Vítor Gaspar

Vítor Gaspar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Aveiro, affiliated with the COMPASS Group and the G5 - Biomimetic, Biological and Living Materials research unit. His work focuses on bioengineered materials for cancer research, 3D tumor modeling, and drug screening applications. He has supervised multiple PhD students and contributed to projects such as O2CELLS (European Commission-funded) and 3S4Leather (industry collaboration).

Research interests include biomaterials engineering, tumor-stroma interactions, and nanomedicine. His recent studies emphasize 3D bioprinting of tumor models, surface-enhanced Raman scattering for biomarker detection, and genetic engineering of living materials. Notably, he received the Young Researchers Award 2021 for contributions to cancer treatment innovations.

Key projects involve developing oxygen-releasing biomaterials for tissue engineering, recovering rare earth elements from catalytic converters, and valorizing leather waste via additive manufacturing. His lab collaborates with institutions globally, advancing translational biomedical research.

Advising includes seven current PhD students, and his grants include HORIZON and FCT funding. He leads efforts in biofabrication, cellular hybrid materials, and in vitro tumor models for drug discovery.