João Mano

João F. Mano is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, and Director of the Doctoral Program on Biotechnology. He leads the COMPASS Research Group and serves as Vice-Director at CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials. His academic appointments include Invited Professor at University of Lorraine (France), Visiting Professor at KAIST (South Korea), and Adjunct Professor at Ajou University (South Korea).

• Education: PhD in Chemistry (1996, Technical University of Lisbon); D.Sc. in Tissue Engineering, Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells (2012, University of Minho)

Research Interests focus on Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine, integrating Nanotechnology, Microtechnology, and Biofabrication. His group develops Bioinspired Materials using polymer chemistry, Decellularized Extracellular Matrix, and 3D Bioprinting to engineer Cell Microenvironments for therapeutic applications.

Recent Publications highlight advancements in Human-Derived Hydrogels, Photopolymerizable Scaffolds, Magneto-Responsive Biomaterials, and Programmable Bioinks. Trends show emphasis on Organ-on-a-Chip integration, Smart Living Materials, and Green Bioprinting methodologies.

Scientific Awards include:

• European Research Council Advanced Grants (2015, 2020)
• Fellow at IUPAC, European Academy of Sciences, and American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering
• ERC Proof of Concept Grants
• Doctor Honoris Causa from University of Lorraine and Utrecht
• UNESCO Chair on Biomaterials
• George Winter Award (European Society for Biomaterials)

Supervisions & Collaborations encompass 74+ MSc, 26+ PhD students, and 40+ postdocs. He co-founded METATISSUE and CELLULARIS Biomodels, and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Materials Today Bio.