NEWSLETTER | 2025
- FAM Foundation
- Apr 30
- 5 min read
Updated: May 13
"At the FAM Foundation, we believe in the power of science to drive meaningful change—these projects are a testament to our commitment to innovation that protects life below water and strengthens communities above it."
FAM Foundation Newsletter 1 | 2025
The FAM Foundation proudly announces the five winners of the 2024–2025 Grant Awards, selected from 48 proposals across Portugal’s top marine research centers. These projects address urgent challenges in marine biodiversity, environmental education, agriculture, biomedical innovation, and ocean conservation, contributing to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
BLUE | Tracking marine megafauna in Madeira and promoting ocean literacy (MARE + ARDITI)
FIRESEA | Using invasive seaweed to combat agricultural pathogens (MARE + Politécnico de Leiria)
SHARK HABITATS | Mapping critical shark habitats along the Algarve coast (CCMAR)
MIMESIS | Developing sea urchin-inspired bioadhesives for medicine and biotech (MARE)
AZORES CORALS | Studying cold-water coral biodiversity and genetics in the Azores (MARE, OKEANOS, FGF)
The FAM Foundation is pleased to share that the four winning projects of the 2023–2024 Grant Awards—selected for their scientific excellence and social relevance—have been successfully launched and are already showing evidence-base results. Developed by leading Portuguese research institutions, these initiatives exemplify the Foundation’s mission to drive impactful innovation and contribute directly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. The supported projects include: Macroalgae and Halophytes Tackling Antibiotic Resistance (University of Coimbra), Blue Carbon Initiative and MicroFish Project (CCMAR, University of Algarve), and the NUTRIMO Aquaculture Project (CESAM, University of Aveiro).
Also, in February 2025, the Pedro Mendonça Trophy, held by Associação Naval de Lisboa, brought together top sailing crews in a high-level regatta that showcased skill, teamwork, and dedication. By supporting this prestigious event, the FAM Foundation reinforces its commitment to promoting excellence not only in science but also in sport, recognizing individuals and teams whose resilience and ambition reflect the Foundation’s values and vision for a more inspired society.
Together, these initiatives reflect the Foundation’s mission to advance impactful, science-based solutions for a more sustainable future.
The FAM Foundation is proud to present a series of impact videos showcasing the early results of the four winning projects from the 2023–2024 Grant Awards. Developed by leading Portuguese research institutions, these initiatives are already delivering evidence-based contributions to SDG 14: Life Below Water, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to fostering scientific innovation with social and environmental impact.
Led by Elsa Teresa Santos Rodrigues at the University of Coimbra, this project investigates natural compounds from Portuguese macroalgae and halophytes as potential solutions to antibiotic resistance. By exploring these native coastal plants, the research aims to develop new antimicrobial agents, addressing a critical global health challenge.
Coordinated by Carmen Santos at CCMAR, University of Algarve, this initiative assesses the carbon sequestration capacity of seagrasses and salt marshes in the Algarve’s wetlands. The project has quantified that these ecosystems store approximately 1.58 million tonnes of CO₂, equivalent to the annual emissions of 343,000 cars, highlighting their significance in climate change mitigation.
A pioneering scientific effort led by these CCMAR researchers that delivered, through a comprehensive update in over a decade on the state of seagrass meadows across four protected coastal wetlands in southern Portugal. Published in the Journal of Sea Research, the study highlights both progress and critical concerns for marine ecosystem conservation in the region
Under the leadership of Patrícia Pinto at CCMAR, this project examines the interactions between microplastics, pharmaceutical micropollutants, and marine life in the Algarve region. Utilizing environmental monitoring and citizen science, MicroFish aims to understand the impact of these pollutants on marine organisms, particularly fish, and to promote environmental awareness.
Directed by Amadeu Soares at CESAM, University of Aveiro, NUTRIMO focuses on developing sustainable, locally-produced fish feeds for community-based tilapia aquaculture in Mozambique. The project addresses food security and economic sustainability by formulating artisanal diets using regional ingredients, enhancing aquaculture practices in remote communities.
These initiatives exemplify the FAM Foundation’s commitment to fostering scientific research with tangible environmental and societal benefits.
Since 2022, the FAM Foundation allocates funding to recognize excellence prestigious awards. In the field of sport, this commitment is reflected in its ongoing support for national competitions that uphold values of discipline, teamwork, and excellence such as sailing competitions.
One such example is the Pedro Mendonça Trophy, a prominent sailing event organized annually by the Associação Naval de Lisboa (ANL). The 2025 edition, held on February 8 and 9 in the Tagus River estuary, brought together top national sailing crews for a competitive and high-level regatta. The winners were Xekmatt (Division A), helmed by Hugo Prista; Eagle One (Division B), led by António Domingues; Panther-Syone (Division C), under Nuno Neves; and Funbel-Nacex (Division D), commanded by António de Sousa Noronha. Each division reflected the tactical skill, teamwork, and commitment that the Foundation aims to celebrate and elevate.
By supporting initiatives like the Pedro Mendonça Trophy, the FAM Foundation reaffirms its mission to promote excellence not only in scientific innovation but also in sportsmanship and cultural achievement. These events provide a platform to recognize individuals and teams who demonstrate dedication, resilience, and ambition—values that align deeply with the Foundation’s broader vision for a more inspired and engaged society.
Through its SOS Fund, the FAM Foundation has provided vital support to humanitarian operations in South Sudan, a region where the security situation remains unstable despite a formal peace agreement and unified government. This targeted funding has enabled Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to deliver critical medical assistance to communities affected by violence and displacement. As a direct result of this support, MSF teams have been able to reach remote areas with lifesaving care, helping to alleviate suffering and restore dignity in one of the world’s most underserved regions. This intervention exemplifies the SOS Fund’s role in enabling fast, high-impact responses to global emergencies.
Despite the signing of a peace agreement and the formation of a unified government, the security situation in many parts of South Sudan remains fragile and unstable. In this video, we share the impact of the FAM Foundation’s supportthrough its SOS Fund, highlighting the essential humanitarian work carried out by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) on the ground—bringing lifesaving medical care to communities facing ongoing conflict and displacement.
FAM Foundation is committed with the sustainable development goals.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
