Ana Rita Lopes awarded the L’Oréal Portugal Medal of Honor for Women in Science

Ana Rita Lopes, a researcher at MARE-ULisboa - Marine and Environmental Sciences Center at CIÊNCIAS, was one of four scientists honored with the L’Oréal Portugal Medal of Honor for Women in Science 2024. The distinction, awarded in partnership with the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the National Commission for UNESCO, recognizes the achievements of young female researchers leading innovative projects in health and environmental sustainability.

Her award-winning project, titled "Under Pressure," aims to understand how rising ocean temperatures and contamination from emerging pollutants affect the delicate symbiotic relationships between organisms like sea anemones and their symbionts. In a laboratory setting, Ana Rita will simulate future scenarios of ocean warming and pollution, analyzing how host-symbiont interactions respond to different types of environmental stress. The goal is to determine how resilient these relationships are to the changes impacting marine ecosystems.

With the €15,000 research grant awarded as part of the prize, Ana Rita plans to enhance science communication efforts related to her research. “This award will help improve awareness of the risks threatening marine life by supporting the organization of workshops and the creation of educational materials for society and policymakers,” she emphasizes.

Originally from Leiria, Ana Rita Lopes studied Marine Biology and Biotechnology at the School of Tourism and Marine Technology in Peniche, later completing a Master’s in Marine Ecology and a PhD in Marine Sciences at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon. Over the years, she has focused on studying the effects of climate change and pollution on marine organisms, specializing in ecotoxicology and animal physiology.

Currently, she leads the MicroToxFish project, which investigates the effects of temperature changes and microplastics—acting as carriers of contaminants such as antidepressants and antimicrobial substances—on the early life stages of fish. The findings of her research have direct implications for biodiversity conservation, marine habitat management, and the design of more effective public policies.

“This award is a tremendous recognition, especially in the field of marine ecology, which often does not receive as much visibility as other disciplines. It also serves as motivation to keep going, despite daily challenges such as funding and balancing personal and professional life,” Ana Rita shares.

Having been part of MARE since the beginning of her career, she highlights the importance of collaboration and institutional partnerships in building impactful, high-quality science. This distinction not only strengthens her career but also reinforces the role of MARE and the Faculty of Sciences as national leaders in marine research and in promoting the work of women in science.