University of Coimbra (UC)

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The Centre for Functional Ecology - Science for People & the Planet (CFE) is a R&D unit hosted by the Department of Life Sciences of the Faculty of Sciences and Technology of the University of Coimbra that brings together researchers from all fields of ecology, integrating knowledge from genes to the biome level to disentangle the mechanisms responsible for biodiversity maintenance, and for the composition, structure and functioning of biological communities and ecosystems. CFE holds a strong commitment to knowledge transfer to the general public and to the productive sector, with emphasis on the sustainability of territories and local communities. The Forum for Agroecological Studies and Transitions (FAST), launched in 2024, brings together a diverse array of experts from various scientific domains. This collective aims to delve into the adoption of agroecological principles and practices within agrifood systems, charting a course towards ecosystem restoration, enhanced social welfare, and sustainable food systems (from production to consumption). FAST endeavors not only to advance scientific understanding but also to engage with communities, fostering a participatory approach in co-creating solutions that resonate with local contexts.