10.2 Summary in English for general dissemination purposes 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 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. Since its creation in 2007, the CFE has experienced a remarkable growth in size, scope and impact. At present, CFE is composed by 88 integrated PhD researchers and a total of 245 researchers (41 graduate students and 116 collaborators) organized in 6 strategic research groups for 2018-2022: Terrestrial Ecosystems and Global Change; Biodiversity, Conservation and Ecosystem Services; Marine and Coastal Ecosystems; Soil and Freshwater Stress Ecology; Forensic Anthropology and Paleobiology; and Societies and Environmental Sustainability. In addition, CFE inscribes two cross-cutting thematic lines: the UNESCO Chair on Biodiversity Safeguard for Sustainable Development and the Open Science. The CFE's strategy for 2018-2022 is to consolidate the positive trajectory of the overall performance of the R&D unit, both scientifically and formatively. The vibrant research dynamic achieved in 2013-2017, the incorporation of highly qualified researchers with strong international dimension, the number and quality of published articles and of approved projects, the established synergies with the private sector, and the participation of CFE researchers in international networks, including support in decision making, sustain a greater affirmation of CFE nationally and internationally. However, this success also entails further social responsibilities, and through the two transversal thematic lines, CFE researchers are compelled to reinforce the role of ecology as driver of well-being. Since ecology is the scientific matrix of CFE, with research focused in the fields of global change, water and food management, protection of the oceans, biodiversity, ecosystem services, among other, CFE researchers will pursue a greater commitment to promote sustainable development, in a concerted, transdisciplinary, transnational and translational vision, supported by knowledge sharing and open science, and fully embodying the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the promotion of scientific employment. For all the above, in 2018-2022, CFE mission is to continue to push the boundaries of knowledge across all areas of Ecology and its interfaces with technology and society, with a permanent commitment to produce state-of-the art science for improving the livelihoods of people and for the protection of the environment in a truly Science for People & the Planet. 10.3 Summary in English for evaluation Since its creation in 2007, the Centre for Functional Ecology - Science for People & the Planet (CFE) of the University of Coimbra, has experienced a remarkable growth in size, scope and impact. At present, CFE is composed by 88 integrated PhD researchers and a total of 245 researchers (41 graduate students and 116 collaborators), almost doubling the number of integrated members in the previous evaluation, thus justifying an internal reorganization of the research groups into 6 strategic scientific areas for the period 2018-2022: Terrestrial Ecosystems and Global Change; Biodiversity, Conservation and Ecosystem Services; Marine and Coastal Ecosystems; Soil and Freshwater Stress Ecology; Forensic Anthropology and Paleobiology; and Societies and Environmental Sustainability. Each of these groups pursues its own clear R&D goals, but with very strong and fluid collaborations among all research groups, a hallmark of CFE since its creation. In addition, CFE inscribes two cross-cutting thematic lines: The UNESCO Chair on Biodiversity Safeguard for Sustainable Development and the Open Science. The activity of the latter will be facilitated by the creation of a Participatory Council, representative of the civil society and of entities with potential interest in the research produced by CFE, in an effort for an effective translational ecology approach. This highly positive evolution is reflected in all productivity indicators, from the number and, most importantly, the quality of the publications in international peer reviewed journals, to a strong engagement in advanced training and to securing funds in national and international calls. In addition to seeking scientific excellence, CFE has made a strong effort for transferring the produced knowledge to society, continually engaging in science communication programs, and directly working with the private sector in the development of new solutions that promote a sustainable use of natural resources and stimulate the regional and national economy. The CFE's strategy for the period 2018-2022 is to consolidate the positive trajectory of the overall performance of the R&D unit, both scientifically and formatively. The vibrant research dynamic achieved in 2013-2017, the incorporation of highly qualified researchers with strong international dimension, the number and quality of the approved projects, the established synergies with the private sector, and the participation of CFE researchers in international networks, including the support in decision making, sustain a greater affirmation of CFE nationally and internationally. However, this success also entails further social responsibilities, and through the two transversal thematic lines, CFE researchers are compelled to reinforce the role of ecology as driver of well-being. Since ecology is the scientific matrix of CFE, with research focused in the fields of climate change, water and food management, protection of the oceans, biodiversity, ecosystem services, among others, CFE researchers will pursue a greater commitment to promote sustainable development, in a concerted, transdisciplinary, transnational and translational vision, supported by knowledge sharing. Therefore, the global mission of the CFE fully embodies the priorities of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with researchers being stimulated to give priority to systemic thinking with relevance at local, national and international levels. The permanent commitment to produce state-of-the art science for improving the livelihoods of people and the protection of the environment has originated the new motto of the R&D unit - Science for People & the Planet. In respect with the guiding principles of the promotion of a truly open and socially responsible science, CFE will continue to strengthen some specific priority areas, chiefly: agro-environment, phytosanitary, Mediterranean diet, forestry, global change, nature conservation, food safety, environmental risk assessment, blue economy, marine and coastal ecosystems, circular economy and sustainable development. Advanced training and the incorporation of students in the inception and development of ideas and projects is another cornerstone of CFE's strategy, and the next few years will witness a strong affirmation in the field of advanced training and in international academic cooperation, through the involvement in international PhD and MSc programs. Inherent to this is the promotion of scientific employment, which is already being achieved through the ReNATURE project and is a strong commitment for the period of 2018-2022. Furthermore, through the UNESCO Chair on Biodiversity Safeguard for Sustainable Development, the relations with Portuguese-speaking countries will continue to be leveraged. Our long-shared history with such countries demands and favors these collaborations, with a crucial focus in the conservation of biodiversity and natural history collections, mentoring and knowledge-sharing. Recently approved projects in São Tomé and Príncipe and in the Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique will strengthen this path. The CFE also endorses its full promise to Open Science, a cross-cutting agenda that, together with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensures that the knowledge created through research is widely shared. Since 2013 the webpage invasoras.pt constitutes itself as one of the most relevant citizen science platforms in Portugal, and further engagement of citizens in scientific activities will be aimed in the future. Also, through the new Participatory Council and CFE´s science dissemination activities we seek to involve the local communities in teaching and research projects, creating further links with the society. For all the above, in 2018-2022, CFE mission is to push the boundaries of knowledge across all areas of Ecology and its interfaces with technology and society, truly producing top-tier quality Science for People & the Planet. O “Centre for Functional Ecology - Science for People & the Planet” (CFE) é uma unidade I&D alojada no Departamento de Ciências da Vida da Universidade de Coimbra que reúne investigadores de todos os domínios da ecologia, integrando conhecimento desde os genes aos biomas com o objectivo de estudar os mecanismos responsáveis pela manutenção da biodiversidade e pela composição, estrutura e funcionamento das comunidades biológicas e ecossistemas. O CFE apresenta um forte compromisso com a transferência de conhecimento para o público em geral e para o setor produtivo, com ênfase na sustentabilidade dos territórios e das comunidades locais. Desde a sua criação em 2007, o CFE apresenta um notável crescimento em tamanho, alcance e impacto. Atualmente, o CFE é composto por 88 investigadores doutorados integrados e um total de 245 investigadores (41 investigadores não doutorados e 116 colaboradores) organizados em 6 grupos de investigação estratégicos para 2018-2022: Ecossistemas Terrestres e Alterações Globais; Biodiversidade, Conservação e Serviços dos Ecossistemas; Ecossistemas Marinhos e Costeiros; Ecologia do Solo e da Água Doce; Antropologia Forense e Paleobiologia; e Sociedades e Sustentabilidade Ambiental. Além disso, o CFE organiza-se em duas linhas temáticas transversais: a Cátedra UNESCO em Biodiversidade e Conservação para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável e a Ciência Aberta. A estratégia do CFE para 2018-2022 passa pela consolidação da trajetória altamente positiva no plano científico e formativo. A vibrante dinâmica de investigação alcançada em 2013-2017, a incorporação de investigadores altamente qualificados e com forte dimensão internacional, o número e a qualidade dos artigos publicados e dos projetos aprovados, as sinergias estabelecidas com o setor privado e a participação de investigadores do CFE em redes internacionais, incluindo no apoio na tomada de decisões, sustentam uma maior afirmação do CFE a nível nacional e internacional. No entanto, este sucesso implica também um compromisso social pela afirmação da ciência enquanto promotora do desenvolvimento e bem-estar global dos povos. Por maioria de razão, o CFE, tendo a ecologia na sua matriz científica, produzindo conhecimento nas áreas das alterações globais, da gestão dos recursos hídricos e dos bens alimentares, da proteção dos oceanos, da biodiversidade, dos serviços dos ecossistemas, entre outras, assumirá um maior compromisso pelo desenvolvimento sustentável, numa visão concertada, transdisciplinar, transnacional e translacional, apoiada na partilha do conhecimento e na ciência aberta, e incorporando plenamente a Agenda 2030 das Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável e a promoção do emprego científico. Assim, em 2018-2022, a missão da CFE é continuar a impulsionar os limites do conhecimento em todas as áreas da Ecologia e suas interfaces com a tecnologia e a sociedade num compromisso permanente de produzir uma verdadeira Ciência para as Pessoas e para o Planeta.