Fungi: Friends of Foe
Citizen science in soils and air
The interaction between humans and the environment leaves invisible but significant marks. In this citizen science projects, students and citizens investigate the biodegradation of plastics in soil and the dispersion of potentially pathogenic fungal spores in the air, bringing the school community closer to scientific research and the environmental impacts of plastic waste.
Oeiras Experimenta in numbers
6
schools
2
students
30
fungal isolatesScientific Goals
The goals of these projects are:
- To monitor opportunistic pathogenic fungi that are resistant to high temperatures;
- To assess the relationship between plastic waste, CO2 levels, and fungal communities;
- To understand how plastic waste affects ecosystems and environmental health.
Labs Involved
Coordinated by ITQB NOVA’s Laboratory of Applied and Environmental Mycology, the projects are supported by the C+C Program and the ITQB NOVA Communications Office and involve students from six schools in the Municipality of Oeiras, facilitating hands-on experiences in data collection and analysis.
Scientists Results and Impact
The projects allowed to:
- Quantify the impact of microplastics on the soil ecosystem;
- Identify and monitor pathogenic fungi in urban and school settings;
- Raise awareness and promote scientific literacy on these topics.
In 2026, the projects also reached the Padre António de Oliveira Educational Center and included activities at Oeiras Experimenta, at the Quinta de Cima do Marquês de Pombal.
Citizen Scientists
More than 50 students participated in the following activities:
- Collecting soil and air samples at schools and in urban areas;
- Monitoring spores and assessing the biodegradation of plastics;
- Participating in workshops, mentoring sessions, and presenting the results;
- Public sessions at ITQB NOVA’s Open Day, International Microorganism Day, the Oeiras Valley Science Festival, and European Researchers’ Night.
Carlos Moreira and João Reis, researchers at ITQB NOVA and project leaders in schools
Our aim is to raise awareness among students and citizens about the interdependence between the environment, health, and society, by encouraging the school community to collaborate on real-world research projects and by fostering scientific literacy and environmental awareness.