centuries, leading to an overall increase of biodiversity but a decline in distinctiveness between rivers. I will then focus on the rivers from the Guiana shield (Northern Amazonia), one of the least impacted tropical ecosystems on earth, to show how environmental metabarcoding techniques allowed to inventory local fish and mammal faunas. Those inventories [...]]]>

REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Synanthropic rodents are considered major pests worldwide, posing increasing economic and public health risks, against which exhaustive efforts have been made towards the implementation of control/eradication strategies. The use of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) is by far the most widely used method for pest control on a global scale, since their development in the 1950s. Their mechanism of action is essentially based on disrupting the blood coagulation cascade, causing internal bleeding, and eventually death. Due to limitations of alternative methods, there is a virtually total reliance on these compounds and no prospects of valid alternatives in a predictable future. While pivotal in controlling rodent populations and preserving various aspects such as infrastructure, [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
This seminar will explore the use of modelling for understanding climate change impacts on heritage. It will assess the use of a range of models applied over multiple spatial and temporal scales.
Dr. Jenny Richards holds a Career Development Fellowship at St John’s College, University of Oxford and is a Researcher in the School of Geography and the Environment, also at University of Oxford. Her research combines field and lab work with computational modelling to assess how changes in climate and the environment affect heritage. 
[Host: Joana Marques, Ecology for the conservation of Cultural Heritage – ROCKinBIO]]]>

STUDENT SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

In few areas worldwide, horses are a regular wolf prey and comprise the majority of wolf diet. This is the case in northern Iberian Peninsula, where wolves positively select autochthonous breeds of mountain ponies, which are free-ranging but have owners, leading to severe conflicts. Yet, patterns and drivers related to wolf consumption of free-ranging mountain ponies are poorly characterized. We conducted a systematic literature review on diet of Iberian wolves with three main goals: 1) assess general patterns of wolf diet in areas with or without free-ranging ponies, including geographic distribution, prey consumption (%FO), and seasonal variation; 2) investigate how consumption of free-ranging horses affects consumption of other prey species by wolves; and 3) identify [...]]]>
BIOPOLIS officially inaugurated its new headquarters today, consolidating its position as a center of excellence in biodiversity, environmental biology, and sustainability research. Led by CIBIO – the Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources at the University of Porto – the BIOPOLIS project is recognized as a national and international benchmark for science that connects nature, knowledge, and society. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister, Dr. Luís Montenegro, the Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, Prof. Fernando Alexandre, and the Minister of Environment and Energy, Prof. Maria da Graça Carvalho. Their presence highlighted the strategic importance of BIOPOLIS to Portugal’s vision for a sustainable, science-driven future. The program included the unveiling of the [...]]]>


REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
The use of network approaches to the study of biotic interactions, has seen a noticeable increase since its introduction into the field of ecology. It helped us to understand structure and functioning of whole communities, their ability to withstand or predict responses to disturbances, and even evolutionary insights. However, networks were often looked at as separate entities. Undoubtedly, the study them interactions between plants and animals has benefited from such approach. In recent years, multilayer networks have been adopted as a way to bridge this gap, allowing the connect and incorporate dependencies across time, space and also other types of biotic interactions. This new approach to ecological networks brings however new [...]]]>


Three major empirical patterns involving sex chromosomes have been observed in higher eukaryotes: Y (or W) chromosomes are often non-recombining and degenerate; when two species hybridize, but one sex is sterile or inviable among hybrid offspring, it is most often the heterogametic sex (XY or ZW)—the so-called Haldane’s rule; and the X (or Z) plays a disproportionately large effect on reproductive isolation compared to autosomes—the so-called large X effect. Each observation has generally received its own tailored explanation involving multiple genetic and evolutionary causes. In this seminar, I will show that these empirical patterns all emerge from a single theory for sex chromosome evolution incorporating the co-evolution of cis and trans-acting regulators of gene expression, and leading to [...]]]>


DNA metabarcoding is now widely used to explore biodiversity patterns and food webs across diverse habitats and ecosystems. This method enables the identification of multiple organisms within complex samples—such as air, water, feces, soil, or bulk biological material—through the amplification of taxonomically informative genomic regions. Significant progress has been made in developing this approach, driven by the need for a simple, rapid, and cost-effective solution. However, the successful application of DNA metabarcoding requires expertise in multiple fields, including traditional and DNA-based taxonomy, molecular biology, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, bioinformatics, and computational statistics. Poorly informed technical decisions at any stage of the workflow can compromise the quality of [...]]]>


Biological invasions are a critical driver of environmental change and biodiversity loss. With globalisation accelerating these changes, managing invasive alien species demands robust and dynamic detection and monitoring systems coupled with adaptive response strategies. This advanced course delves into the latest advancements and practical applications of tools and technologies: artificial intelligence, citizen science and iEcology, Remote Sensing and Earth Observation; Static, Hybrid and Dynamic modelling and Economic Tools. .Participants will engage in both theoretical and practical sessions, learning from leading researchers about innovative solutions and their applications across different spatial-temporal contexts.  
PROGRAM Key Areas Covered: 1. Artificial Intelligence in [...]]]>


Explore diverse methods in animal research through lectures and case studies. Learn directed, automated, and non-invasive data collection, alongside non-classical genetic approaches like optogenetics. Delve into experimental design, contingency planning, and ethical considerations. Gain insights into evolutionary frameworks. Culminates in a roundtable on future directions in experimental animal research.
PROGRAM DAY 1: Monday, 7 April 2025 Morning 9:30-11:00h – Introduction to experimental approaches in animal research.  Coffee break 11:30-13:00h – Talking about ourselves – Ice breaker session Lunch break 14:00-15:30 – Introduction to directed data collection Coffee break 16:00-17:30h – Biological examples of outstanding directed data collection




REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Operations Research (OR) applies mathematical models, analytical methods, and computational techniques to optimize decision-making in complex systems across various fields. Optimization, a core aspect of OR, focuses on finding the best possible solutions to problems by maximizing or minimizing objectives under given constraints. In conservation planning, optimization helps decision-makers evaluate different strategies, allocate limited resources efficiently, and balance competing priorities. Multi-objective optimization, an interdisciplinary field, addresses decision-making challenges involving conflicting objectives, enabling conservation planners to prioritize actions effectively while considering multiple trade-offs. In this seminar, we [...]]]>


The course will focus and several aspects of entomology with the objective of familiarise the trainees with taxonomy, identification using morphology and molecular methods, distinct methods of sampling and monitoring, sample processing and storage and data analysis.
PROGRAM Day one: Theoretical background; diversity of invertebrates; ecological and economical roles of invertebrates; Conservation Day two: Identification - distinct methods used with special focus on morphology and DNA barcoding  Day three: Museum collections and their role (excursion to MHNC-UP in collaboration with Dr. José Manuel Grosso-Silva).  Day four: Sampling and monitoring methodologies (practical exercise in the field) Day five: Sample processing: from field to collections in practice



This course provides the basic concepts and techniques involved in water environmental DNA (eDNA) tools for assessing biodiversity in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. eDNA analysis is an innovative and non-invasive approach for studying elusive and endangered species, assessing biodiversity and monitoring ecosystem health. Considering the wide range of possible applications for water eDNA, coupled with the vast diversity of sampling, laboratory work, bioinformatics, and analytical approaches, it can be intimidating to initiate an eDNA-based project. Therefore, in this course, we provide participants with the basic knowledge necessary to design, implement, and analyse biodiversity information using different molecular assays. This course intends to provide a comprehensive [...]]]>


Photography is becoming in one of the most important tools for divulgation and conservation, but also it have an important component for scientific purpose. In this Workshop you will learn to maximize your equipment and get the best from it, learning from basic rules to more advance tricks and techniques to take the shot that you have in mind. We will address the technique from the equipment preparation, through the making off, to the post-processing in Lightroom.
PROGRAM Day 1 - Introduction 09:30 - 12:30 | Wildlife for Nature 14:00 - 17:00 | Camera, settings and parameters and rules to optimize your Photography

Day 2 09:30 - 12:30 | Basic Photography. Tricks, Shortcuts and Light. (Portrait, Macro, Wide Macro, Close-up, Studio…) 14:00 - 16:00 | Field [...]]]>


Conservation genetics is a scientific field that deals with the application of genetics to understand and reduce the risk of population and species extinctions. It is both a fundamental and an applied science. It aims to preserve and manage the genetic diversity – and thus evolutionary capacity - of populations and species, by combining fundaments in evolutionary biology, molecular biology, population genetics, mathematical modeling, and ecology. Topics include inbreeding, loss of genetic diversity, genetic management, and the use of genetic markers to aid in species and individual identification, to resolve taxonomic uncertainties, to understand species biology, and in wildlife forensics. This introductory course is composed by lectures, practical lessons, discussion forums [...]]]>


REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
We summarized over 30 years of research on zebra and quagga mussels in the Laurentian Great Lakes and compared with data from European and North American inland lakes. Invasion dynamics, growth, and reproduction of dreissenids in the Great Lakes are governed by lake morphometry. At < 30 m mussels overshot their carrying capacity and declined within 13–15 years after first detection, while at > 90 m populations continue to increase much longer. After the proliferation of quagga mussels, benthic biomass increased about two orders of magnitude and currently exceeds zooplankton biomass > 40-fold. Strong benthic pelagic coupling redirects food and energy from the water column to the bottom causing an increase in Secchi depth, [...]]]>


It is a pleasure to announce the first edition of Mértola Evolution Conferences (MECs), which will occur in the Spring at the beautiful historical town of Mértola, Southern Portugal.
Mértola Conferences aim to bring researchers and students from all over the world to discuss cutting-edge studies in biology focusing on evolution (each year a specific topic), fostering new ideas and collaborations. Mértola Conferences are promoted by EBM – Biological Station of Mértola, in collaboration with the Faculty of Sciences and CIBIO-BIOPOLIS from the University of Porto, and other national and international institutions.
Mértola is located in the Southeast Alentejo region of Portugal, near the Spanish border, crossed by the Guadiana river and [...]]]>

The LAFERIA project, a Horizon Europe project, was officially launched with a successful kick-off meeting held from February 25 and 26 in Portugal at BIOPOLIS-CIBIO headquarters. This meeting brought together all 13 project partners, setting the foundation for successful collaboration and laying the groundwork for the ambitious objectives of the LAFERIA project. Coordinated  by BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, the project includes as partners HELMHOLTZ-ZENTRUM FUR UMWELTFORSCHUNG GMBH - UFZ (UFZ), EIGEN VERMOGEN VAN HET INSTITUUT VOOR LANDBOUW- EN VISSERIJONDERZOEK (EV-ILVO), EUROPEAN ENVIRONMENTAL BUREAU (EEB), FINNISH ENVIRONMENT INSTITUTE (SYKE), HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO (UH), HOGSKOLAN I HALMSTAD (HU), INSTITUTE FOR EUROPEAN ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY (IEEP), PENSOFT PUBLISHERS (PENSOFT), SOCIETY FOR TERRITORIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROSPERITY [...]]]>

This course explores the intricate interplay between geopolitical dynamics, socioeconomic factors, and biodiversity change on a global scale. Participants will delve into the complex relationships between human activities, environmental degradation, and the loss of biodiversity, examining how these factors shape and are shaped by geopolitical tensions, economic systems, and societal structures. Through case studies, discussions, and interactive sessions, participants will gain a deep understanding of the geopolitical and socioeconomic dimensions of biodiversity change, specificly to:- Understand the Interconnectedness of Biodiversity Change and Global Dynamics: Explore the multifaceted relationships between biodiversity loss, geopolitical shifts, and socioeconomic factors on a global scale.- Analyze Geopolitical Drivers of [...]]]>


REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Small ruminants represent the most vulnerable livestock sector in the European Union (EU) and currently face numerous challenges. Among these, transmissible diseases are particularly relevant due to their significant health and socioeconomic consequences, which can affect the sector’s viability. In Andalusia (southern Spain), a key region driving Spain's sheep and goat sector, knowledge about several pathogens affecting these species remains limited. Additionally, in this region, small ruminants are often extensively raised, sharing habitat, resources, and pathogens with wildlife. Effective control of these shared pathogens, some of which are also of public health concern, requires a One Health approach that involves all [...]]]>


CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Marine turtles are considered "keystone or indicator" species, which clearly indicates the current environmental condition of the oceans. They serve as an "umbrella" species for conservation because of their complex life cycle, which depends on the protection of numerous habitats and interconnected ecosystems. But, in recent times, marine turtle numbers have been rapidly declining. Of the 7 species, 6 are classified between vulnerable and endangered. A large part of these declines have been brought about by human causes. One such example is climate change. Over the past 100 years, a warming of 0.6-0.9˚C has been experienced worldwide. Cold-blooded organisms, such as marine turtles, are extremely sensitive to this temperature [...]]]>

This course will provide a simple introduction to Bayesian statistics and hierarchical models in R. These models are essential parts of an ecologists’ toolkit, allowing estimation of population sizes, trends and distributions. The course will combine some theory on Bayesian statistics and hierarchical modelling, as well as practical sessions implementing such models in R using the JAGS language.
PROGRAMDay 1:Morning: introduction to Bayesian statistics (theory)Afternoon: Bayesian GLMs, introduction to JAGS (practical)Day 2:Morning: introduction to hierarchical models (theory)Afternoon: hierarchical models in JAGS (practical)Day 3:Morning: applications of hierarchical modelsAfternoon: hierarchical models in JAGS (practical)
CALENDAR3 days - 18 hours - Schedule: 09:30 - 12:30 & 14:00 - 17:00
COURSE [...]]]>

This advanced course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of meta-analysis techniques and their application in ecological research. Participants will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to conduct a meta-analysis. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on sessions, and group discussions, this course will equip participants with the tools to synthesize ecological data effectively. By the end of the course, participants will have a solid foundation in both the theory and practice of meta-analysis, enabling them to apply these techniques in their own research effectively.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  This course does have precedence, only participants who have completed the "Methods in research synthesis I: systematic reviews” Advanced Course [...]]]>


Viruses are ubiquitous on Earth: they infect all cellular forms, from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. They are important agents of animal and human diseases (e.g. SARS-CoV-2, HIV, FIV, Zika, Avian Influenza, RHDV, etc). Therefore, viruses prevention, detection and treatment, requires the understanding of their nature, replication and infectious process. In this course we will provide the basics of virology, and analyse the evolutionary theories/mechanisms proposed to explain the different evolutionary patterns observed in animal viruses. Additionally, we will approach host-pathogen co-evolution by providing tools to study both the virus and the host. 
PROGRAM Day 01 10:00-13:00 A brief overview of viruses (importance, classification, [...]]]>
Researchers from the InvasionS group at BIOPOLIS-CIBIO attended the kick-off meeting at the Joint Research Centre in Ispra, Italy, from January 20-23. OneSTOP aims to enhance European biosecurity by promoting holistic approaches, breaking down silos, and engaging with communities to tackle invasive alien species.
Last January, two ambitious multi-stakeholder projects - OneSTOP and GuardIAS - were launched in a joint kick-off meeting to tackle the growing threat of invasive alien species. Focusing on terrestrial and aquatic environments, respectively, these projects will work in tandem to mitigate the adverse impacts of invasive alien species on endangered species, natural [...]]]>


This course explores the dynamic intersection of infrastructure development and wildlife conservation. Students will learn to balance transport and energy infrastructure development needs with ecological preservation through strategic planning, effective monitoring, and innovative mitigation techniques. Compensation measures will also be discussed. The curriculum covers the environmental impacts of onshore infrastructure (roads, railways, powerlines, wind farms, and solar photovoltaic plants), wildlife habitat requirements, and the application of technology in monitoring and mitigating negative effects. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills, this course aims to prepare students for careers in environmental planning, conservation, and sustainable development, as well as to foster future [...]]]>


REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Geminiviruses pose a major threat to global agriculture, severely compromising crop productivity and food security. Among these pathogens, Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) stands out as one of the most devastating, causing extensive yield losses in tomato crops worldwide. To mitigate its impact, developing effective resistance strategies is critical, and advancing our understanding of plant defense mechanisms is key to engineering durable, virus-resistant cultivars.This presentation explores the molecular basis of TYLCV resistance, focusing on three pivotal resistance genes—Ty-1, Ty-2, and Ty-5—that confer protection through distinct mechanisms: • Ty-1 enhances plant immunity by amplifying RNA-directed DNA [...]]]>

Functional Biology is designed to fully decipher and understand the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underpinning biological systems. Central to this idea is the clarification of how the flux of information encoded by genes is used and regulated to maintain the life of cells and organisms under constant environmental challenges. The Plant Functional Biology course will provide an updated overview of the strategies currently deployed towards phenotype-genotype associations in multiple aspects of Plant Science research (i.e. plant development, nutrition, environmental stress, pathogen infection, specialized metabolism), and is focused on plant models, crops and omics strategies.
The main focus of this advanced course is the study of key genes pertaining to major questions in Plant [...]]]>


REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
The Atlantic herring is one of most abundant vertebrates on earth and sustains one of the top ten most important marine fisheries in the world. This species has developed into a gold mine for exploring the genetics of ecological adaptation in vertebrates because of the following reasons. Firstly, it is subdivided into many subpopulations/ecotypes adapted to different climate conditions, spawning time, migration and feeding behavior. Secondly, the huge population size and gene flow between populations essentially eliminate genetic drift even between geographically distant populations. Thus, no sophisticated statistical models are needed to detect loci under selection. Thirdly, the herring deposit sticky eggs on the sea floor [...]]]>

Fluid preservation is one of the best ways to preserve zoological specimens for biological research. This intensive course will introduce fluid preservation techniques and how to conserve and manage such specimens/collections. The course will cover the basics of specimen-based research, history of fluid preservation, best practices on collecting and fixing, conservation and management of fluid preserved specimens/collections, ethics and legislation, challenges associated to fluid preserved collections, and modern use of fluid preserved specimens for research (extended-specimen concept; museomics; etc). The course will include practical training on both collecting, fixing, conservation and collection management. This course is intended for researchers, students, and museum specialists.
PROGRAMDay 1
9.00 – 9.15


We are proud to announce that BIOPOLIS has been awarded the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) distinction by the European Union. This prestigious recognition highlights our commitment to fostering a stimulating, fair, and supportive working environment for researchers, reinforcing our dedication to excellence in scientific research.The HRS4R award reflects BIOPOLIS’ alignment with the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. By implementing best practices in recruitment, career development, and working conditions, we are building an inclusive and transparent research ecosystem that promotes professional growth and international collaboration.This achievement marks an important milestone for BIOPOLIS, enhancing our reputation as a research [...]]]>


This course is intended to provide students with theoretical background and practical experience on the spatial analysis of genetic data, with a main focus on the bioinformatic tools available to automatise the search, preparation, analysis, and representation of single marker data. Students will learn how to clean and curate data, access and handle DNA data from online repositories (e.g. GenBank, BOLD), automate data queries and species identification and integrate them with spatial biodiversity databases (e.g. IUCN, GBIF). Automatised procedures will be conducted mainly in R and occasionally in python; preliminary knowledge on the former environment is recommended. 
PROGRAM - Day 1 (morning/theoretical) - Review on phylogenetic tools; applications and limitations of DNA barcoding and [...]]]>

REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
The data classically used in population genomics (SNP allele frequencies) summarizes information on genetic exchange between lineages and how it is reduced and eventually stopped between nascent species via various measures of similarity/differentiation between individuals or populations. This simplification leads to a significant loss of information limiting the potential of most inferences based on genomic sequences. This is especially true in the study of speciation, which by nature requires integrating genetic ancestry information to better reconstruct the history of divergence, measure gene flow, and quantify how genetic differences affect reproductive isolation across the genome. The Ancestral Recombination Graph (ARG) provides [...]]]>


CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
The surge in research focused on conservation, along with its novelty factor, has made it an appealing subject of investigation from multiple perspectives. This growing interest has fostered an interdisciplinary approach that has yielded significant innovations, ultimately bolstering efforts aimed at conserving the Earth's biodiversity. However, a critical challenge is the need to effectively synthesize and organize research findings in a way that positively influences conservation initiatives. Of particular concern is the decline of amphibian populations, with over 40% of species worldwide now listed as threatened. When analysing the proportion of threatened amphibians within each biome, East Asia stands out as a hotspot of amphibian [...]]]>

Landscape ecology emphasizes the interactions between spatial patterns and ecological processes. Bridging concepts and tools from natural and social sciences, landscape ecology provides a toolbox to quantify and model biodiversity and ecosystem services, essential to support decision-making and landscape planning towards restoration, conservation, and management across scales. Combining lectures and hands-on sessions, this course will provide attendees with an updated overview of the concepts and methods used to grasp landscape patterns, processes, and social-ecological dynamics.After completion of this 4-day course attendees will gain knowledge regarding:. Foundations of landscape ecology and basic concepts;. Patterns, processes and social-ecological dynamics at the landscape level;. State-of-the-art methods and tools used in [...]]]>


Research synthesis, the process of synthesising research findings, has increased in all research fields. The course is developed for students and researchers at an early stage of their career and aims to provide the basics of literature search and review. Participants will be able to: (1) understand the process of research synthesis, incl. search protocols and software; (2) conduct a systematic literature search and review; and (3) apply different methods for analyzing published scientific evidence. 
PROGRAM DAY 1 – January 13
Morning  09h45 – 10h00 Opening session 10h00 – 11h00 Introduction to research synthesis o What is Research Synthesis? o Historical Overview and Evolution o Types of Research Synthesis o [...]]]>

This course intends to introduce the student to R programming from the very beginning. During the week, we will start describing what R is, what type of data works with (such as vectors, matrix and dataframes), and the basic functions. The course covers practical issues in statistical computing which includes programming in R, reading data into R, accessing R packages and writing R functions.
PROGRAM (24 hours)DAY 1: MondayMorning9:30-11:00h – Introduction to R environment. Simple data manipulation.Coffee break11:30-13:00h – Functions and packages
Lunch break
14:00-15:30 – Objects: attributes and modes.Coffee break16:00-17:30h – Ordered and unordered vectors; factors and matrices.

DAY 2: TuesdayMorning9:30-11:00h – Dataframes and lists.Coffee break11:30-13:00h – Importing and exporting [...]]]>


CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Body size and temperature set metabolic rates and the pace of life, but the energetics of large fishes is uncertain, especially for the warm-bodied mesotherms, many of which heavily influence the structure of oceanic food webs. We developed a novel approach to estimate metabolic heat production in fishes, enabling tests of how routine energy expenditure scales with size and temperature from tiny 10-mg larvae up to three-tonne mega-planktivorous sharks. We found mesothermic fish use ~ 5 times more energy than similarly sized ectotherms, and uncovered a scaling mismatch whereby large fish produce heat at a faster rate than they lose it, becoming increasingly warm bodied. This heat imbalance creates an overheating predicament for large [...]]]>


Please visit the website of the XX edition of the National Meeting of Evolutionary Biology - ENBE: https://enbe2024.rd.ciencias.ulisboa.pt/ We are pleased to announce the 20th edition of ENBE- ENCONTRO NACIONAL DE BIOLOGIA EVOLUTIVA, chaired by Rui Faria from BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Portugal.   During 1,5 days of conference, we will discuss recent scientific findings in various the disciplines in field of Evolutionary Biology, including Evolution Education.     The international meeting of Portuguese Association for Evolutionary Biology (


REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
One of the flagship projects led by the CoastalWarming group is the CCTBON, which aims to monitor temperature and biodiversity over the next decade on hundreds of rocky shores across the Atlantic, from Pole to Pole. As of this date, 213 sites have already been implemented, and we continue to add new sites almost every month. This talk will be a lighthearted recount of the most adventurous expeditions we've undertaken so far, from the Bijagós in Guinea Bissau to the Argentinian Patagonia and many of the remotest islands in the Atlantic. Crucially, in addition to showcasing incredible images of incredible places, I will also use this opportunity to share accumulated experience regarding expedition planning and execution (including when [...]]]>
Symbiotic interactions are widespread in Earth’s ecosystems including the marine environment. "Living together” is a good description of the wide spectrum of interactions ranging from predation and parasitism to the positive interactions of commensalism and mutualism most commonly associated with the term symbiosis and where different organisms depend on one another for survival but may not all benefit equally. The most notable example of marine symbiosis are coral reefs – a mutually beneficial relationship between algae and corals — which provides algae with shelter, gives coral reefs their colours and supplies both organisms with nutrients. But the coral reef ecosystem, and its immense biodiversity, relies on many other symbioses, as between cnidarians (e.g., scleractinian corals, octocorals, sea anemones, [...]]]> The Trends in Biodiversity and Evolution (TiBE) conference is an annual meeting organized by BIOPOLIS-CIBIO providing a platform for senior researchers, as well as post-graduate and graduate students, to present and discuss the latest developments in evolutionary biology and related fields. Topics covered include speciation, molecular evolution, comparative genomics, and population and conservation genetics, among others. Held in an informal yet stimulating atmosphere, the conference fosters learning, exchange and collaboration within the scientific community. 

TiBE 2024 The 13th edition of the conference is devoted to the theme Ecology and Conservation in the Afrotropics: Enhancing Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research and is held within the scope of the TROPIBIO ERA [...]]]>


REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
In evolutionary history, predatory tactics have evolved numerous times within populations of herbivorous animals. Here we simulated the evolution of predatory tactics and tested whether a novel predatory tactic could be introduced into rodent populations with a predominantly plant-based diet. We utilized selection lines of the wild rodent species, the bank vole (Myodes glareolus), which had been selectively bred for predatory behavior, alongside unselected control lines. Our field experiment demonstrates that negative frequency-dependent (NFD) selection, which confers an advantage to a rare tactic, plays a pivotal role as an evolutionary mechanism. We also tested experimentally whether the costs of reproduction may determine invasion [...]]]>

STUDENT SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Global warming has widely impacted marine ecosystems, with shifts in species distributions being one of the most widespread consequences. A striking example is the sea spaghetti, Himanthalia elongata, a canopy-forming brown macroalgae with an important structuring role in coastal ecosystems. This species used to occur from Scandinavia to central Portugal, with a distribution gap in the warmer Bay of Biscay. However, it is becoming extinct at its warm distribution edges – a phenomenon often associated with further biodiversity loss. These drastic distributional shifts seem to be directly responding to warming in the region. In this study, we reconstructed the historical changes in the distribution of H. elongata on the Atlantic coast of Europe [...]]]>

BIOPOLIS MONTHLY SEMINARS

Biological diversity is distributed in the space at various taxonomic levels: from genes to ecosystems. Describing and understanding the spatial distribution of biological diversity and the processes that underlie it is central in population genetics and community ecology. It can reveal important insights into evolutionary processes, population and species history, and, ecological factors that shape variations. Understanding these patterns is also key to preserving biodiversity and guiding conservation efforts. Theory predicts that similar evolutionary processes (drift, dispersal, selection) acting along a micro (genes) - macro (species) continuum drive the both levels of diversity. If micro- and macro-evolutionary scales are governed by analogous evolutionary processes, then [...]]]>
On December 5th, BIOPOLIS Association in partnership with the Porto Business School, organizes the event Nature-Based Solutions: Scaling Sustainable Impact through Science and Business Innovation, an initiative of the Innovation X Hub.

This event will explore how Nature-based Solutions (NbS) address pressing global challenges such as climate change and food security, while unlocking opportunities for sustainable growth and innovative business strategies.

Discover the role of the BIOPOLIS-CIBIO association in promoting NbS, the sustainability initiatives of Porto Business School, and a new support service to transform R&D into market-ready solutions.

Schedule:
17:30-18:00 | Check-in 18:00-18:20 | Welcome & Sustainability [...]]]>


CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Ecosystem engineering kelp forests are subject to many rapid environmental changes in the Arctic. Since the 1980s, the rate of temperature rise is far beyond the global average. Consequently, glacial and permafrost melt are accelerating, leading to extensive run-off plumes covering fjords. Run-off plumes alter many water column parameters: e.g., high turbidity is changing the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR); terrestrial and lithogenic material alter element concentrations of the water. To be able to maintain a stable population, kelps have to acclimatise to these changes. The overarching aim of my doctoral thesis is to assess what defines the boundaries of the realised niche of Arctic kelp forests. In two in-situ monitoring [...]]]>


REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Conservation genetics is a widely used tool to better understand the biology of European reptile species. With this approach, we hope to be able to gain a better knowledge and therefore protect them more effectively. However, the number of studies in Europe remains limited and we often tend to extrapolate the results. What is valid locally for one species is not necessarily valid for another species considered to be phylogenetically close. Very different behaviours have even been observed between different species, and even within the same species, depending on various external factors that are sometimes difficult to assess. Using various reptile examples, I will try to demonstrate this diversity between species and even within the same species.
Sylvain Ursenbacher completed his PhD at the [...]]]>


REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
The plant fossil record preserves a number of morphological and anatomical features that, combined with our knowledge of extant plant biology, can be studied using structure-function relationships. This approach allows us to analyze the dynamics of plant diversity in deep time through a functional prism that complements classical taxonomic approaches. It makes it possible to understand extinct plants as organisms that were once alive and interacted with their environment. This approach is relevant for whole-plants but also to answer functional questions at the level of a single plant organ (e.g., stems, leaves, roots)or tissue (e.g., wood). Some traits that are important to understand the biology of extinct plants are observable [...]]]>
InvasionS is excited to announce the launch of ECO-InvasionS, a pioneering project marking the first collaboration between CIBIO and CEE-M (Centre for Environmental Economics – Montpellier). 
This initiative, funded by BIOPOLIS in the context of their "Education, Research & Outreach"  Call, is a collaboration between CIBIO’s InvasionS group (Joana R. Vicente and Eva Malta-Pinto) and researchers from CEE-M (Nicolas Quérou and Pierre Courtois) and represents a significant step towards integrating ecological and economic perspectives on biological invasions, with the goal of finding common ground and [...]]]>


Ecological niche models (ENM), and/or species distribution models (SDM), are a series of computer algorithms designed to predict the distribution of species in geographic space based on a mathematical representation of their distribution in the environmental space. These state-of-the-art tools are frequently used in different biological disciplines such as ecology, biogeography, evolutionary biology or conservation. This course is aimed to provide, in a R environment: (1) an overview of the theoretical aspects, applications and techniques of ENM, and (2) a series of practical cases exemplifying relevant scientific uses of ENM.  Requirements: students should have basic experience in R.   
PROGRAM Day 1 Morning 1.0 Overview of the program  1.1 What is [...]]]>


STUDENT SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Rabbits are being explored as potential model species for HIV-1 since rabbit cells display fewer replication barriers: 1- they are not permissive to virus entry, 2- rabbit TRIM5 blocks HIV-1 reverse transcription, and 3- a primary rabbit macrophage-specific barrier reduces virion infectivity by a yet unknown mechanism. In light of generating a transgenic rabbit model that supports HIV-1 infection, our goal was to investigate whether minimal modifications to rabbit CD4 and CCR5 were sufficient to overcome the first barrier and thus enable HIV-1 entry into rabbit cells. Furthermore, we wanted to investigate guanylate binding proteins (GBPs) and function, specifically in rabbits as a potential restriction factor responsible for the third [...]]]>


REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Over the last two decades, advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies have dramatically increased the number of available whole-genome sequences across diverse species and expanding opportunities for population-level genomic studies. This wealth of genomic data has proven invaluable for evolutionary research. At the same time, the functional genomics field has surged forward with innovative sequencing-based tools—such as RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, Hi-C, and bisulfite sequencing—that offer insights into the functional roles of genes, regulatory elements, and other genomic features. These datasets create an additional layer of information that complements genomic sequences, providing new dimensions to evolutionary [...]]]>


CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
The objective of this CSE is to celebrate the 20th anniversary of an epic double trans-Sahara crossing made by two researchers, José Carlos Brito and Hugo Rebelo, back in 2004. The expedition was funded by a National Geographic grant. It was developed during 104 days between September and December 2004, it covered 8 countries in a total of nearly 20,000 km of overland travel, and it was performed on-board a single lonely vehicle. The expedition had the objective to study the phylogeny and phylogeography of Acanthodactylus lizards, an emblematic reptile group that is highly representative of the biodiversity of the Sahara Desert. The Seminar will share with the audience the general context of the expedition and the challenges that it went [...]]]>


STUDENT SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Information about spatial distribution of species is key feature to select priority areas for conservation. The source of this data is usually derived from species databases, and field surveys, while the potential of environmental DNA data for conservation planning is yet to be fully explored. This work aims to take advantage of the ongoing advances of species identification through eDNA allied to the conventional methods to solve conservation problems with Marxan. For that, we gathered spatial distribution data of 29 species of freshwater bivalves in France from public databases, as well as from field eDNA surveys. Data from the two sources (conventional and eDNA) were used to model species distributions by using all available data [...]]]>


REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

In order to comprehensively monitor species diversity and optimally plan the management of protected areas (PAs), the acquisition of precise information on species communities is essential. The demand for biodiversity data is growing rapidly, especially in light of global change, biodiversity decline, and increased nature protection efforts. At the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Management of Protected Areas at Carinthia University of Applied Sciences in Austria, novel technologies are combined with traditional approaches to foster accurate biodiversity assessment in PA monitoring. Methods including remote sensing, audio and video trapping, AI algorithms, and molecular methods are being applied for diverse biodiversity targets and across [...]]]>


CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION  Canids are an excellent group of species to understand the separate but related evolutionary processes of domestication, adaptation, and admixture. In this talk, Shyam Gopalakrishnan will present three different stories from dogs, wolves, and golden jackals, highlighting both evolutionary processes and ecological interactions in play during the evolutionary history of canids. First, he will present the intertwined histories of golden jackals and grey wolves in Europe, and how anthropogenic pressures, combined with climate change, have played a role in the spread of the golden jackals, and the diminishing footprint of grey wolves in Europe. Second, we will look at two examples of admixture-mediated adaptation in dogs, the first leading to [...]]]>


REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Male homosexual orientation remains a Darwinian paradox (a heritable trait with a high direct reproductive cost) because there is no consensus on its evolutionary (ultimate) determinants. Much work in recent decades has focused on kin selection, with the conclusion that this explanation alone seems insufficient and cannot explain the origin or maintenance of same-sex sexual preference in our species. Several other evolutionary explanations, such as pleiotropic effects, are now being investigated, although there is still no consensus on the nature of the advantageous trait that would be selectively favoured and associated with same-sex attraction. An intriguing feature of homosexual men is their higher male birth order compared to [...]]]>


CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
The human settlement of the Pacific, involving long open-ocean sea voyaging, has long fascinated anthropologists, archaeologists, linguists, and geneticists. The current view is that Near Oceania (consisting of the islands of Eastern Indonesia, New Guinea, and Australia, extending as far east as the main chain of the Solomon Islands) was initially colonized ~45,000 years ago, which involved relatively short island crossings that were intervisible (i.e., there would be indications of land ahead before losing sight of the land behind). The next major development was the expansion of Austronesian-speaking people out of Taiwan beginning 4,000-5,000 years ago; these were the first people to reach the islands of Remote Oceania (Santa Cruz, Vanuatu, [...]]]>


STUDENT SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

The Iberian Peninsula is an important European stronghold for steppe birds. These species are particularly vulnerable to habitat changes primarily caused by agricultural intensification and industrial land conversion. Despite alarming population declines, key demographic parameters, such as productivity, remain unknown for most species. Assessing reproductive success and the main causes of breeding failure is crucial for understanding these declines. Many species, like sandgrouses, are not only elusive and difficult to survey but also ground nesting and vulnerable to predation and nest destruction during farming activities. Here, we used remote tracking (GPS and accelerometer) and field data to study the reproductive biology of the [...]]]>


CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Squamata, the clade that comprises lizards and snakes, is one of the biggest major lineages among land vertebrates, with huge ecological and taxonomic diversity. Multiple squamate lineages have undergone independent ecological transitions including switching between diel patterns, epigeal to subterranean habits, and land-to-sea lifestyles. However, despite the vast diversity of ecological niches, multiple ecological transitions and over 250 MY of evolutionary history, the study of the visual system of squamates is still poorly understood. Vision is a key sense for many animals, and the evolution of vision plays an important role in understanding ancient ecologies and is part of long debated theories such as the ancestral diel [...]]]>

The Diary of a Scientist project brought together Biopolis researchers and Público journalists to share their research in new and creative ways. This collaboration spanned several platforms - online, print and podcast - enriched with illustrations by André Carrilho.  During August, the articles garnered over 200,000 reads on Público. Additionally, the Diary of a Scientist podcast was a resounding success, ranking number one science podcast in Portugal on Apple Podcasts for most of the month.

The success of this initiative is a testament not only to the exceptional work and dedication of the 26 participants [...]]]>


REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Effective science communication is more crucial than ever as vertiginously rapid scientific advancement combines with pressing global challenges. This is particularly true concerning environmental sustainability as, besides formal environmental education been increasing, it is still not significantly affecting general views on the environment or triggering the needed behavioral changes. Aligned with this endeavour is the mission of CIBIO to disseminate scientific knowledge and promote public awareness and appreciation of biodiversity, and researchers, students and collaborators respond to this call making science communication activities and events part of the institution’s everyday life. Since 2022, CIBIO has been part of [...]]]>

From 30 September to 4 October, BIOPOLIS/CIBIO (Biodiversity and Genetic Resources Research Centre), together with the University of Porto, will host the 31st meeting of the Governing Board of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), an international network and research infrastructure funded by governments around the world to provide open access to data on all forms of life on Earth, available to anyone, anywhere.

During this event, the progress of the various committees and the GBIF International Secretariat will be presented and future strategies and developments of the organisation will be discussed. GBIF's prestigious annual awards will also be presented, including the 2024 GBIF Young Researcher Award and the Ebbe Nielsen Challenge.

The Young [...]]]>


CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
The increasing intensification of agriculture and growing urbanisation lead to the degradation of natural habitats, negatively affecting the biota and their ecosystem functions. However, these impacts do not only occur locally but can also be measured at a much more distant landscape scale. Thus, we cannot protect wildlife only in protected areas but need landscape-scale conservation strategies, including our built and cultivated environment. In the first half of this presentation, I will give a brief overview of landscape structure and the types of how this can be studied. I will then present the meta-analysis as a quantitative summary methodology using the example of a study on the effectiveness of agri-environment schemes modified by [...]]]>


CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Global environmental change interacts with regional and local impacts to alter marine biodiversity and ecosystems. Long-term research is essential to distinguish the signal of responses to climate change from the noise of natural fluctuations. Using examples from the biogeographic boundary zone of the British Isles and Ireland – a case is made for using rocky shores as convenient and tractable sentinel systems. Drawing on surveys and time-series stretching back over 70 years, changes are described showing shifts in distributions and abundance. The mechanisms driving changes in distribution of species are then briefly discussed informed by in-parallel experiments and modelling, before considering consequences for community structure, dynamics [...]]]>
REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Information design explores the complexities and practice of transforming data and storytelling into clear, accurate and engaging visual representations. It is the practice of transforming data into information and presenting it in a way that is accurate, clear, meaningful, engaging and easily absorbed. The ability to visualize and communicate information evolved alongside science itself. Nowadays, in an era of massive amounts of data and extremely complex processes, the application of information design in science is more urgent and challenging.  This talk delves into the art and science of information design, showing the underlying difficulties present when translating science into clear and understandable visual models and emphasising the [...]]]>
Information design explores the complexities and practice of transforming data and storytelling into clear, accurate and engaging visual representations.  This course delves into the art and science of information design, emphasizing the importance of visual communication in the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Participants will explore fundamental design principles, learn how to craft compelling narratives through visuals, and gain hands-on experience with tools and techniques specifically tailored in the field of Biology; whether by presenting results in a poster or a visual abstract that facilitates the dissemination of research findings at conferences or seminars. 
PROGRAM The course will imply four full days in duration Day 1 – Understanding the fundamentals of visual [...]]]>


The EBM – Biological Station of Mértola, in partnership with the Municipality of Mértola, will host the second edition of the Iberian Congress on Applied Science to Game Resources – CICARC, in Mértola, from September 17 to 20, 2024.

CICARC is a meeting born out of the need to discuss research on game species conducted in the Iberian Peninsula and to convey relevant results and conclusions to society.

CICARC aims to be a platform for disseminating up-to-date scientific information and to serve as a forum for discussion that, through research and appropriate knowledge transfer, can propose solutions to the environmental, health, genetic, technological and socioeconomic challenges that the game sector currently faces, as well as those expected to be [...]]]>

BIOPOLIS partnered with PÚBLICO newspaper to launch The Diary of a Scientist (Link available tomorrow)- a groundbreaking initiative that unites Scientists and Journalists to create a novel approach to science communication.
Over the past four months, 26 scientists from BIOPOLIS-CIBIO worked together with journalists from PÚBLICO to talk about  their research in the first person. The result is 26 articles, 18 podcast episodes and daily quizzes, all of which will be unveiled throughout August, both online and in print, by PÚBLICO. The project is wrapped with stunning illustrations by André Carrilho. 
The Diary of a Scientist is not only a way of bringing [...]]]>


STUDENT SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

GBPs are an evolutionary ancient protein family widely distributed among eukaryotes. They are a group of interferon-inducible GTPases and are known to have a role in the cell innate immune response against bacterial, parasitic and viral infections GBPs are a multigene family belonging to the immune system and multigene families related to the immune system have been proposed to follow the birth-and –death model of evolution. Where new genes are generated by duplications events, and they can diverge and gain new functions, become pseudogenized or even be deleted from the genome. We intended to provide more insights regarding the evolution and functional characterization of GBPs in [...]]]>


REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Adaptive radiation is one of the key drivers of species diversity, yet the mechanism through which it is achieved, and the outcome of the process, are largely unknown. In many lineages, initial divergence results from environmental or sexual selection leading to divergence of species between environments and subsequent secondary contact. In other lineages, initial reproductive isolation may be achieved without divergent selection; here, ecological niche divergence can develop as a result of interactions between close relatives during secondary contact. The Hawaiian archipelago – in which each island provides a snapshot in time of the evolutionary process – is one system that can offer insights into the processes of adaptive [...]]]>
15 - 19 July 2024

more updated information in the dedicated website: https://ricardojorgelopes.com/teaching/course-museum-techniques/
Welcome to the 6th edition of an intensive course on innovative uses of museum’s resources for vertebrate’s research. By the end of this course students will have an updated overview of the potential of museum collections for biodiversity research. The host instructors, from cE3c-FCUL, CIBIO-InBIO and the Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Porto (MHNC-UP) and invited instructors from the National Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Lisbon (MUHNAC) [...]]]>
STUDENT SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Environmental DNA (eDNA) technologies promise significant advances in biodiversity monitoring, yet their application requires extensive optimization and standardisation. Recent research demonstrated that increased sampling and analytical efforts are needed to improve biodiversity estimates, though fully optimising study designs is often hindered by resource constraints. Consequently, researchers must carefully navigate methodological trade-offs to design effective monitoring studies. We conducted a water eDNA survey of vertebrates in a Mediterranean watershed to identify key methodological factors influencing species richness and composition estimates. We examined the impacts of using high- versus low-capacity [...]]]>
REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Many species show subdivision into phenotypically and genetically differentiated forms that are associated with fine-scale habitat variation. These ecotypes have sometimes been considered to represent an intermediate stage in the formation of new species, and thus offer interesting models for understanding the process of speciation. Ecotypes across many different taxa have been found to be differentiated at chromosomal inversions, which correspond to segments of a chromosome that have been reinserted in the opposite orientation. The role of inversions in contributing to divergence and reproductive isolation is usually ascribed to their ability to protect distinct allelic combinations through recombination [...]]]>


The Director of BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, Nuno Ferrand, was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit by the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, this Thursday, July 11th, for his contribution to the development of science in Portugal.
The Order of Merit is a Portuguese honorary order that rewards meritorious acts or services performed in the exercise of any function, public or private, that show selflessness for the benefit of the community.
Nuno Ferrand is a Full Professor at the University of Porto, Founder and Director of CIBIO - Center for Research on Biodiversity and Genetic Resources and the associated laboratory InBIO - Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology.
He currently directs the European BIOPOLIS project, which involves the largest funding ever [...]]]>
REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Small rodent species are endothermic, as adults. While their coping mechanisms for high temperatures are limited, they can adapt to the cold through metabolically generated heat and behavioural strategies. However, since temperatures at which mice are usually kept in captivity can be considerably below their thermal neutral point, mice are likely to be chronically cold and under physiological stress. This not only raises animal welfare issues, but also about the results from studies under these conditions. This talk will address such issues, as well as cover means of studying temperature variations non-invasively, currently used at the i3S.

Nuno Henrique Franco has degrees in both Animal [...]]]>
STUDENT SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Understanding the evolutionary mechanisms of thermoregulation in mammals is crucial for deciphering their adaptation to environmental changes. Using integrative research, we first decoded the molecular mechanisms of thermoregulation in 21 rodents, complying 52 genes of three different strategies (homeothermy, daily heterothermy and hibernation). We examined their genetic homology, signs of positive selection, protein adaptations, and protein-protein interaction networks associated with protein modifications. We observed conservation of thermoregulatory genes, with daily heterotherms and hibernators showing higher selection signs and faster adapting physiological networks, compared to homeotherms, highlighting their ability [...]]]>
1 - 12 July 2024

In higher plants, autotrophy and biomass production involve assimilation of CO2 from the atmosphere, as well as uptake and transport of mineral nutrients and water from the soil. Gaining fundamental knowledge on the uptake and transport functions is becoming of crucial importance. Indeed, the agricultural practices developed since the Green Revolution at the beginning of the 1960's, were based on the combined use of high-yielding genotypes and high inputs (e.g., irrigation water and fertilizers). Owing to global issues related to the changing environment, these methodologies have to be revised towards the production of more water- and nutrient-efficient genotypes, due to the need for ecological intensification of agroecosystems, as well as the global changes we [...]]]>
PlantAnim is promoting a Symposium on Citizen Science and what it can do for projects on plants, soil and associated organisms organized by Ruth Pereira (GreenUPorto/FCUP) and Gabriel Marais (BIOPOLIS & CIBIO). This event will take place on 28 June, with 3 invited speakers and up to 5 selected contributions of 15 min each (questions included).
Symposium Topic What can citizen science do for projects on plants, soil and associated organisms? Citizen science consists in associating non-academic people to research projects, in general to collect data. It offers two benefits: (i) participation of many people can create manpower for data collection that is impossible to reach with academics only, (ii) citizens are [...]]]>
REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Climate change is affecting animal communities in many ways, and bats are no exception. Bats are especially sensitive to key factors associated with climate change, including temperature increases and altered precipitation patterns. Their sensitivity to temperature and water availability makes them particularly vulnerable to the changing climate. This talk will cover what is known about current responses of bats to climate change and what modeling exercises predict. It will address phenological responses, distributional changes, body size variation, and acute stress. The role of phenotypic plasticity and microevolution will also be considered in the context of bat responses to climate change, as well as how individual physiological [...]]]>
Rabbits are being explored as potential model species for HIV-1 since rabbit cells display only few replication barriers to this virus: 1- they are not permissive to virus entry, 2- rabbit TRIM5 blocks HIV-1 reverse transcription, and 3- a primary rabbit macrophage-specific barrier reduces virion infectivity by a yet unknown mechanism. In light of generating a transgenic rabbit model that supports HIV-1 infection, our goal was to investigate whether minimal modifications to rabbit CD4 and CCR5 were sufficient to overcome the first barrier and thus enable HIV-1 entry into rabbit cells. Additionally, we examined whether these modifications altered the physiological functions of the receptors. Computational modeling and evolutionary analyses of rabbit CD4 and CCR5 protein sequences [...]]]>
17 - 21 June 2024

This course is designed for master, PhD students and researchers who are starting their projects and need a solid base to perform their analyses within ecology and evolution field. During this five-day course, we will cover univariate and multivariate statistical analyses (ANOVA, Linear regression), more complex models such as Generalized Linear Mixed Models, ordination techniques (e. g., PCA) and an introduction to phylogenetic comparative methods. All the analyses and techniques will be implemented in R. Knowledge on R coding is required.

PROGRAM (27 hours)
Day 01 | June 17, 2024 | 9:30-11:00 - R review  | 11:30-13:00 -  Preliminary concepts Lunch break | 14:00-17:30 - Data [...]]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
15h00 | Introduction  Luís Reino | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO 

Luís Reino is an ecologist nd assistant researcher at BIOPOLIS/CIBIO, working in different topics of ecology but with an emphasis in ornithology and Invasion Science.  

15h15 | Talk 1: Dealing with aliens in the Anthropocene the trilemma of exotic species management
Pedro Bingre | Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra & Luís Reino | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO
Pedro Bingre is professor and researcher at the Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra. He has devoted much of this work to Land Use Planning and policies, mostly having to do with [...]]]>
3 - 6 June 2024

Embark on this journey into the world of Structural Equation Models (SEM) – a cutting-edge statistical technique widely used by ecologists. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to SEM within the context of biodiversity-related sciences. Explore the complex relationships between variables and uncover how they interact and influence one another. No need to worry about algebraic complexities; we focus on real-life ecological applications that will enhance your understanding of natural systems. By the end of the course, you'll be equipped to (i) formulate hypotheses and conceptual models that unravel intricate ecological relationships, (ii) apply statistical techniques covered throughout the course, and (iii) [...]]]>

Last May 17th, BIOPOLIS-CIBIO researcher and ENVARCH team member Luís Seabra received the Eduardo da Cunha Serrão Prize from the Association of Portuguese Archaeologists for the best PhD thesis in Archaeology. The thesis, titled "Agricultural and storage choices, environmental conditions and human dynamics from the Iron Age to the Early Medieval period in Northern Portugal"  was developed within the scope of the Doctoral program Biodiversity, Genetics and Evolution at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (Department of Biology).
This work was carried out between 2018 and 2023, under the supervision of João Tereso (BIOPOLIS-CIBIO), María Martín-Seijo (Universidad de Cantabria, Incipit-CSIC), and [...]]]>

BIOPOLIS researcher Diogo Ferreira is the winner of the U.Porto 3MT® (Three Minute Thesis), a competition which, over the last few months, has tested the ability of U.Porto's doctoral students to communicate.

The jury, made up of Sónia Valente Rodrigues (Pro-Rector of U.Porto), Patrícia Teixeira Lopes (Vice Dean of Porto Business School), Teresa Firmino (journalist for Público newspaper), Alexandre Quintanilha (retired Full Professor at ICBAS) and Luís Filipe Reis (CEO of Universo by Sonae) awarded first place to the presentation "Chocolate bats: Promoting sustainable cacao through bat ecosystem services”, the title of Diogo Ferreira's PhD project.

The 3MT® Competition challenges [...]]]>
REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Theropithecus gelada, the last surviving species of this genus, occupy a unique and highly specialised ecological niche in the Ethiopian highlands. A subdivision in three geographically defined populations (Northern, Central, and Southern) has been tentatively proposed for this species on the basis of genetic analyses, but genomic data has been investigated only for two of these groups. Here we combined newly generated whole genome sequences of individuals sampled from the population living south of the East Africa Great Rift Valley with available data from the other two gelada populations to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the species. Integrating genomic and paleoclimatic data we found that gene-flow across [...]]]>

The workshop on the Basics of field expeditions will consist of talks on the planning, organisation, and management of expeditions to remote areas in different environments, including deserts, tropical forest, mountains, and others. We will present and discuss adequate protocols and tasks for the before, during and after the expedition. This will be a good opportunity for participants to get input on their expedition plans and engage on discussions about team, operations, and emergency management. 

PROGRAM (8 hours)

May 24, 2024 Morning: Selected talks ● [To be decided] (David Montgomery) ● Deserts and Overlanding Expeditions (Duarte Gonçalves) ● Tropical forest and Base-camp Expeditions [...]]]>
22 - 23 May 2024

The Outdoor First Aid course and certification is designed for anyone working outdoors and specially people working in remote locations where getting immediate assistance is unlikely. This course will be provided by qualified instructors based in UK with several years of experience and has been designed for instructors, teachers and group leaders working in remote areas or outdoor locations. It is also suitable for people travelling or working in remote locations. The 2-Day Outdoor First Aid course goes beyond the recommendations of the HSE 2-Day Outdoor First Aid course, and the certificate is valid for 3 years. This course is very practical and uses a scenario training to reinforce learning which builds real confidence and empowers [...]]]>
Organized within the COST Action 19116, PLANTMETALS (Trace metal metabolism in plants).

The morning lectures at the CIBIO’s Auditorium are open to all.
PROGRAM Day 01 | May 21, 2024 09.30-10.00 Introduction to the Training School 10.00-11.00 Opening Lecture. Ute Krämer (Ruhr Univ Bochum, GE): Metal homeostasis in Arabidopsis thaliana 11.00-11.30 Coffee break 11.30-12.30 Lecture. Ana Assunção (CIBIO/BIOPOLIS, Univ Porto): The zinc deficiency response in land plants 12.30-13.30 Lunch break 14.00-16.00 Short presentation by the students of their research projects 16.00-17.00 Round table: points for discussion related with the Training School topic
Day 02 | May 22, 2024 09.30-10.30 Lecture. Cathy Curie (IPSiM, INRAE, Univ Montpellier, FR): Manganese in plant cells: its unsung functions, dedicated transporters and tune-up 10.30-11.00 Coffee break 11.00-12.00 Lecture. [...]]]>
20 - 21 May 2024

Mixed models are a powerful, flexible tool that empower biologists to control for various sources of non-independence ("pseudoreplication”) without loosing (hardly any) statistical power to detect a significant pattern in their variable of interest. In this two-day course, students, who must already familiar with linear models and GLM in R, will learn how to code an implement the next natural step: mixed models. Students will learn the difference between fixed effects and random effects, will learn how to ditch clunky transformations and instead embrace the native distribution of the data, and will be forced to think critically about experimental design.

PROGRAM (12 [...]]]>
13 - 17 May 2024

This workshop will present major on-going research topics in plant evolutionary genomics, covering both methodological and biological questions, fundamental and applied perspectives, model plants and crops. Each theme (day) will be covered by 2 talks given by international specialists and a round table with both speakers moderated by an in-house researcher from the field. Talks will be 1h30 research-oriented lectures (with 30 min of a general/large scope introduction on the subject).  A lot of interaction is expected during these lectures: questions will be asked during the talks and at the round table.  The workshop is also meant to be a platform for connecting students and labs in this field, internationally. Most speakers will [...]]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
It has long been clear that an understanding of human origins must involve the origins and early evolution of the African apes. Current molecular evidence indicates that African apes shared a last common ancestor in the Miocene between 8 and 12 Ma (million years ago). The earliest record of actual hominins is sparse and controversial, but dates to about 6 or 7 Ma. This means that there may be a gap of up to 6 million years between the last common ancestor of the African apes and the earliest hominin fossils. This gap is the focus of our project. Considerations of plant and animal distributions on a continental scale provides powerful biogeographic insights relevant to hominin origins. Jonathan Kingdon has shown that [...]]]>
6 - 9 May 2024

This course intends to introduce the student to R programming from the very beginning. During the week, we will start describing what R is, what type of data works with (such as vectors, matrix and dataframes), and the basic functions. The course covers practical issues in statistical computing which includes programming in R, reading data into R, accessing R packages and writing R functions.

PROGRAM (28 hours)
Day 01 | May 06, 2024 | 9:30-11:00 - Introduction to R environment. Simple data manipulation
Coffee break | 11:30-13:00 - Functions and packages Lunch break | 14:00-15:30 - Objects: attributes and modes. Coffee break | 16:00-17:30 - Ordered and unordered vectors; [...]]]>
Professor Brian J. Huntley, a distinguished conservationist with over five decades of expertise in research and practice across Africa, was recently awarded the prestigious honorary doctorate (honoris causa) by the University of Cape Town. This recognition stands as a testament to his unparalleled contributions to conservation efforts in southern Africa, where he has been pivotal in the development of scientific institutions and research capacity. 

Professor Huntley has been active in numerous African countries, with a particular passion for Lusophone Africa. Beginning his professional journey in Angola in 1971, he has since pioneered major interdisciplinary research collaborations and contributed to the successful [...]]]>
REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Some of the most endangered species today are also some of the most elusive. How can we study these species when we cannot directly observe them? And can we learn from past examples of species that have gone extinct, to better understand what processes have led to current-day biodiversity? I discuss these questions with examples from my research, which is varied in nature, but with a common theme of using evolutionary genetic approaches to better understand creatures that are "invisible" to us in some way. I will discuss how some of the key advances in the field have allowed us to be able to ask increasingly challenging and detailed questions,  thereby beginning to shed light on the evolution of some of these [...]]]>
REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Molecular tools are used for the assessment and monitoring of biodiversity which aid in conservation decisions and management. Recent developments in molecular methods have allowed researchers to analyse species at a genetic and/or genomic level. The level of analysis will depend on the available resources, funding, training, and access to technologies. In some countries, traditional genetic data are still utilised in conservation decisions and in others advanced technologies that produce genome data for species are incorporated into management. Genetic/genomic information can answer a variety of research questions at either a higher evolutionary level or at phylogeographic, phylogenetic or population level. Here I [...]]]>
CIBIO-InBIO MOVIE SESSION
"The zone of interest" by Jonathan Glazer 

The Zone of Interest is a 2023 historical drama film written and directed by Jonathan Glazer, based on the 2014 novel by Martin Amis.
The film delves into the lives of the Hoss family, led by patriarch Rudolf Hoss — a distinguished SS officer and commander of Auschwitz. 
Despite what horrors were occurring within Auschwitz camp walls, the family live a seemingly normal existence by enjoying picnics by the river and hosting parties with fellow Nazis; yet, in stark contrast to this blissful existence was genocide taking place nearby. 
The Zone of Interest, Oscar winner for best [...]]]>
REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Accurate determination and quantification of the taxonomic composition of microbial communities, especially at the species level, is one of the major issues in metagenomics. This is primarily due to the limitations of commonly used  16S rRNA reference databases, which either contain a lot of redundancy, or a high percentage of sequences with missing taxonomic information. The use of these incomplete or biased databases may lead to erroneous identifications and, thus, to erroneous conclusions regarding the ecological role and importance of those microorganisms in the ecosystem. MIMt is a new 16S rRNA database for archaea and bacteria’s identification, encompassing 39 940 sequences, all precisely [...]]]>

The Advanced Plant Genomics Methods Training was held in February 2024 at AGAP (Montpellier) in the context of the BIOPOLIS project. It was a capacity building event allowing to establish scientific and technical collaborations and getting to know the functioning and organization of several different technical platforms, from phenotyping to molecular studies, in Montpellier. Throughout the week, participants from CIBIO were able to discover and discuss various scientific important questions in plant biology and crop studies but also technical ways to deal with them, having access to protocols and discovering automated platforms. 
The program comprised expert lectures [...]]]>
"The diary of a scientist" is a joint project between Biopolis and PÚBLICO newspaper which aims to celebrate the curiosity that drives the scientific process, while promoting science communication and bringing scientists and journalists closer together.

Working together, scientists and journalists will transform 26 scientific ideas related to Biology into engaging narratives for the general public. These pieces, authored by Biopolis researchers and crafted with the support of experienced journalists, will be published in PÚBLICO throughout August 2024, in print and digital format, with specially designed layouts and infographics.

Scientists from Biopolis who are eligible according to the terms and [...]]]>
8 - 12 April 2024

This course provides the basic concepts and techniques involved in water environmental DNA (eDNA) tools for assessing biodiversity in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. eDNA analysis is an innovative and non-invasive approach for studying elusive and endangered species, assessing biodiversity and monitoring ecosystem health. Considering the wide range of possible applications for water eDNA, coupled with the vast diversity of sampling, laboratory work, bioinformatics, and analytical approaches, it can be intimidating to initiate an eDNA-based project. Therefore, in this course, we provide participants with the basic knowledge necessary to design, implement, and analyse [...]]]>
REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Conservation efforts have brought the wolf back into the highly populated, anthropogenic landscapes of Europe. While termed a conservation success, wolf-human interactions in this diverse geopolitical landscape trigger conflicts of interests that call for management actions. Barbara Zimmermann will exemplify the complexity of wolf management and conservation in Europe by comparing Norwegian & Swedish approaches to the management of a joint cross-border wolf population. She will also present the Scandinavian Wolf Research Project SKANDULV, a long-term study on wolf genetics and ecology. Finally, Barbara will give an insight into SKANDULV's most recent research on wolf-wolverine interactions and on moose [...]]]>
STUDENT SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Africa hosts the largest terrestrial tropical area among all continents, but it is the most poorly surveyed. Its huge area, history of political instability, intense natural resources exploitation, and little research in many countries, pose challenges to understanding its diversity. Angola is a perfect representative of tropical Africa, being wide and diverse, in a transition between the central moist forests and the southern deserts. Many studies addressing ecological hypotheses in Africa lack data from this crucial region, thus filling these gaps is valuable. Angolan biodiversity is poorly studied and amphibians are the least known tetrapod class therein. We used Angolan amphibians as proxys for afrotropical biodiversity to create a genetic reference database, [...]]]>
DNA metabarcoding is an innovative method widely used to describe biodiversity patterns and food webs across multiple habitats and ecosystems. It allows the identification of multiple organisms composing complex samples such as air, water, faeces, soil, bulk organisms, through the amplification of taxonomically informative genomic regions. Much progress has been made so far towards the development of this method, fostered by the need for a simple, fast and cost-effective method. Yet its application requires different fields of expertise (traditional and DNA-based taxonomy, molecular biology, NGS technology, bioinformatics, and computational statistics) and consequently uninformed technical [...]]]>
REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Initial genetic studies with a handful of neutral markers revealed no genetic differentiation among populations of Atlantic herring, not even between Atlantic and Baltic herring classified as distinct subspecies by Linnaeus. Whole genome sequencing has totally changed the picture. Atlantic herring can now be divided into many subpopulations (ecotypes). It is an adaptive radiation with incomplete reproductive isolation between ecotypes. We find strong genetic differentiation at loci under selection but minute genetic differentiation at neutral loci. The explanation for this is the huge population sizes minimizing drift, high fecundity allowing effective selection, a homing behavior but with gene flow. Herring is a broadcast [...]]]>
11 - 15 March 2024

Conservation genetics is a scientific field that deals with the application of genetics to understand and reduce the risk of population and species extinctions. It is both a fundamental and an applied science, aiming to preserve and manage the genetic diversity – and thus evolutionary capacity - of populations and species, by combining fundaments in evolutionary biology, molecular biology, population genetics, mathematical modelling, and ecology. Topics include inbreeding, loss of genetic diversity, genetic management, and the use of genetic markers to aid in species and individual identification, resolve taxonomic uncertainties, understand species biology, and wildlife forensics. This introductory course is [...]]]>
REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
There are two primary measures of the amount of genetic variation in a population at a locus: heterozygosity and the number of alleles. Effective population size (Ne) provides both a measure of the amount of heterozygosity in a population at drift-mutation equilibrium and the rate of loss of heterozygosity because of genetic drift. In contrast, the number of alleles in a population at drift-mutation equilibrium is a function of both Ne and census size (NC). In addition, populations with the same Ne can lose allelic variation at very different rates. Allelic variation is much more sensitive to bottlenecks than heterozygosity. Expressions that are used to describe the effects of bottlenecks on Ne do not provide [...]]]>
4 - 8 March 2024

This advanced course is organized in the context of the EU Teaming project "Biopolis” between CIBIO and Univ. of Montpellier, and aims at presenting bioinformatics/population genomics tools to study crops and in particular to identify genes important in the domestication process/adaptation to local environment. This is an innovative course with a strong hands-on component and research mini-projects proposed by experts from Univ. Montpellier.
The general objective is to help participants getting familiar with the different forms of raw data from the latest sequencing technologies and their analysis, focusing on various tropical crops with diverse genomic constitutions and modes of reproduction, such as rice, sugarcane and banana, all [...]]]>
REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
All major threats to wildlife are driven by human behavior. However, despite being a substantial challenge, influencing human behavior remains a largely understudied topic. In this talk, I will outline some of the key lessons from my work over the last 15 years, using techniques such as social marketing to influence behavior, using case studies focused on the illegal trade in wildlife products, in countries as diverse as São Tomé and Príncipe , Singapore or China.
Diogo Veríssimo is a Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, where he focuses on the design and evaluation of behavior change interventions to conserve biodiversity. For 15 years, he has worked [...]]]>
REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
The continuous growth of commodity production in the tropics represents a threat for nature conservation, but also an opportunity for a permanent transition towards diversified farming. Tropical agroforestry farming has proved valuable for biodiversity conservation, crop yield, and smallholder income, but higher socio-ecological standards are still urgent. We studied the diversity of birds, bats and arthropods, and related ecosystem services in cacao agroforestry systems of Peru. We assessed how landscape characteristics impact functional biodiversity on agroecosystems, and how local management strategies may promote both biodiversity and increased crop yield. Moreover, we studied how grafting, as a plant [...]]]>
BIOPOLIS researcher Ana Paula Portela is the winner of the XV Limnology Research Award granted by the Iberian Association of Limnology to the best doctoral thesis defended in 2023.
The thesis "Linking biodiversity, ecosystem services, and ecological stability for river ecosystem sustainability” was developed in the Doctoral Programme in Biodiversity, Genetics & Evolution (BIODIV) and supervised by João Honrado (Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, BIOPOLIS), Cristiana Vieira (Museu de História Natural e da Ciência da Universidade do Porto) and Isabelle Durance (Cardiff University Water Research Institute).
The award is granted annually to the authors of the best thesis in Limnology developed by Portuguese or Spanish authors or authors of other nationality that [...]]]>
20 - 23 February 2024

This course aims at providing theory and practical approaches for the study of animal movement and behaviour, both in the marine and terrestrial environments. We will provide theoretical background on foraging and migration theory and introduce students to the state-of-the-art technology used in the study of animal ecology and behaviour. Importantly, we will focus on how animal movement can be integrated with environmental information to gain a better understanding of animal behaviour and ecology. Invited international researchers will be presenting cutting-edge research and bring the latest findings and methodologies to the table. Lastly, the course will provide practical exercises or case studies, allowing students to apply [...]]]> PlantBio group [...]]]>
16 - 18 February 2024

The knowledge that exists about the three Iberian viper species (Vipera aspis, V. latastei and V. seoanei) is limited for certain biological aspects, including those obtained at the population level. This information is key to properly evaluate the conservation status of the species and develop coherent conservation strategies. With the main objective of establishing a monitoring programme for the Iberian vipers, the group PHENEVOL organizes a workshop to be held at CIBIO, from February 16 to 18, 2024. This workshop will bring together both academics and naturalists, who will acquire knowledge about monitoring programs, establish a standardized protocol for monitoring subpopulations and create a network of volunteers who will [...]]]>
14 - 16 February 2024

With the rapid expansion of invasive alien species, accurate and timely distribution data is critical to support successful management strategies. However, it is not easy for researchers (technicians) to obtain data for all invasive alien species and territories using traditional techniques. In this context novel tecnhiques of data acquisition (e.g. UAVs, Remote Sensing) coupled with state of the art modelling techniques (e.g. static, dynamic and hybrid models) can be coupled in order to optimize surveillance efforts. Together with social media information IAS impacts can be determined and management optimized. The skills that will be provided by this course are: • Theoretical [...]]]>
REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Individual growth rate is a key life-history trait with potentially important fitness consequences. However, little research has been conducted in endotherms to understand its ecological and individual-level drivers. This trait is expected to be under strong selection, as it allows for individuals to reach the reproductive phase sooner. It is also strongly linked with body size, one of the few traits that help us structure the diversity of life histories strategies and predict with an acceptable level of confidence where a species stands in the slow- to fast-pace continuum of life. Several individual- and ecological-level factors are expected to drive variation on individual growth rate, but little research has [...]]]>
5 - 9 February 2024

Ecological niche models (ENM), and/or species distribution models (SDM), are a series of computer algorithms designed to predict the distribution of species in geographic space based on a mathematical representation of their distribution in the environmental space. This course follows the previous course on "INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGICAL NICHE MODELLING" and it delves into more advanced aspects of ENM, such as ensemble modelling, niche comparison with null hypothesis testing, and mechanistic models.

Participans should have previously attended the course "INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGICAL NICHE MODELLING". Alternatively, should have basic knowledge of ENM and be experienced with R coding and spatial data handling.

REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Plant shape, or architecture, is a primary determinant of productivity and yield. The shape of the above-ground part of the plant determines light interception and photosynthesis, whereas the below-ground root system determines the interaction with the soil, including the uptake of water and nutrients and anchoring. As plant cells are bound by a cell wall and cannot move, shape is an outcome of the reorientation of the cell division plane and subsequent cell growth. In the model plant Arabidopsis, distribution patterns of the plant growth regulator auxin have been linked with altered cell division planes during lateral root initiation and in primary roots. The importance of orienting cell planes also becomes [...]]]>
29 January - 2 February 2024

Functional Biology intends to fully decipher and understand the molecular/biochemical mechanisms behind life. More particularly, how the flux of information encoded in genes is used/regulated to maintain the life of cells and organisms under constant environmental challenges. The Plant Functional Biology course will provide an updated overview of the strategies currently deployed towards phenotype-genotype associations in multiple aspects of Plant Science research (i.e. plant development, nutrition, environmental stress, pathogen infection, specialized metabolism), and is broadly divided around three topics: 1. Models. In this topic, we will emphasize Arabidopsis thaliana as a key model plant, and portrait the techniques and strategies that are currently at the forefront of [...]]]>
REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTIONThis seminar is aimed at presenting some relevant issues on animal welfare, and to address the work conducted at BIOPOLIS - CIBIO by researchers and how the ORBEA is part of that process. The seminar is structured to have considerable space for questions so that doubts and concerns from researchers can be answered. The session results will provide some additional information for FAQs in the website.The ORBEA of BIOPOLIS-CIBIO is constituted by, Paulo Gama Mota, Gonçalo Cardoso, Ricardo Lopes, Fernando Lima, Nuno Fonseca, Ana Lopes and Joana Abrantes.[Host: Paulo Célio Alves, Conservation Genetics and Wildlife Management - CONGEN] ]]>
15 - 18 January 2024

The process of synthesising research findings has been increasingly used in ecological and biological sciences. The course is developed for students and researchers at an early career stage and aims to provide basics on literature search and review. Participants will be able to: (1) understand the process of research synthesis, incl. search protocols, and software; (2) conduct a systematic literature search and review; and (3) apply different methods for analyzing published scientific evidence, such as meta-analysis tools.
PROGRAM (24 hours)
Day 01 | January 15, 2023 | 9:45-13:00 Introduction to research synthesis  Protocols for Systematic Reviews  Software for literature management: [...]]]>
REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
The new phylogenetic picture of land plants that has emerged within the last five years suggests that bryophytes (mosses, liverworts and hornworts) are a monophyletic group that diverged from tracheophytes ("vascular plants”) more than 500 million years ago. They represent a fundamentally different approach to life on land as complex photosynthetic organisms, being highly distinct from tracheophytes ecologically, physiologically and in their life cycles. They are also different developmentally in ways that impose constraints on their life-forms that have required key evolutionary innovations to circumvent in the most successful extant groups. The mosses are the most diverse group of bryophytes with around 12,000 [...]]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Predation is an important factor in the prey population dynamics and could regulate the population recovery in low prey abundances. Translocations are a common practice to try to recover prey populations, but most translocations are ineffective due to the high predation during the first days after release. We tested whether conditioned food aversion with levamisole plus an odor cue can reduce rabbit predation by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and improve European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations after translocations by using a before-after control-impact design. We induced Conditioned Food Aversion to foxes using levamisole and vanilla essence, while we monitored bait intake and translocated rabbits establishment, [...]]]>
8 - 12 January 2024

Through a combination of lectures, hands-on labs and field visits to local sites around the CIBIO-UP Campus, this course will cover major topics in lichen and bryophyte biology, ecology and evolution. An emphasis is placed on comparative lichen and bryophyte anatomy, morphology and structure as well as on ecologically key species, including those which may have important applications. Attendees are also given an overview of the incredible diversity of lichens and bryophytes and how these organisms evolved and interacted with the environment. Field visits will involve observing a range of (micro-)habitats where the specimens can be identified within their ecological context. Specimens may be taken back to the laboratory for examination and identification.
After successfully [...]]]>
REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Biodiversity is not homogeneous across space or time, resulting in distinct species richness patterns that have led many ecologists and evolutionary biologists to a central question: why certain clades/traits in the Tree of Life and/or in different regions on the planet have outstanding taxonomic diversity, while others remain species-poor? There are a set of non-mutually exclusive causes that can influence species richness patterns, generally involving time, diversification, dispersal, or transition rates among states of a character. Overall, diversification (speciation rates minus extinction rates) is a consistently important factor driving species richness patterns, leading to an additional question: what [...]]]>
Join a design thinking workshop to come up with new ideas and networking for multidisciplinary projects in plant biology covering the emerging and broad issues of climate change, biodiversity loss and global warming.

When: December 18th Target Audience: PlantAnim Community Where: Porto Innovation Hub

Registration is now open on this link:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdq5QfSu8ojI6DPzNorTDCtcVszMAD2TYUPyN8vHlinsy9FlA/viewform 

Let's meet!


CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
While substantial advances have been made in recent years in elucidating the phylogeny and systematics of pitvipers, phylogenies of the Asian representatives are still predominantly based on mitochondrial loci, and many species have been described on the basis of a very limited geographic sampling and an emphasis on colour pattern differences. This not only leaves their validity open to question but also fails to meet the needs of medical and conservation practitioners for whom the distribution of species is vital information. In this talk I will describe the analysis of a geographically comprehensive dataset collected over a 30-year period, in one of the most wide-ranging groups (Trimeresurus), with a focus on [...]]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Venoms, honed through millions of years, offer potent adaptations for predation and defense secreted by highly specialized glandular systems. Despite extensive research, there is still limited knowledge of the functional biology of animal toxins, including their venom production and storage. Major aspect is convergent evolution, where disparate species develop analogous venom components, providing insights into selective pressures shaping these biological arsenals. Venom proteomics, at the nexus of molecular biology and evolution, investigates the intricate compositions of venoms across species and underscores the evolutionary importance of venomous adaptations and highlights mass spectrometry (MS) as a key [...]]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Learning allows for the coupling of behavioral and physiological responses to perceived stimuli significance. From an optimization perspective, individuals should wan responses toward stimuli that are not biologically relevant, and thus, habituate. Habituation is conditional on several properties of both the individual and stimuli, but in general, recurrent exposure and strong stimuli intensity lead to quicker and prolonged habituation. There is evidence of wildlife habituation to anthropogenic stimuli that has been interpreted as both positive (e.g., prevents distraction) and negative (e.g., increases vulnerability to hunting). Here, we focus on the behavioral and physiological responses of wild mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) to natural and experimental [...]]]>
7 - 9 December 2023

The BIOPOLIS - CIBIO Association (Center for Research in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Associated Laboratory of the University of Porto), in partnership with the Portuguese Society of Ethology (https://etologia.pt/), will host the twentieth edition of the National Congress of Ethology in Vila do Conde from December 7 to 9 of this year (more info at https://etologia.pt/congress2023/).

This event will bring together approximately 100 national and international scientists and students, focusing on scientific research in the field of animal behavior. The congress will feature the participation of internationally renowned researchers who will deliver the four scheduled plenary [...]]]>
4 - 7 December 2023

Viruses are ubiquitous on Earth: they infect all cellular forms, from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. They are important agents of animal and human diseases (e.g. SARS-CoV-2, HIV, FIV, Zika, Avian Influenza, RHDV, etc). Therefore, viruses prevention, detection and treatment, requires the understanding of their nature, replication and infectious process. In this course we will provide the basics of virology, and analyse the evolutionary theories/mechanisms proposed to explain the different evolutionary patterns observed in animal viruses. Additionally, we will approach host-pathogen co-evolution by providing tools to study both the virus and the host.
PROGRAM (24 hours)

28 - 30 November 2023

TiBE, Trends in Biodiversity and Evolution Conferences, is an annual meeting (12th edition) organized by CIBIO – Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources – InBIO Associate Laboratory (more info at https://tibe.biopolis.pt).
Aims to bring together researchers, post-graduate and graduate students working on the field of evolutionary biology to present and discuss cutting-edge findings in relevant topics related with speciation, behaviour, molecular evolution, comparative genomics, ecology, population and conservation genetics research, among others. This year’s edition:
Invaders on the Horizon! Advancing Invasion Science from Genes to Ecosystems and Society is a scientific conference that aims to foster [...]]]>
REGULAR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Climate change poses a formidable challenge to ectothermic animals, especially those residing near their thermal limits. While numerous studies have delved into aspects such as aggression, sociability, and breeding behavior, the warming climate poses a direct threat to survival by introducing challenges to cognitive functions. Surprisingly, cognition remains a relatively scarce area of study in this context. Cognition, encompassing the faculties of information perception, attention, focus, decision-making, learning, and memory, plays a crucial role in an organism's survival. The profound impact of warming on cognition cannot be understated. In our investigation with damselfish, we scrutinized the repercussions of [...]]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Dr. Fraddry D’Souza a marine biologist/ecologist is current working as Guest Researcher at PTB, Braunschweig, Germany. He previously worked at a top Think Tank Institute ‘TERI – The Energy and Resources Institute’ for almost 11 years as an Area Convenor of ‘The Coastal Ecology and Marine Resources Centre’, Goa. Prior to joining TERI, he has also worked for five years as a Scientific Researcher in TNO Science and Industry, the Netherlands in applied marine research areas. His most frequent subjects of interest are ranging from Coastal resources management, Biodiversity management and conservation, Marine biofilm and biofouling, Blue Economy, Policy research, Aquaculture and Water [...]]]>
23 - 23 November 2023

This training course is an introduction to concepts and methodologies in epigenetics for students, investigators and technicians in the field of ecology and evolution. It is suitable for both animal and plant scientists. It will present important concepts and definitions in epigenetics, the main methodologies (e.g. ATAC-seq, bisulfite sequencing, ONT sequencing) and bioinformatic tools to analyse the data and kind of questions that can be addressed using these methods.  This training is part of the CNRS training catalog. Instructors are from the IHPE (http://ihpe.univ-perp.fr/), which has a strong activity in epigenetics (and a dedicated technical [...]]]>
20 - 24 November 2023

Animals are naturally equipped to respond to change from a finer scale, such as contextual behavioural shifts, to predictable seasonal change, all the way to larger environmental events. The nervous system (including sensory tissues) is thus at the forefront of animal responses to the biotic and abiotic socio-environment. However, changing climates are likely to demand a greater level of response and adaptation from animals’ endocrine system, which may lead to rapid and drastic shifts but also to evolutionary changes in endocrine and nervous system function. We propose to first focus on animal behavioural neurobiology and neural evolution and then discuss how climate change may interact with animal stress response, how is it influencing key [...]]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

The Iberian lynx was at the brink of extinction by the end of the 20th century, but is now steadily recovering, providing an amazing conservation success story. The species is one of the least genetically diverse, and ancient and historical data suggest this is the result of a combination of small long-term effective sizes, historical bottlenecks, and the range fragmentation and local extirpation occurring during the last century. Inbreeding and low genetic diversity has affected reproduction and survival, and several genetic disorders have reached moderate frequencies, including an idiopathic juvenile epilepsy. Genomic data provide evidence for the accumulation of moderately deleterious variation as a short-term effect of bottlenecks, and also for the long-term purging of [...]]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

The Mediterranean oak (Quercus L.) forests (MOFs) occupy almost half (c. 40%) of the surface in Andalusia (Spain), being one of the plant formations with greater interest for its multifunctional nature. Despite the huge available detailed information about those more productive oak species (Quercus rotundifolia, Q. suber and Q. faginea), there is still inaccurate information about spatial and temporal patterns of the MOF distribution, functioning and dynamics, such as phenological patterns. In this sense, we establish new challenges within the FORMEDY project to respond questions such as: Are the exchange of matter and energy playing an important role in forest dynamics? How the past and current stability impacts quality and potential adaptation of MOFs to climate [...]]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
In the West Paleartic region, four species of Arbutus and five species of Ilex are recorded according to the current outputs of phylogeny and taxonomy. They are centered in the Mediterranean-Atlantic Basin, scattered along the Atlantic coast, and reaching the Macaronesian Sub-Region, as two of the most important representatives of the Mediterranean-Atlantic broadleaved evergreen forest and thicket species. The aim of this project is to link the present and past distributions of the two Paleartic genera and provide a reliable reconstruction of plant history and population dynamics across the late Quaternary period. The present-day distribution, obtained from floristic databases, herbaria collections, phytosociological [...]]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Defined as territories above 700 m (supratemperate and supra,editerranean vegetation stages), mountains occupy around 11% of the surface of mainland Portugal. A favorable water balance, slope and altitudinal compression of the vegetation stages favored the development of complex organic agricultural systems with a high capacity to sustain human populations (in the Iberian context). Traditional mountain farming systems included a private space largely dedicated to cereal farming and forage production, and a vast area of communal property (baldios). The commons played a key role in feeding domestic ruminant herds and restoring land fertility in private areas. Protectionist policies on cereal prices, public [...]]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Wide-ranging species such as the gray wolf can disperse several hundred kilometers, although recent studies demonstrate that their population structure at times reflect physical, environmental, or ecological boundaries. For certain populations this structuring represents long-standing isolation and genetic drift, whereas for others there does not appear to be obvious barriers to dispersal. In Eurasia, especially in the western part, north-south gene flow may be more limited than that occurring east-west because of physical features including mountain chains and water. We examined genomic profiles from across Eurasia to determine broad-scale population genetic structure, where we expected stronger north-south than east-west [...]]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
The Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa hispida saimensis) is endemic to Lake Saimaa in Finland. The subspecies is thought to have originated when parts of the ringed seal population of the Baltic region were trapped in lakes emerging due to postglacial bedrock rebound around 9000 years ago. During the 20th century, the population experienced a drastic human-induced bottleneck. Today encompassing a little over 400 seals with extremely low genetic diversity, it is classified as endangered. We sequenced sections of the mitochondrial control region from 60 up to 125-years-old museum specimens of the Saimaa ringed seal. The generated dataset was combined with publicly available sequences. We studied how genetic variation has changed through time in this subspecies and how it is phylogenetically [...]]]>
Where: Círculo Universitário do Porto When: 09th November 2023 | 17h-20h
Join us in an informal meeting to chat about plant science and get to know our plans for 2023/2024. Register here

Let’s meet!  


]]>

The SeaThings project, co-led by CIBIO Açores in the  person of Prof. Ana Costa and in which CIBIO researchers Andrea Botelho and Manuela Parente also participated,  was awarded  the Atlantic Project Award in the category of blue skills development and ocean literacy. 

This project funded by PO-Açores 2019-2023 includes  the Re-Mar repository  as an integral part, and its main objective is to be used by teachers, trainers and educators to introduce the theme of the sea in their teaching [...]]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
In the talk, we will present the latest findings from the Bacteriology group regarding genomic studies in Xanthomonas, with a focus on practical aspects of high-throughput sequencing and genomics in a context of the development of plant control strategies. We will showcase research conducted on the species Xanthomonas arboricola, highlighting the applications of genomics studies in the pruni pathovar. Functional studies derived from genomic analyses on this bacterial model will also be mentioned. Special emphasis will be placed on the secretion systems of these bacteria and their potential role in the infectious processes.

I am a researcher at the National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA/CSIC). I obtained my [...]]]>
6 - 8 November 2023

Ecological niche models (ENM), and/or species distribution models (SDM), are a series of computer algorithms designed to predict the distribution of species in geographic space based on a mathematical representation of their distribution in the environmental space. These state-of-the-art tools are frequently used in different biological disciplines such as ecology, biogeography, evolutionary biology or conservation. This is the first of two courses aimed to provide (1) an overview of the theoretical aspects, applications and techniques of ENM, and (2) a series of practical cases exemplifying relevant scientific uses of ENM.

PROGRAM (21 hours)
Day 01 | November 06, 2023 | 9:45-13:00
1.1 Overview of the program. What is the [...]]]>

23 - 27 October

This course intends to introduce the student to R programming from the very beginning. During the week, we will start describing what R is, what type of data works with (such as vectors, matrix and dataframes), and the basic functions. The course covers practical issues in statistical computing which includes programming in R, reading data into R, accessing R packages and writing R functions.

PROGRAM (27 hours)
Day 01 | October 23, 2023 | 9:30-11:00 - Introduction to R environment
Coffee break | 11:30-13:00 - Simple data manipulation. Lunch break | 14:00-15:30 - Objects: attributes and modes. Coffee break | 16:00-17:30 - Functions and packages
Day [...]]]>
STUDENT SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Theevolution of sex-specific traits has long been the subject of interest amongevolutionary biologists. In birds, female-limited plumage color may result fromconflicting selective pressures, in males and females, leading to intra-locussexual conflict. The common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) is a prime exampleof female-limited color polymorphism, where adult females exhibit either rufousor grey plumage, while males are monochromatic grey. This species is well-knownfor its interspecific brood parasitism and morph prevalence seems to be under frequency-dependentselection by host recognition. Alternative plumage coloration may alsofunction intraspecifically to reduce sexual harassment and [...]]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Lepidoptera is one of the most diverse branches across the tree of life and various processes have driven their diversification. In a first part, I will discuss the role of chromosomal rearrangements through chromosomal fusions and fissions on rates of speciation at a macroevolutionary scale. For the second part I will describe showcases of late-stage speciation by focusing on zones of secondary contact between closely related Alpine butterflies and their diverse and surprising outcomes – ranging from a hybrid swarm to very narrow and stable contact zones. 

Kay Lucek is SNSF Eccellenza Assistent Professor at the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. His research aims to advance our understanding on how biodiversity evolves and is maintained. For [...]]]>

BIOPOLIS-CIBIO PhD student André Vicente Liz, of the research group BIODESERTS,  has been named one of the two winners of the 2023 GBIF Graduate Researchers Award, an initiative that promotes and encourages innovation in biodiversity-related research using data shared through the GBIF network.
The research now recognised and carried out as part of the BIODIV Doctoral Programme will provide integrated, up-to-date knowledge of the fauna of the Sahara-Sahel, taking into account its ecological diversity (species [...]]]>
On the 29th of September 2023, representatives from the University of Porto Social Action Services (SASUP) were present at BIOPOLIS to sign the agreement that formalizes the transfer of the canteen operation and assets from the SASUP to BIOPOLIS.With the signing of this agreement, the conditions are in place to, in the near future, re-open canteen activity, serving meals to the students, researchers, teachers and guests of the University of Porto.]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

The systematics and phylogenetic relationships of Asian ranid frogs of the genus Huia has been unstable for decades and has not been convincingly resolved. Prior to my study, five species (H. cavitympanum, H. masonii, H. sumatrana, Huia modigliani, and H. melasma) were recognized under the genus Huia. However, none of available studies suggested that Huia is a monophyletic group and provided adequate systematics solutions, leaving the genus to languish in classification that is evolutionary incoherent. In my study, I generated the most comprehensive taxon sampling of Huia via extensive fieldwork and museum loan. Under the framework of integrative taxonomy, my analysis (of molecular and morphological data of adults and larvae) revealed that Huia is a paraphyletic [...]]]>
25 -28 September 2023

The aim of this EMBO Workshop is to integrate perspectives on the function of SUMOylation from the fields of biochemistry, molecular cell biology, structural biology, genetics, plant science, pluripotency, immunity, oncology, neurodegeneration and drug discovery. The workshop will stimulate exchanges between established and young scientists, as well as between basic scientists, clinicians and industry, to stimulate the growth of translational SUMOylation research to tackle challenges in health and agriculture.
ORGANIZERS Alfred Vertegaal (Coordinator) | Leiden University Medical Center, NL Herlander Azevedo | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, University of Porto, PT Guillaume Bossis | Montpellier University, FR Pedro Humberto Castro | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, University of Porto, PT Maria Lois | Center for Research in [...]]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

The Mediterranean Basin is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, home to more than 25,000 vascular plant species in 15,000 km2 of territory. The high rate of endemicity is one of the main characteristics of the Mediterranean flora. Almost 60% of all taxa are endemic, half of which have a limited distribution, in so-called "micro" and "nano" hotspots. These are mainly found on blu islands, located for example on mountain tops or isolated rocky outcrops, often within true continental islands. This high biodiversity is profoundly threatened by anthropogenic disturbances and, despite numerous studies on vascular plants, the continuing need for their conservation both ex situ and in situ is highlighted. The "from theory to practice" approach is presented [...]]]>

Launch of the book ‘Women in Herpetology: 50 Stories from Around the World’ celebrates the grit and passion of women in amphibian and reptile science, including BIOPOLIS/CIBIO-InBIO researchers
‘Women in Herpetology: 50 Stories from Around the World’ unveils the inspiring journeys of 50 women from 50 countries and regions who have dedicated their lives to the study of amphibians and reptiles working in diverse fields such as conservation, biodiversity, ecotoxicology, and education. This groundbreaking book showcases with stunning illustrations by seventeen talented artists from around the world the determination, passion, and love for these creatures that drive these [...]]]>
On July 20th, 2023, the meeting Melhoria das ações preventivas contra LAGovírus emergentes na bacia do MEDiterrâneo: desenvolvimento e otimização de metodologias para deteção e controlo de agentes patogénicos, organized by IMED researchers Joana Abrantes and Ana M. Lopes, was held at BIOPOLIS-CIBIO-InBIO Auditorium in Vairão, with more than thirty participants from various countries and with different backgrounds, including researchers, professors, veterinarians, rabbit [...]]]>
24 - 27 July 2023

Pleasevisit the dedicated website for ISOLBE - XIII International Symposium on Littorinid Biology and Evolutionhere: https://isolbexiii.com/ We are pleased to announce the 13th edition of ISOLBE, the International Symposium on Littorinid Biology and Evolution, hosted by Rui Faria at BIOPOLIS- CIBIO – Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Portugal.   During four days of conference, we will discuss recent scientific findings of evolutionary significance within a highly polymorphic group of organisms with remarkable variation in life history traits.

Future promising [...]]]>
TheBIOPOLIS Association, together with the Municipality of Póvoa de Varzim and theParish of Rates sign today, 17 July 2023, a partnership agreement to create the"Centro de Clima da Póvoa de Varzim” and support the movement "Póvoa emTransição". The "Centrode Clima” will be a collaborative centre for experimentation in climate actionand community resilience that will develop strategic projects related to therecovery of biodiversity, water resources, forest and soil. It will also act inthe use of renewable energies, in an effective mobility and in the reduction ofconsumption. "Póvoaem Transição" is a [...]]]>
17 - 21 July 2023

more updated information in the dedicated website: https://ricardojorgelopes.com/teaching/museum-techniques-2023/
Welcome to the 5th edition of an intensive course on innovative uses of museum’s resources for vertebrate’s research. By the end of this course students will have an updated overview of the potential of museum collections for biodiversity research. The host instructors, from CIBIO-InBIO and the Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Porto (MHNC-UP) and foreign instructors from Cornell University Museum of Vertebrates (CUMV), will share their knowledge and experience on preparing, curating, and using museum specimens. This will [...]]]>
STUDENT SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

The classical optimal foraging theory (OFT) proposes that animals adjust their foraging behaviours strategically to maximize resource acquisition. This theory has been applied to explain the dietary patterns of large carnivores in African ecosystems, which are characterized by diverse species and high management efforts. In this study, we aimed to quantify the diets of the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), leopard (Panthera pardus), and the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) in Bicuar National Park, southern Angola. This habitat has experienced an incomplete species assemblage due to a three-decade-long civil war. To analyze prey items, we employed DNA metabarcoding using high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Our [...]]]>
SENIOR SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Although species are being lost at alarming rates, previous research has provided conflicting results on the extent and even direction of global biodiversity change at the local scale. Here, we assessed the ability to detect global biodiversity trends using local species richness and how it is affected by the number of monitoring sites, sampling interval (i.e. time between original survey and re-survey of the site), measurement error (error of the measurement of the local species richness), spatial grain of monitoring (a proxy for the taxa mobility) and spatial sampling biases (i.e. site-selection biases). We conclude that detecting accurate global biodiversity trends using local richness may simply be unfeasible with current approaches. We suggest that monitoring a [...]]]>
10 - 14 July 2023

Biogeography gives the framework to describe life on Earth. The diversity of life on Earth (biodiversity) exhibits spatial and temporal patterns that beg for theoretical models for their description. This five-day course reviews several theoretical approaches describing patterns of species richness and species abundance. We will give emphasis to the development and careful interpretation of the mathematical formulae and their relationship with the biological phenomena they describe. The objective of this course is to make its participants familiar with theoretical approaches in ecology, being able to understand their foundations and rationales, as well as their limitations, and whenever possible demystify the use of mathematics in ecology. After this course we hope [...]]]>
INVITED SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Phylogenetic profiling is a computational method used to infer functional relationships between genes based on their patterns of presence or absence across different species. In recent years, the availability of extensive genomic data has enabled its reliable use to detect eukaryotic protein interaction networks. Here we present preliminary results using this type of analysis on a large-scale publicly available bird genome dataset (Feng, Shaohong, Josefin Stiller, Yuan Deng, Joel Armstrong, Qi Fang, Andrew Hart Reeve, Duo Xie, et al. 2020. "Dense Sampling of Bird Diversity Increases Power of Comparative Genomics.” Nature 587 (7833): 252–57.). Birds, as a diverse group, provide a unique opportunity to investigate the evolution of traits and gene functions by associated [...]]]>
4 - 6 July 2023

Registrations and abstract submissions are now open!

We are pleased to announce the V International Shrike Symposium, which will be organized and hosted by BIOPOLIS-CIBIO - University of Porto at Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal. Shrikes are an interesting bird group combining the features of the passerines and birds of prey. A considerable number of questions connected with their evolution, ecology and behaviour have still remained open. Many species shrink their range, dramatically decreasing their abundance. This fact was also a reason to create the International Shrike Working Group and to ensure a regular contact and international meetings among shrikeologists. The I International Shrike Symposium was held in January 1993 in Lake Placid, Florida, and it was [...]]]>
INVITED SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Although the encounter between Arts and Sciences is not new, it remains rare for artists and scientists to come together to work on the same project. It takes audacity to dare such meeting and openness to embrace the diversity of languages and worldviews. In June 2022, a group of scientists and artists experienced it on a joint mission to the island of São Tomé. We walked together through the habitats of the island, from the coast towards the interior of the volcanic island. We crossed the monocultures of palm oil trees, the agroforestry plantations of coffee and cocoa, to enter the native forest of Obô, the sanctuary of endemic species. In this session we will briefly present the research work that drove this encounter, followed by the first artistic [...]]]>
26 - 29 June 2023

With the rapid expansion of invasive alien species, developing robust ecological models is increasingly critical to support successful management strategies. These models can therefore guide future surveillance efforts for citizens, managers, decision-makers and researchers.

Objectives and skills that will be provided  • Theoretical basis of invasion ecology;  • Introduction to modelling approaches in biological invasions;  • Types of input data and respective sources;  • Basic procedures in R software and statistical programming;  • General application of R modelling packages; • Spatial analyses of ecological and environmental data; • Interpretation and implications of model results


20 - 23 June 2023

Students will learn how to apply machine learning to answer relevant questions in ecology and behavioural studies. Students will be given a brief overview of the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, more specifically on the use of deep learning and its applications in solving real-world problems faced by researchers working with large animal based datasets. This course will teach students how to create deep learning-based algorithms that can efficiently extract information from various forms of data, such as images and videos.

PROGRAM (24 hours)
Day 01 | June 20, 2023 | 9:45-13:00
Data collection in ecology and behavioural studies – overview, current challenges and AI as a potential [...]]]>
NaturaConnect Webinar

Exploring Nature Futures Scenarios for a resilient Trans-European Nature Network (TEN-N)

4th of July 2023 – 14:00 to 16:00 CEST


Join NaturaConnect‘s webinar to explore different Nature Future Scenarios that will help to shape the design of a coherent and resilient Trans-European Nature Network (TEN-N). We will discover how the Nature Future Scenarios can be translated into land use scenarios, how they can be used for identifying connectivity and conservation priorities and finally, how these could inform the design of the TEN-N.
The nature future scenarios are underpinned by the Nature Futures Framework, which was developed by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and [...]]]>
INVITED SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Intraspecific genetic diversity is a fundamental level of biodiversity. The need to focus conservation efforts on genetic diversity has been recently strengthened, owing to the potential link between genetic diversity and adaptive capacities to climate change. The Mediterranean red gorgonian, Paramuricea clavata is characterized by low population dynamics (few mm per year), late sexual maturity (10-12 years of age) and restricted dispersal abilities (10s of m). This species harbors a key ecological role as habitat-forming species in biodiversity rich coralligenous communities. In the last 20 years, P. clavata has been recurrently impacted by dramatic mass mortality events linked to marine heat waves. These events [...]]]>
INVITED SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Species that live across a range of different environments often exhibit local adaptation, in which particular genetic variants (alleles) are common in some locations and rare in others. If there is gene-flow between environments, and multiple genetic loci are involved in local adaptation, this may favour genome rearrangements that maintain favourable combinations of alleles at multiple loci that are all adapted to the same environment, by suppressing recombination. However, these rearrangements may also have costs, as they could preventing the formation of new combinations of alleles that may be better suited to new environmental conditions. We still know little about the specific mechanisms that suppress [...]]]>
INVITED SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Located at the crossroad of two continents and at the southeastern edge of the Mediterranean Basin, Anatolia was one of the most important Pleistocene glacial refugia in the western Palaearctic. As part of the three world biodiversity hotspots, this region is also home to an astonishingly rich avian community. Nevertheless, studies addressing the genetic structure and diversity of this large and taxonomically heterogeneous community are still limited, and information on glacial refugia in this region is still scant, especially when compared to the other large Mediterranean peninsulas, namely the Balkan, Italian and Iberian one. Also, being a barrier during the gracial periods, the altitudes of Anatolia has been [...]]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

The Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program (or BBPP) is the preeminent program for conservation biology and environmental sciences in one of the world’s least understood but most important biodiversity hotspots – Equatorial Guinea (EG).  Over 25 years of collaboration with the National University of Equatorial Guinea (or UNGE), BBPP has aimed to improve understanding, management and protection of EG’s natural environment - particularly the Gran Caldera Scientific Reserve.  BBPP's collaborative activities focus on three main areas 1) research programs to generate knowledge about EG’s environment while also ensuring capacity building of Equatoguineans, 2) education programs that emphasize peer-to-peer [...]]]>
INVITED SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Social media platforms are a valuable source of data for investigating cultural and political trends related to public interest in nature and conservation. Here, we use the micro-blogging social network Twitter to explore trends in public interest and sentiment towards Brazilian protected areas (PAs). We identified around 400,000 Portuguese-language tweets pertaining to all categories of Brazilian PAs over a twelve-year period (1st January 2011 to 31st December 2022). We analyzed the content of these tweets and engagement metrics to uncover patterns and drivers of public engagement and perceptions about Brazilian PAs. Our results indicate that users and tweets mentioning protected areas remained stable throughout the sampled [...]]]>
STUDENT SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Sponges are a crucial component of deep-sea benthic communities, greatly contributing to ecosystem function. Some species, such as Pheronema carpenteri, form highly structured and dense aggregations that contribute to increases in local biodiversity. Pheronema aggregations are classified as Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems, being especially sensitive to anthropogenic activities such as bottom-trawling fisheries. The potential impact that climate change will have on these ecosystems remains unclear, although it is expected to influence species’ available suitable habitat and distribution range. In this talk, the predicted distribution of P. carpenteri both for present-day and under different climate change scenarios (RCPs 2.6, 4.5, 8.5) in the North Atlantic will be [...]]]>
22 - 26 May 2023

This course intends to introduce the student to R programming from the very beginning. During the week, we will start describing what R is, what type of data works with (such as vectors, matrix and dataframes), and the basic functions. The course covers practical issues in statistical computing which includes programming in R, reading data into R, accessing R packages and writing R functions.

PROGRAM (27 hours)
Day 01 | May 22, 2023 | 9:30-11:00 - Introduction to R environment
Coffee break | 11:30-13:00 - Simple data manipulation. Lunch break | 14:00-15:30 - Objects: attributes and modes. Coffee break | 16:00-17:30 - Functions and packages
Day 02 | May [...]]]>
STUDENT SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Woody invasive alien species can alter ecosystem processes and functions (e.g., fire regulation), jeopardizing landscape resilience. Acacia dealbata is a widespread invader in Portugal and holds well-known fire-proneness traits with potential to modify fire regimes. This study analyzes how different landscape and fire suppression management strategies affect the future habitat suitability of A. dealbata in the Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Gerês-Xurés. Land-use scenarios – Rewilding (RWild) and High Nature Value farmlands (HNVf) were combined with fire suppression scenarios – low, current, and high suppression – to predict the future habitat suitability for A. dealbata. The results show that habitat suitability will be higher in the RWild scenario with [...]]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
My seminar will summarise the main findings of two recent studies on the evolutionary biology of major algal groups. In order to understand diversification trends in the eukaryotic supergroup Archaeplastida, we inferred a phylogeny using >460 chloroplast genomes that was calibrated in geological time using 19 fossil occurrences. We used the time-calibrated phylogeny to investigate patterns of diversification through time and across lineages, showing an increase of lineage accumulation during the Paleozoic, with stark differences between the contributions of different functional form-groups to overall diversification. A second study focuses on genome-wide trends in molecular evolution. Starting from the near-neutral theory of molecular evolution, we define a set of [...]]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Microbiome engineering has been in the spotlight as a potential solution to maintain or improve the health of several hosts, from threatened coral species to livestock and humans, but the development of microbiome manipulation strategies has been slow. Part of the problem is that it is still challenging to identify a significant fraction of microbial species and their ecological roles within host-associated microbiomes. This seminar will focus on the current challenges and advances in characterizing microbiomes from taxonomic and functional perspectives. Focusing on the human gut microbiome, I will discuss how charting microbial interactions with metagenome-wide metabolic modelling is helping to narrow down promising strategies to restore a healthy gut ecosystem.

15 -19 May 2023

This workshop will present major on-going research topics in plant evolutionary genomics, covering both methodological and biological questions, fundamental and applied perspectives, model plants and crops. Each theme (day) will be covered by 2 talks given by international specialists and a round table with both speakers moderated by an in-house researcher from the field. Talks will be 1h30 research-oriented lectures (with 30 min of a general/large scope introduction on the subject).  A lot of interaction is expected during these lectures: questions will be asked during the talks and at the round table.  The workshop is also meant to be a platform for connecting students and labs in this field, internationally. Mostspeakers will stay the whole week. This is the 2nd [...]]]>

126 researchers from the University of Porto are highlighted in the latest edition of the Research.com rankings, which annually ranks the best and most influential scientists in the world in their respective areas. This list includes 11 BIOPOLIS researchers in four areas: Animal Science and Veterinary, Biology and Biochemistry, Ecology and Evolution and Environmental Sciences (see below).
Research.com is an academic platform that compiles rankings for top conferences, journals, universities and scientists by subjects based on data from the open bibliometric databases, such as Microsoft Academic Graph and Google Scholar. For the ranking of top scientists, the inclusion criteria for scholars to be considered into the ranking are based on their Discipline H-index (D-index), [...]]]>
STUDENT SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

The global spread of the internet has spurred the emergence of new conservation approaches focused on the comprehension of biodiversity patterns as well as on the interlinkages between people and their environment. People increasingly create imagery and textual content on the web, either through the search for topics of interest, the expression of opinions about newsworthy events, or the uploading of photographs and videos in social media platforms. As such, internet users passively offer huge amounts of data which can be used to get real-time insights into a multitude of issues pertaining to ecology and conservation. Inevitably, dealing with the massive amount of social media data produced by an increasingly number [...]]]>
8 - 12 May 2023

Cabeço da Espigueira is a fictitious site documenting several human occupations attributed to different chronologies, from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Late Neolithic (between c. 30 000 cal years BP to c. 5 000 cal years BP). The site is located on the left margin of the Espigueira rivulet, in a platform positioned 15 meters above the alluvial plain.
This advanced course proposes the artificial excavation of this site using a geoarchaeological approach followed by analyses of the sediments and the study of the archaeological record recovered therein through the lenses of Archaeosciences (e.g. stone tools, human and non-human bones, charcoal, seeds, domestic and funerary structures). The environmental scenarios experienced by the [...]]]>
INVITED SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Describing and understanding arthropod diversity is a key challenge, with logistical constraints limiting both the taxonomic and geographic scale of investigation. Novel high throughput sequencing approaches are now emerging as powerful tools to overcome such constraints, and thus comprehensively address existing shortfalls in arthropod biodiversity data. At the core of these approaches is the DNA barcode, which provides a universal currency for measuring and comparing arthropod diversity, potentially providing collateral benefits to connect arthropod biodiversity research at a global scale. In this presentation I would like to use some of our work over the last 15 years to make an argument for how a primary focus on barcode data in the analysis of arthropod [...]]]>
STUDENT SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

For marine invertebrates, the ability to cross geographical barriers posed by deep-waters and sea-surface circulation is intrinsically linked to their larval development, with important biogeographical and evolutionary implications. Research on marine island biogeography is fuelled by the arrival of marine invertebrates to remote areas, in an attempt to explain how connectivity is maintained under such unique conditions. Therefore, and using the Azores Archipelago as a proxy for remote volcanic oceanic islands, marine biodiversity and biogeographic mechanisms were studied for gastropod and bryozoan species with different types of larval development based on a combination of mitochondrial and nuclear (including microsatellite) markers. Theoretical expectations [...]]]>
INVITED SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Agroforestry, the practice of growing crops beneath a canopy of shade trees, is common in tropical regions, and has the potential to provide habitat for wildlife whilst maintaining agricultural production. However, the increasing demand for commodity crops is driving intensification of agriculture in the tropics, which results in the conversion of agroforestry systems into monocultures. This conversion to monocultures drives declines in biodiversity in these habitats, which may in turn cause a drop-off in yields due to loss of ecosystem services. However, the effects of agricultural management on animal communities and the downstream effects on productivity are poorly understood, especially in the Afrotropics. During this talk, I will present the main findings [...]]]>
STUDENT SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Among large carnivores, wolves show a remarkable capability to persist in human-dominated landscapes. However, the temporal dynamics of variation in spatial use of these landscapes remains poorly understood. Considering the relevance of spatio-temporal variations of territorial marking on wolf behaviour, either to defend territory boundaries and core areas or to expand into new areas, the location of wolf signs should reflect the dynamics of spatial use. Taking advantage of a long-term non-invasive wolf monitoring dataset spanning from 2005 to 2022 we fit a dynamic occupancy model to investigate the effects of environmental and anthropogenic factors on the dynamics of wolf spatial use in human-dominated landscapes. We focused on two dynamic parameters of [...]]]>
STUDENT SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Rabbits are being explored as potential model species for HIV-1 since rabbit cells display only few replication barriers to this virus: 1- they are not permissive to virus entry, 2- rabbit TRIM5 blocks HIV-1 reverse transcription, and 3- a primary rabbit macrophage-specific barrier reduces virion infectivity by a yet unknown mechanism. In light of generating a transgenic rabbit model that supports HIV-1 infection, our goal was to investigate whether minimal modifications to rabbit CD4 and CCR5 were sufficient to overcome the first barrier and thus may enable HIV-1 entry into rabbit cells. Additionally, we examined whether these modifications altered the physiological functions of the receptors. Computational modeling and evolutionary analyses of rabbit CD4 and [...]]]>
STUDENT SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
Lygodactylusis the most speciose gekkonid group in Africa, with several additional,candidate species already identified. However, in mainland Africa severalgroups remain only partially resolved, and there are several taxonomic inconsistencies.Lygodactylus gutturalis was described from Guinea-Bissau in the 1870s and sincethen, the species has been recorded from West to East Africa, widelydistributed through different biomes and ecoregions. However, this taxon hasnever been studied in detail. The access to new material have contributed therevised the group using an integrative approach, including molecularphylogenetic analysis, morphometrics, skull osteology and biogeography, toprovide the first systematic revision of the L. gutturalis species complex.


From 13 to 15 March 2023, the consortium of the LIFE SafeLines4Birds project met in Paris to kick off this 6-year project, which aims to reduce non-natural mortality of 13 representative bird species around power lines. The success of this project relies on the extensive collaboration of 15 consortium partners and relevant stakeholders, which include Transmission System Operators (TSO), Distribution System Operators (DSO), NGOs and scientific experts from France, Belgium, Portugal, Germany and the United States. The project is co-financed by the European Union’s LIFE Programme, has a budget of nearly €14,2 million and will run until 31 December 2028.
Collision with power lines, electrocution while perching and disturbance during their breeding season are major threats for some [...]]]>
27 - 29 March 2023

This course aims to provide students with basic notions of structural equation models (SEM), a multivariate technique used to solve complex questions in biodiversity-related sciences, and quantile regression models, an alternative technique to traditional regression methods. The algebraic part of the models will not be emphasized, but their ecological applications. At the end of the course, the participant will be able to (i) formulate hypotheses and conceptual models based on complex relationships between ecological variables, (ii) apply the learnt statistical techniques, (iii) interpret and discuss the results obtained. It is required basic notion of R (R program http://www.r-project.org/).
PROGRAM (21 hours)

20 - 24 March 2023

DNA metabarcoding is an innovative method widely used to describe biodiversity patterns and food webs across multiple habitats and ecosystems. It allows the identification of multiple organisms composing complex samples such as air, water, faeces, soil, bulk organisms, through the amplification of taxonomically informative genomic regions. Much progress has been made so far towards the development of this method, fostered by the need for a simple, fast and cost-effective method. Yet its application requires different fields of expertise (traditional and DNA-based taxonomy, molecular biology, NGS technology, bioinformatics, and computational statistics) and consequently uninformed technical decisions can dictate the quality of results. Therefore, in this course we propose to focus on the complexity of [...]]]>
INVITED SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Birds and bats play a major role in the provision of multiple ecosystem services that are considered to be of high importance for more biodiversity-friendly and sustainable farming practices. In this short presentation, I will present an overview of our international research on this topic, including findings on the economic importance of bird- and bat-mediated pest suppression services in tropical agroforestry systems, multitrophic interactions and management implications. I also present cross-disciplinary approaches to investigate implementation gaps through socio-ecological studies and how their findings will be integrated into new projects in Peruvian cacao agroforestry systems and Italian olive groves.

Bea Maas’ work is focused on [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

From early civilization to the development of modern cities, human activity has shaped the evolution of other species. Some taxa are able to survive, adapt and even thrive in an anthropogenic niche. Human commensal species are a special case, having evolved a dependency on human resources without our direct influence. Intriguingly, human commensal relationships have arisen multiple times across many different species and even in parallel within the same genus. What factors drive the evolution of human commensalism? Is it a case of being in the right place at the right time? Or are there particular (pre)adaptations, traits and genes that mean some species are better able to exploit human resources than others? To [...]]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Despite the enormous sequencing efforts of the last number of years, the phylogeny of animals remains unresolved. We will explore how hidden paralogy contributes to this conflict focussing on three nodes, the placement of either Porifera (sponges) or Ctenophora (comb jellies) as the sister to all other animals, the position of the Xenacoelomorphs and the divergence patterns within Amphibia. We will see how the treatment of genomic data for animal phylogenomics impacts on our interpretation of animal evolutionary history and we will see one example of the application of phylogenies to uncovering the molecular underpinnings of phenotypic divergence within vertebrata.

Dr Mary J O’Connell, Ph.D., is currently an Associate Professor of Comparative and [...]]]>
INVITED SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

All species on Earth are interconnected to each other by ecological interactions, forming the baseline of biodiversity. Species interactions can be studied through the lens of ecological networks, a helpful tool to understand ecological and evolutionary processes at multiple scales of biological organisation. The first part of this talk explains how network theory was used to understand how avian seed-dispersal has been changed with fragmentation and defaunation in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, and how it can be used to assess socio-ecological systems in the Amazon. The second part of the will dive into the role of keystone species for multiple types of interactions. While all species engage in multiple interaction types with other species, keystone species [...]]]>
From 3rd to 5th February 2023, in Cabeza del Buey (Extremadura, Spain), a group of about 30 Portuguese and Spanish researchers met to form a specialist group in steppe birds: bird species associated with open habitats dominated by grasses or small scrublands, strongly linked to historical low-intensity agricultural practices in the Iberian Peninsula. These birds, such as the Great bustard, the Little bustard, the Black-bellied sandgrouse, the Dupont’s lark or the Lesser Kestrel, have suffered a sharp decline in recent decades as a result of changes in European agricultural policies, and are among the most endangered group of birds in the world.

The main objective of the meeting was the formation of a stable group of scientists that will try to fill the existing gaps in the knowledge about [...]]]>

27 February - 3 March 2023

All organisms on Earth are connected to each other by ecological interactions, forming a complex web of life, the so-called ‘entangled bank’ coined by Charles Darwin. Network Theory brings concepts and tools that help to understand such complexity and to answer timely questions on ecology and conservation. This course aims to assist students to apply the science of Network Ecology to their research. It combines theoretical and practical classes with learning oriented by personal and group projects.

PROGRAM (32 hours)
Day 01 | February 27, 2023 | 9:45-13:00
Introduction to the course Theory class 1: History and Graph Theory| 14:00-17:45
Hands-on [...]]]>

INVITED SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Eurasian lynx is the largest cat of Europe, but was exterminated across the Alps and Northern Dinaric Mountains around the end of the 19th century. During the 20th century, several reintroduction projects took place across Central Europe, but the species distribution is still limited in this region and most of the remaining populations are threatened by inbreeding. In this talk, general ecology of the Eurasian lynx will be presented together with the conservation work of the LIFE Lynx project currently taking place in Slovenia, Croatia and Italy. This includes the reinforcement of the Dinaric population with translocations of 14 lynx from the Carpathian population in Romania and Slovakia. Before the [...]]]>

22 - 24 February 2023

The course will focus on the ecology of endangered animals, especially the main threats and how certain ecological characteristics increase their vulnerability for extinction. In the second part we will focus on conservation solutions that proved effective, as well as those that are not effective for certain species/threats. Throughout the course we will give special focus to endangered keystone species, such as apex predators, scavengers and ecosystem engineers, which have disproportionally important ecological roles in the ecosystems. In the last part students will gain knowledge how conservation of keystone species can be used for broader conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration.
PROGRAM (20 hours)


INVITED SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

The Arctic is warming 4-times faster than the global average, and combined with a diminishing cryosphere, this may allow temperate species to expand in the region. Continued warming is predicted to suppress endemic Arctic species while facilitating a northward expansion of temperate species. However, current species distribution and knowledge of drivers affecting population dynamics are largely unknown. Greenland’s coastlines are north - south orientated, hereby providing an ideal setting to study the impact of climate change on marine species population dynamics and ecosystem responses.  In this talk, I will present results from our coastal work in Greenland, and touch on how species physiology [...]]]>
13 - 17 February 2023

Ecological niche models (ENM), and/or species distribution models (SDM), are a series of computer algorithms designed to predict the distribution of species in geographic space based on a mathematical representation of their distribution in the environmental space. This course follows the previous course on "Introduction to Ecological Niche Modelling" and it delves into more advanced aspects of ENM, such as ensemble modelling, niche comparison with null hypothesis testing, and mechanistic models.
PROGRAM (30 hours)
Day 01 | February 13, 2023 | 9:45-13:00
Overview of ecological niche modelling
Ensemble modelling
| 14:00-17:45
Practice – Import and format data
Practice – Run models. Example with [...]]]>

Climate change is reducing the amount of dissolved oxygen in the ocean. This process called ocean deoxygenation is caused by a decreased in the oxygen solubility in surface waters as the ocean temperature increases. Over the last 50 years ocean have lost 2% of dissolved oxygen and disturbing forecasts show that oxygen loss in the ocean could reach as much as 20% by 2100. As warming increases the ocean keeps losing oxygen, imposing some threats to marine life and bringing also some impacts to human life that rely on ocean services (e.g., fisheries). The impacts may be particularly profound for large, fast swimming predators, such as pelagic sharks, that sit in the top of the food chain and need to burn lots of oxygen while moving and foraging through large expanses of the ocean. 
Research [...]]]>


Research synthesis, the process of synthesising research findings, has been increasingly in the ecological and biological sciences. The course is developed for students and researchers at an early stage of their career, and aims to provide basics on literature search and review. Participants will be able to:
(1) understand the process of research synthesis, incl. search protocols and software;
(2) conduct a systematic literature search and review; and
(3) apply different methods for analyzing published scientific evidence, such as meta-analysis tools.


PROGRAM (24 hours)
Day 01 | February 06, 2023 | 9:45-13:00
Introduction to research synthesis (theory)


CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION (ROUNDTABLE FORMAT)

Many ecologists based in the Global North are working in the tropics. Yet, ethical implications arise from the interaction between Global North and South which often consists of imbalanced practices, such as parachute science or pre-established leadership in collaborations and publications. There is a pressing need to overcome this issue by identifying those practices and discussing ways to avoid them and promote inclusive research. To move forward on this discussion, we invited three panellists. Two members from the Tropical Biology Association (TBA) – Rosie Trevelyan and Mariana Carvalho – will share with us their work in the tropics, including their strategies for inclusiveness. The TBA [...]]]>

CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION (POSTPONED - Date to be determined)
Microvines are modified "Arabidopsis-like" grapevines with small sizes and reduced life cycle, which are key to applying a number of molecular techniques on grapevines, in particular genome editing. Prof. Laurent Torregrosa, the inventor of the microvines, will present them and show some applications. See as an example a recent application here.
Laurent Torregrosa is full Professor at Institut Agronomique de Montpellier and member of the LESPE research center. He is Head of the Institute of Higher Studies in Vine and Wine Sciences, President of the GiESCO, an international initiative [...]]]>

In the scope of the REN Chair in Biodiversity, coordinated by BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, a workshop was organized with the aim of supporting the company REN developing a corporate strategy in the area of protection and management of Biodiversity.

The purpose of this event was also to collaboratively involve different stakeholders in the process of defining this strategy. This session was attended by more than 30 participants from various REN partner companies, NGOs and State entities.

The session also had the participation of RGI - Renewables Grid Initiative. RGI outlined the European panorama in the area of energy production and transport and links to biodiversity, sharing some examples of good practices of energy European Operators in biodiversity management.


CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Madagascar is the frog capital of the world. The island supports an estimated 500+ endemic frog species, of which around 400 have been described. Alarmingly, many of Madagascar’s unique amphibians are at high risk of extinction, mainly due to habitat loss from deforestation. Some of the island's most well-known frogs are the Malagasy poison frogs in the genus Mantella. They have been used as flagship species and even appear on the country’s currency. This talk focused on conservation and research efforts for two of the most highly threatened Mantella species, including developing a breeding facility for M. aurantiaca and enacting a species-based conservation action plan for M. cowanii. Devin Edmonds has been working on [...]]]>

IGNITION PROGRAMME

25 January - 31 May 2023

Science-based Businesses for a Sustainable World
An 112-hour training programme developed by Porto Business School in the context of the BIOPOLIS Project, and organised in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley Innovation Group.

This multidisciplinary initiative has the mission of preparing the participants to launch their own start-ups, both university spin-offs and market-led ventures, is free of charge, and is a great opportunity for all researchers regardless of their career level.

Training is provided by top professors and experienced industry and entrepreneurial system managers, from the founders of the Berkeley Innovation Group in [...]]]>

On the 20th of January 2023 BIOPOLIS CoE hosted representatives from the European Commission and BIOPOLIS project partners for the second periodic review meeting. The goal was to assess project’s implementation during the last 21 months, from the 1st of January of 2021 to the 30th of September of 2022. The visit included the project officer, Soraya Impens, and two external evaluators, Don Dingwell and Christine Bunthof.The meeting took place on BIOPOLIS-CIBIO facilities, at Campus de Vairão, where the Board of Directors welcomed the EC representatives and partners and presented the Teaming project’s implementation, ongoing activities, [...]]]>

SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

The scientific publishing market is widely known to be dysfunctional. The average publishing price is an order of magnitude above the real cost. This anomaly is notably due to the power of large publishing groups with high profit margins. Yet not all scientific journals are economically equivalent. Scientists are not always well informed about the complexity of journal business models, and rarely take this criterion into account when deciding to interact with a journal as an author, reviewer or editor. Supporting academia-friendly journals, though, is a way to contribute to a fairer scientific publishing system. In this talk we will present The DAFNEE database which offers a list of 398 non-profit, learned society, museum [...]]]>
CASUAL SEMINAR IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION

Stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH) is a physiological response to acute stressful events in mammals. It is mediated by HPA axis activation, causing redirection of blood flow with consequential temperature variations in different body regions. These temperature changes can therefore objectively identify stress responses. Traditional methods measuring temperature in laboratory rodents, such as thermometers and battery-operated telemetry devices, may themselves be stressful and invasive, and thus impact results. In this talk I will present results from our study using thermosensitive PIT-tags and infrared thermography (IRT) as non-invasive approaches to follow temperature changes during mildly stressful events in laboratory mice, and [...]]]>
The intensification of olive farming and its potential effects on biodiversity is a polemic topic that has recently attracted a lot of public interest due to reports of bird killings during night harvest in Southern Portugal’s super-intensive systems. However, and surprisingly, there is still very few information on the occurrence and abundance patterns of birds in these new systems along the annual agricultural cycle. In one first study addressing these issues, that was released last year, BIOPOLIS/CIBIO-InBIO researchers found that the intensification process and particularly the shift towards super-intensive systems was associated to a reshaping and significant simplification of the local  breeding bird community, which tended to be dominated by generalist granivores. But [...]]]>

On May 07, Manuel Heitor, Portuguese Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education, visited CIBIO-InBIO to know the future facilities of the BIOPOLIS Association.
During this event, CIBIO-InBIO´s director and BIOPOLIS coordinator, Nuno Ferrand, presented the most emblematic research projects developed at the center and outlined the strategic objectives established to accomplish the vision and mission of BIOPOLIS.
The visit culminated in a meeting between the minister and representatives of students and researchers, where they had the opportunity to present and discuss the challenges of their research careers. ]]>


To access to the programme please follow the link


]]> In an article published in the newsletter of the University of Montpellier, Pierre Boursot, researcher at the Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier (ISEM) and Paula Dias, researcher at Centre d’Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive (CEFE), highlighted some of the strategic objectives established to accomplish the vision and mission of the BIOPOLIS project and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the institutions.To read the newsletter article please follow the link (article only available in French)
]]>

On July 31st 2020 and as a result of the approval of BIOPOLIS project, the BIOPOLIS Association was established as an independent, non-profit, scientific association.
The constitution of BIOPOLIS Association results from the approval, by European Commission, of the project BIOPOLIS – Teaming to Upgrade to Excellence in Environmental Biology, Ecosystem Research and AgroBiodiversity, under the scope of Horizon 2020 Widening programme, which aims the upgrade of CIBIO to a Center of Excellence for Basic and Environmental Biology, Ecosystem Monitoring and AgroBiodiversity.  This private association was created, having as founding members the University of Porto, ICETA - Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente da Universidade do Porto, Association Porto Business School (PBS) and the University of [...]]]>

University of Porto contingency plan and more information available here


]]>

The BIOPOLIS project technical kick-off meeting took place on 22 of January 2020 at CIBIO – Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, Campus de Vairão, Portugal.The project, led by ICETA-CIBIO, is financed by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme and gathers the University of Montpellier, France, and Porto Business School, Portugal,  for the upgrade of CIBIO - Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, to a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for R&D&I in Environmental Biology, Ecosystem Research and AgroBiodiversity.
At the meeting, all the project partners, the members of project Installation Committee and European Commission representatives met and discussed first achievements, important issues related to the project implementation, main issues needed to [...]]]>
For more information please visit:https://jobim2020.sciencesconf.org/ 

]]>

CIBIO-InBIO´s Director, Nuno Ferrand, was present at the European Commission event "Research and Innovation Days” for the signature ceremony of BIOPOLIS Teaming project. On 24-26 September the Directorate General for Research and Innovation organized the Research and Innovation days at Kanaal centre in Brussels, an event fully dedicated to R&I. During this event a special attention was given to the newly selected Teaming 2 projects. In the morning of the September 24, project´s coordinators had the chance to meet with Mr Jean-Eric Paquet, Director General of DG RTD, where a symbolic ceremony for projects signature took place.
CIBIO-InBIO´s director and BIOPOLIS coordinator Nuno Ferrand, and Pierre Boursot from University of Montpellier, partner of BIOPOLIS project, were present for the certificate signature. During the [...]]]>  
On April 02, 2019 the European Commission granted CIBIO with two projects, BIOPOLIS and the ERA-CHAIR in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems, representing the largest funding ever allocated to a research center in Portugal. The Widening programme was stablished by the European Commission to foster capacity building, strength competitiveness and reduce research asymmetries among European regions.


BIOPOLIS project joins CIBIO to the University of Montpellier and Porto Business School, plus several actors from public and private institutions (policy makers, universities, research centers, companies and the civil society) for the development of a research center of [...]]]>

Joining of U.Porto in the Montpellier University of Excellence Consortium, with participation of CIBIO-InBIO, has been attracting media attention. University of Porto and the University of Montpellier signed a collaborative agreement within the framework of the MUSE consortium. This initiative follows the long term collaboration between CIBIO-InBIO and the University of Montpellier which will now extend the activities to all U.Porto units. The activities will start with the establishment of a CIBIO-InBIO lab in Montpellier, to support the collaboration among U.Porto and the other institutions of the consortium.

The agreement signing, which has called media attention, represents one more step towards BIOPOLIS, an ambitious project that aims to team CIBIO-InBIO with the University of Montpellier in a world reference [...]]]> "Este consórcio abre a porta para um mundo novo, que encaixa com a nossa estratégia, mas que também vem complementar todos estes acordos feitos ao mais alto nível, que tem como objectivo internacionalizar a Universidade do Porto”, contou à agência Lusa Pedro Rodrigues, vice-reitor da área de investigação da Universidade do Porto.
Em conjunto com as universidades de Barcelona (em Espanha), de Heidelberg (na Alemanha), de Wageningen (na Holanda) e a Universidade da Califórnia em (nos Estados Unidos), a Universidade do Porto associa-se a este consórcio – o Muse, a sigla de Montpellier University of Excellence – estabelecido em 2017 e que reúne 19 instituições científicas francesas nas áreas da agricultura, alimentação, ambiente e [...]]]> Em conjunto com as universidades de Barcelona (em Espanha), de Heidelberg (na Alemanha), de Wageningen (na Holanda) e UC Davis (nos Estados Unidos da América), a Universidade do Porto associa-se a este consórcio, estabelecido em 2017 e que reúne 19 instituições científicas francesas nas áreas da agricultura, alimentação, ambiente e saúde.
De acordo com Pedro Rodrigues, também professor no Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), esta colaboração vai permitir "ter um laboratório externo" instalado na Universidade de Montpellier, que tem como função apoiar os investigadores portugueses, mas também [...]]]> We will have among us two researchers from the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) from Montpellier, France, who are involved in the study of the evolution of the genomes of coffee species and in the development of new breeding approaches, and a researcher from the CIBIO-InBIO group PLANTBIO, who is developing a project with coffee varieties that have been kept in the national territory for decades, at Centro de Investigação das Ferrugens [...]]]>
CIBIO-InBIO will host in Vairão Campus on June 13 and 14 the Scientific Meeting of the International Associate Laboratory (LIA) Biodiversity and Evolution. Officially established in 2014, LIA formalizes the cooperation between CIBIO-InBIO, University of Porto, and two CNRS (Centre national de la Recherche Scientifique) research units from Montpellier, France – ISEM (Institut des Sciences de l’Évolution) and CEFE (Centre d’Écologie Fonctionelle et Évolutive) – to develop collaborative research on Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology.
The scientific session that will take place in the Auditorium on June 13 will be open to the general public and we would like to invite and encourage everyone to attend.


PROGRAMME Day 1 - Tuesday | June 13, 2017
9:30 | Opening session - Pierre Boursot (ISEM) & Nuno Ferrand de Almeida (CIBIO-InBIO´s Director)
Session 1 - Hybridization, Adaptation and [...]]]>