International experts and research team review achievements, future opportunities, and long-term legacy of the ERA Chair initiative.
The BESIDE ERA Chair project held its 3rd Steering Committee Meeting on 18 March 2026 at the University of Aveiro, bringing together members of the BESIDE International Steering Committee and the full research team to assess progress and shape the project’s strategic contribution to the University’s scientific leadership in the coming years.
Hosted in the Senado Room at the Rectory and at ECOMARE, the meeting provided a key moment to reflect on BESIDE’s achievements and, most importantly, to discuss its long-term institutional impact. Participants focused on how the project is strengthening research excellence, international visibility and interdisciplinary integration within CESAM and across the University.
Members of the BESIDE International Steering Committee joined the discussions both in person and online, engaging with researchers, PhD students and project leadership. The BESIDE team was represented by Scientific Coordinator Ana Lillebø and ERA Chair Holder Helena Vieira, alongside a growing multidisciplinary research group.
Throughout the meeting, the project’s significant scientific and organisational progress was highlighted, including increased publication output, successful acquisition of competitive funding and the consolidation of a dynamic and internationally connected research team. The International Steering Committee emphasised that these achievements position BESIDE as a catalyst for strengthening CESAM’s capacity and enhancing the University of Aveiro’s leadership in addressing complex sustainability challenges.
A central focus of the discussions was the sustainability and legacy of the ERA Chair initiative. Participants explored pathways to ensure that BESIDE’s approaches, networks and scientific agenda continue to shape institutional priorities beyond the project’s lifetime, contributing to talent attraction, research innovation and stronger engagement with societal stakeholders.
By fostering the integration of natural and socioeconomic sciences and promoting forward-looking research strategies, BESIDE is playing an increasingly relevant role in supporting the University of Aveiro’s ambition to consolidate its position as an international reference in sustainability research and innovation.
