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Activity Funded

CENTRE OF MOLECULAR AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY

CENTRO DE BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR E AMBIENTAL

Reference
UIDB/04050/2020
Project Start Date
2020-01-01
Project End Date
2024-12-31
Principal Investigator
Scientific Area
Natural sciences
Funding Program
Concurso de avaliação no âmbito do Programa Plurianual de Financiamento de Unidades de I&D (2017/2018) - Financiamento Base

Abstract

10.2 Summary in English for general dissemination purposes The Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA) is a FCT Research Unit, created in 2008, hosted at the School of Sciences of UMinho and classified as Excellent. Our mission is to deliver excellence in research and postgraduate training in Biological Sciences, while fostering scientific literacy and knowledge transfer to our stakeholders at national and international levels. The CBMA team integrates 48 researchers, 41 PhD students and 60 MSc students. Our strategy for 2018-22 is based on three pillars: RESEARCH, ADVANCED TRAINING, and SOCIETY, which are rooted in our mission to address the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development. The implementation plan for RESEARCH involves two goals: 1. DEVELOP ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT TOOLS TO PROTECT BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES by i) applying 2nd generation biomonitoring systems based on cutting-edge DNA-sequencing and computational analysis, ii) developing statistical and computational tools to determine the risks, uncertainties and trends for the provision of ecosystem services derived from global climate change, and iii) developing theoretical and computational models for sustainable ecosystems. 2. DEVELOP BIO-BASED PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES TO MINIMISE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT by i) identifying molecular targets relevant for biotechnology, ii) screening microbial collections to identify molecular basis of desirable phenotypes for the production of value added compounds,and iii) developing bio-inspired systems to create innovative products contributing to bioeconomy. For the ADVANCED TRAINING pillar we will reinforce Pre-doc, PhD and Post-doc training in Biology and Bioinformatics, and in transferable competencies. We will create a lifelong learning program for professionals in the industrial sectors, in close collaboration with stakeholders. For the SOCIETY pillar CBMA will reinforce networking with the media, general public and industry. The CBMA plan is enhanced by collaboration with STRATEGIC PARTNERS, which will provide competitive advantage by strengthening the CBMA position in the science and technology system. We foster collaboration with companies through knowledge transfer initiatives that will boost innovation and value creation. We are committed to strengthening cooperation between science and society, aligning scientific excellence with social awareness and bringing concerns of society to research. 10.3 Summary in English for evaluation The Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA) is a FCT Research Unit, created in 2008, hosted at the School of Sciences of UMinho, and classified as Excellent. Our mission is to deliver excellence in research and postgraduate training in Biological Sciences, while fostering scientific literacy and knowledge transfer to our stakeholders at national and international levels. The team integrates 48 researchers, 41 PhD students and 60 MSc students. In 2013-17, the team produced 548 publications, including 419 ISI papers, 33 books/book chapters, 4 patents, 59 articles in proceedings and 33 other publications, in areas as Environmental Science, Agricultural& Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, and Genetics and Molecular Biology. Of the ISI papers, 75% were published in Q1 Journals, 91 in top-10 journals and 70 are open access. In 2013-17, the CBMA income from competitive funding was 9.1 M€, and two spin-off companies were launched. CBMA research has contributed to addressing societal challenges related to the Pressure on Natural Resources and Global Climate Change, aiming to promote ecosystem sustainability and human well-being. Based on CBMA achievements and strengths, our future research will be driven by a stronger focus on high-throughput technologies and biomathematic tools, supported by high-performance computing, responding to environmental and biotechnological challenges. We are committed to strengthening cooperation between science and society, aligning scientific excellence with social awareness and bringing concerns of society to research. Our strategy for 2018-22 is based on three pillars: RESEARCH, ADVANCED TRAINING, and SOCIETY, which are rooted in our mission to address the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development. A combined approach based on hypothesis-driven and high-throughput technologies will be used to generate new knowledge. Access to the Minho Advanced Computing Center (MACC), the ongoing GenomePT consortium, and the integration in the EuroMarine and EU-Openscreen networks will benefit our research by enabling the use of biomathematic tools to assist ecosystem management, identify biological targets associated with environmental changes and generate innovative products. The plan for RESEARCH involves two goals (G) and five objectives (O): G1. DEVELOP ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT TOOLS TO PROTECT BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES O1.1) Create innovative strategies to monitor and manage aquatic biodiversity: we will apply 2nd generation biomonitoring systems based on cutting-edge DNA-sequencing and computational analysis using sensors to assist biodiversity assessment and management. O1.2) Develop strategies towards adaptation of aquatic ecosystems to global change: we will assess the impacts of biodiversity loss, invasive species, climate warming, wildfires, drought, and chemical contaminants on ecosystem processes. Statistical and computational tools will provide novel scientific support to determine the risks, uncertainties and trends for the provision of ecosystem services derived from global climate change. O1.3) Develop theoretical and computational models for sustainable ecosystems: we will devise new strategies and social norms towards a viable governance of risky commons in the presence of scientific and political uncertainties. G2. DEVELOP BIO-BASED PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES TO MINIMISE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT O2.1) Identify molecular targets relevant for biotechnology: we will use genetic, metabolic, structural and physiological approaches to assess effects of biotic and abiotic stressors on microbes and mammalian cells, and to screen engineered and natural microbial collections to uncover the molecular basis of desirable phenotypes for the production of value added compounds from bio-wastes, contributing to a circular economy. O2.2) Develop bio-inspired systems to create innovative products and materials: we will use synthetic biology approaches to create microbial cell factories for production of enzymes, antimicrobial peptides, innovative materials and chemical building blocks contributing to a resource-efficient and sustainable economy. The implementation plan for the ADVANCED TRAINING and SOCIETY pillars is: O.3) Strengthen Pre-doc, PhD and Post-doc advanced training: to fully exploit the access to MACC, we will develop a training program in Bioinformatics with EMBL-EBI. We will continue our training in Biology (2 international and 2 national ongoing doctoral programs) and transferable competencies. O.4) Create a lifelong learning program: in close collaboration with CBMA stakeholders, including the strategic council of the Institute of Science and Innovation for Biosustainability, composed of key national companies, we will provide learning programs aimed at workforce from companies. O.5) Improve science communication and foster long-term partnerships: we will i) reinforce our network with the media, general public and industry; ii) strengthen collaborations to promote the global science commons; and iii) enhance CBMA external recognition to attract new researchers and PhD students. The CBMA plan is enhanced by collaboration with internal and external STRATEGIC PARTNERS, namely the MACC Computing Center, the Institute of Science and Innovation for Biosustanability, the Landscape Laboratory, the Centre of Studies in EU Law, the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, the Silwood outdoor mesocosms, Imperial College London, and the DNA barcode of life platform, which will provide competitive advantage and reinforce the CBMA position in the science and technology system.

Institutions

Main Institutions

  • Universidade do Minho Centro de Biologia Molecular e Ambiental (UMinho CBMA)
  • Universidade do Minho (UMinho)

Funding 856.875,00 €

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - Portugal

856.875,00 €