Get to know... Ana Coimbra

My work connects ecotoxicology and the circular bioeconomy, improving understanding of the impacts of environmental pollutants while promoting sustainable ways to enhance soil health and valorise resources. 

I am an ecotoxicologist working at the interface between environmental toxicology, soil health, and circular bioeconomy. I completed my PhD in Biomedical Sciences at ICBAS–University of Porto in 2006 and have been a researcher at CITAB–UTAD since 2008. My research has mainly focused on the effects of pharmaceuticals and endocrine-disrupting compounds on aquatic organisms, particularly zebrafish, contributing to a better understanding of how environmental contaminants affect development, reproduction, and ecosystem health. This work has been driven by my interest in endocrine systems and in understanding how environmental stressors can interfere with sexual differentiation, gonad development, and ultimately the reproductive fitness of organisms. 

More recently, my interests have expanded towards soil ecotoxicology, vermicomposting, and the circular economy of organic residues, exploring the role of earthworms in transforming waste into valuable resources for sustainable agriculture. This research led to my current role as Principal Investigator of the FEATHER-ACE project. Alongside research, I am passionate about mentoring students, fostering collaborative research environments, and communicating science to society through outreach and public engagement activities. Outside academia, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and cooking.