Note of Condolence

It is with deep sadness that MARE – Center for Marine and Environmental Sciences announces the passing of researcher Flávia Vasconcelos de Mello.

Flávia was a Guest Assistant Researcher at MARE, in the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, working at the BiotoxLab Laboratory, where she conducted research on environmental contaminants, ecotoxicology, and the impact of pollutants on aquatic ecosystems.

Her scientific career was marked by projects in the area of food health related to fish quality and the effects on fish and their consumers of feed contaminated with mycotoxins, the study of endocrine disruptors in fish, bioaccessibility, and human exposure. In addition to this more recent work, Flávia also stood out in internationally renowned research, such as the study of persistent organic pollutants in Antarctic seabirds, which earned her academic distinctions, including the FAPERJ Nota 10 Scholarship Award (2017).

Her dedication, competence, and collaborative spirit deeply marked colleagues and students, leaving a legacy of science and friendship that will remain with us. She will always be remembered for her contagious energy, joie de vivre, and unmistakable humor, qualities that she also carried with her on her travels, one of her great passions.

The funeral ceremonies will take place in Brazil, the researcher's native country. In Portugal, her memory will always be honored within the scientific community of MARE.

We express our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Lisbon, September 26, 2025

The Board of Directors of MARE – Center for Marine and Environmental Sciences