University of Coimbra (UC)
Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE) is an R&D unit hosted at the University of Coimbra bringing together researchers from all fields of ecology, environmental sciences, social sciences and humanities. The multidisciplinary dimension of the CFE reflects contemporary societal challenges in interaction with the complexity of the global commitment to sustainability.
Role in the project
CFE team coordinates one of the SYBERAC Case Studies dealing with assessing the effects of PPPs on non-target arthropod communities at the landscape scale. Focusing on a wine-producing area, and by coupling spatial and temporal sampling of NTA communities in- and off-crop areas across a gradient of landscape complexity (both effect and exposure data) we aim at contributing to improve ERA for these organisms at landscape scale. Taking advantage of the detailed management practices data to be collected in the area, we will also study detailed temporal effects on in-soil organism communities, mainly in-crop. This will improve not only the development of model approaches for ERA spray series (in collaboration with UBA) but also of exposure models (in collaboration with WUR). Apart from the activities in the PT case study, CFE team will also collaborate with the Danish CS by assessing the effects on soil microbiome across the different treatments, and the UK CS by joining efforts on developing omic-based tools for accessing exposure and effects of invertebrates to PPPs. CFE will be also engaged in dissemination activities, particularly at regional and national levels, showing the importance of complying with sustainable practices to mitigate PPP risks on biodiversity.
People involved
José Paulo Sousa
Associate Professor developing research in terrestrial ecology and ecotoxicology focusing on PPP ERA. Works on soil organisms, assessing effects of PPPs at population and community levels and how combined stressors (extreme climatic events and management practices) affect their diversity and soil functions.
Recently he started working with NTAs, by assessing how PPP-induced effects could hamper ecosystem services provision at the landscape scale.
António Alves da Silva
Technician at CFE focusing his research on terrestrial ecology and ecosystem management through geographic information systems and geospatial modelling. His expertise includes quantitative ecology and ecological data analysis, population dynamics and estimation, landscape ecology (e.g. land use analysis, climate change impacts), spatial modelling and geostatistics, pivotal areas granting him participation in different research projects.
Luís Cunha
Assistant researcher focusing his research on unravelling the complexities of soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, with particular emphasis on human-modified landscapes. Aims to bridge the gap between traditional ecological studies and molecular biology to forge new paths in environmental research. He is engaged in collaborative research in ecology and ecotoxicology, using omics to improve soil health indicators and assessment of chemicals.
Márcia Bessa
Technician in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Biology, she develops research in terrestrial ecology and ecotoxicology, namely assessing changes in soil and NTA communities at the field level and evaluating the effects of PPPs towards soil organisms and NTAs. Recently, she has been involved in new testing procedures mimicking realistic soil exposure routes for pesticide authorization at EU level following GLP methodologies.
Pedro Martins
Assistant researcher developing research on soil and community ecology at different spatial scales using invertebrates as indicators of land-use changes and management intensification. Recently focused on studying soil fauna using trait-based approaches as tools for sustainable management of soil biodiversity and soil services in agroforests, namely evaluating the relationship between invertebrate diversity and soil processes in the context of climate change.
Sara Leston
Assistant Researcher focusing on the risk assessment of contaminants, primarily pharmaceuticals and pesticides, in environmental and food related matrices, through in-house research on the exposure effects of non-target organisms. Also works on the development of analytical methodologies for the detection and quantification of contaminants, particularly with liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.
