A. Silva, has a PhD in Biology (2009) and since 2010 is an independent researcher. Research is focused on marine phytoplankton ecology, environmental indicators and Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) in particular. Studies cover a broad range of research fields on phytoplankton taxonomy and physiology, ecology and physical-biological interactions in the ocean and climatic; remote sensing and numerical modelling applications to early detection and forecast of HABs and evaluation of GES for the Descriptor Eutrophication for the WFD.  FAO consultant for Early Warning Systems. Leader of the task team Early Warning Systems of IPHAB IOC/UNESCO - Intergovernmental Panel on Harmful Algal Blooms. National delegate in several international working groups of ICES/UNESCO and EU Reference Laboratories. Has received two awards for contributions to science with an innovative business and society solution and as reviewer with an outstanding recognition.

North Atlantic Ocean

- Proficiency in Marine Phytoplankton Identification.
- Experience in working with distinct microscopes  (e.g. inverted, electronic) and techniques/methods (e.g. fluorescence, Utermohl).
- Experience in chlorophyll/pigment determinations by fluorescence, spectrophotometry and chromatography.
- Capacity of screening, identification and tailored production of microalgae strains. Consulting on algae taxonomy, physiology, ecology, on process optimization of culturing protocols and industry applications.
- Experience in preparing working documents to be submitted as (national and international): research projects and peer-reviewed scientific papers ; advisory; guidelines; magazines; technical and scientific reports and citizen-science.
- Experience in coordinating teams and projects with accreditation standards.