Rafael Duarte

Rafael Duarte is a researcher affiliated with the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) and the Faculty of Biotechnology. His work focuses on the intersection of legume nutrition, climate change, and microbiome dynamics, particularly in Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean). His research integrates "omics" approaches to analyze genetic regulatory pathways, nutritional profiles, and microbial communities under environmental stressors like elevated atmospheric CO₂.

• Research Themes: Climate change impacts on legumes, microbiome interactions, sustainable agriculture, and nutrient profiling.
• Recent Work: Studies on elevated CO₂ effects on common bean yield, nutritional composition, and rhizosphere microbiome (2022–2024), and a review linking legume phytochemicals to soil/gut microbiome benefits in a One Health framework.
• Collaborations: Active partnerships with researchers like M. Vasconcelos, M. N. D. Silva, and O. Muller, with international connections in plant nutrition and climate adaptation.

Presentations: Delivered oral talks on legume responses to climate change at the 19th International Colloquium on Plant Nutrition (2022) and in 2024. His publications emphasize climate-resilient crops, soil health, and phytochemical roles in sustainability.