Luís Almeida

Olá! 

I’m Luís, Portuguese marine biologist with a MSc degree from the University of Wageningen and BSc degree from the University of Lisbon. 

My main research interests and experiences have been connected to the impacts of anthropogenically induced climate change on marine ecosystems and ecological restoration of habitats. I have worked with coral reef and seagrass restoration, on projects that incorporated the ecological and social dimensions of conservation, as educating and raising awareness in the local communities can be just as important as performing thorough and methodical ecosystem assessments. 

Having a curious and restless mind, I have found myself dwelling through different areas in marine biology throughout the years, but I have always found working with foundation species a valuable and rewarding experience that offers a chance to create new habitats to allow wildlife to flourish. Joining the Behaviour Ecology and Evolution Group gives me a chance to continue studying the underlying mechanisms that support ecosystem resilience and structure, but by exploring a new perspective that is complementary to the one I have had so far! 

Outside the work environment, I love scuba diving (particularly in Sesimbra, where I work as an underwater guide during the summer!), cooking italian and portuguese food, gardening, going to concerts and music festivals, being outdoors and exploring nature, playing board games and enjoying cold drinks on warm sunny days.

Publications

2. Almeida, L.P., Osinga, R. & Knoester, E.G. (2024). Differential responses in recovery, growth and survival between intertidal and subtidal corals after acute thermal stress. Mar Biol 171, 222 

1. Almeida, L.P. & Coolen, J.W.P. (2020). Modelling thickness variations of macrofouling communities on offshore platforms in the Dutch North Sea. Journal of Sea Research, 156, 101836. 

Luís work is supported through a Research Fellowship within the project "ChangingMoods: Ecological role of unsophisticated cognition within cleaning mutualisms in a changing ocean” ref PTDC/BIA- BMA/0080/2021, funded by FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, I.P.