Researcher Inês Fragata, currently 40 years old, exemplifies how context and interactions shape a professional path. With a European Research Council (ERC) grant for evolutionary ecology, Fragata dedicates herself to studying the co-evolution of species, a field that has fascinated her since she discovered Evolutionary Biology at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon (Ciências ULisboa).
Her academic journey was marked by changes in direction, from the initial intention to pursue Veterinary Medicine to a degree in Biology, also taking Computer Science courses. "There's a clear advantage to being a researcher: I'm always learning," she states, highlighting her desire to explore new areas, such as statistics.
Fragata also values teaching as a learning tool. "I really enjoy teaching. It pushes me into uncomfortable situations. And I believe it's truly the best way to learn, because it forces me to approach perspectives different from my own when students ask something unexpectedly," she describes. She uses adapted board games, like "Ticket to Ride" and "Catan," to help students learn complex concepts.
Her research in Experimental Evolution, initiated during her master's with the species Drosophila subobscura, focuses on how populations evolve under different controlled conditions. The current project, "DYNAMICTRIO," funded with €2.08 million by the ERC, investigates interactions between herbivorous and predatory mites in "ecosystems in a box," aiming to understand the resilience and evolution of these interactions in the face of environmental changes.
The researcher emphasizes the importance of collaborative work and thanks mentors like Margarida Matos and Sara Magalhães for their support. Her research, while focused on fundamental science, may have practical applications, such as in developing biological pest control methods. The ERC project is expected to conclude in 2028.
