The Quaternary Research Association (QRA) has awarded the "The Lewis Penny Medal" to Dulce Oliveira, a researcher at CCMAR, recognising her significant contributions to the study of the Quaternary and excellence in palaeoclimatology research.
Dulce Oliveira, who has a PhD in palaeoclimate, explains that "the different climate change scenarios for the future show that global warming will result in a greater frequency of extreme weather events." To better understand the mechanisms that generate these events and assess their impacts, it is essential to analyse past climatic conditions.
Dulce Oliveira, in her PhD and postdoctoral project, focused on studying past climatic conditions and tried to understand the mechanisms associated with droughts and heavy rainfall, to assess their impact on the ecosystems of the Portuguese margin. To do this, the researcher studied microfossils of pollen grains preserved in marine sediments under a microscope. This analysis, combined with marine indicators in the same sedimentary record, allowed her to directly compare variations in ocean hydrology with changes in vegetation on the nearby continent.
"This study has made it possible to reconstruct in detail, for the first time, the dynamics of vegetation and changes in marine ecosystems during key periods in the past that are considered analogous to future climate," explains Dulce Oliveira. It was this pioneering work that earned Dulce Oliveira the distinction of "The Lewis Penny Medal". Her research provides valuable information on changes in vegetation and climate in the Quaternary, actively contributing to a better understanding of the mechanisms of the climate system and current extreme conditions.
"Being awarded The Lewis Penny Medal is an immense honour for any young scientist. As well as validating my scientific career, this award serves as a great incentive to continue my research, helping to deepen our understanding of past climate change and thus better predict and mitigate future impacts," said Dulce Oliveira.
CCMAR welcomes this international recognition, which highlights not only the individual merit of the researcher but also the crucial role of scientific research in understanding and mitigating climate change.
