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- CRYPTO Project - What we found so farPublication . Gabriel, Daniela; Fredericq, Suzanne; Teixeira, Carlos E. P.; Calado, HelenaABSTRACT: The presence of non-indigenous species (NIS) is one of the greatest threats to marine biodiversity, presenting potential impacts not only on biodiversity, but also on the economy and public health. When a species is not evidently native or introduced, it is referred to as cryptogenic, an occurrence with consequences for understanding biological invasions. The subregion Azores, with 30% of the EU exclusive economic zone, has 26 species of macroalgae or 6% of its marine flora identified as NIS. This number may increase once the origin of 40 other species that are classified as cryptogenic is clarified. Since many potentially invasive species are currently categorized as cryptogenic, resolving their status is imperative to evaluate their ecological impact and to develop management plans. The CRYPTO Project targets on assessing the origin, distribution and risk of potentially invasive algae, coupled with the application of DNA barcoding, phylogenetic reconstructions, haplotype networks and phylogeographic analyses, coupled with historical assessment and ocean modeling. This project shall contribute to address the EU Horizon 2020’s societal challenge “Climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw materials”, aiming at the protection of the environment and the conservation of unique Azorean ecosystems. Preliminary results will be presented.
- Beyond words: Outreach and science education for Generation AlphaPublication . Gabriel, Daniela; Calado, HelenaIn the last decades, there has been an increase in science education out of the school grounds, as well as growing interactions between researchers and the general public in outreach actions. In this regard, it is important to turn science into something meaningful to the non-academic public, and even involve them in data collection. The communication of science to elementary and middle schoolers is becoming more challenging as the age gap between children and researchers grows. Besides, Gen Alpha are usually born in small families, with increasingly less contact with their piers out of school and sport clubs, being somewhat resistant to exploratory or non-routine activities. One approach to reach this public is to take them out of the classroom, letting them make and answer questions as they observe the subjects. To engage in a successful communication, one needs to learn their “language” and be able to make comparisons with games, songs, and choreography they know and like. Another approach is to use games, from adapting simple board games to creating interactive games with virtual reality. Ultimately, the goal is to pass a message so simple and interesting that they easily and eagerly communicate it further to friends and family.