Maria Ana Dias

Group Leader

Ornithology Conservation Biology Biodiversity Spatial ecology Science communication

I am an assistant professor of Ecology at the University of Lisbon and the Group Leader of Conservation Ecology & Societyu Research Group of CE3C. I received a Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Lisbon in 2009 and I am currently focused on understanding and addressing major threats to biodiversity at various spatial scales (from local to global). I have a particular interest on migratory bird species and on using animal tracking technology (e.g., GPS, GLS) to understand the interaction between birds and human activities, to identify important areas for conservation (Key Biodiversity Areas) and to study migratory connectivity.

My research work has led to the creation of one of the largest Marine Protected Areas in the High Seas of the North Atlantic, designated in 2021 by the OSPAR commission to protect highly migratory pelagic seabirds. I am also involved in several projects and initiatives aiming to promote biodiversity conservation to the general public (including the awarded “Lá Fora: Guia para descobrir a natureza; English version: Outside: a guide to discovering nature).