Dr. Carla Vilela is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Aveiro and Principal Researcher at CICECO. She coordinates the Sustainable Materials research line and leads projects on cellulose-based materials and circular economy. Her research focuses on sustainable materials from cellulose and renewable resources for applications in water remediation, food packaging, and textiles. Education includes a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Aveiro and postdoctoral work at CICECO and ISIS Neutron and Muon Source (UK). Research interests include: Development of cellulose-based functional materials Nanocomposites for biomedical applications Sustainable packaging solutions Biopolymer modification and characterization Publications demonstrate strong focus on cellulose nanocomposites, bioprinting bioinks, and active packaging. Recent articles frequently involve nanocellulose modifications, drug delivery systems, and sustainable material design. Awards include being named among World's Top 2% Scientists annually since 2020. Funding includes national projects (Cell4Janus) and EU collaborations (PRIMA Im-Pack). Leads the BioPol4Fun research group and supervises 6 PhD students. Current projects explore cellulose-based microrobots, resin valorization, and marine biopolymers.
Maria Manuela Pintado is Full Professor and Director of CBQF research center at Universidade Católica Portuguesa's Faculty of Biotechnology. She leads interdisciplinary research in sustainable food systems and functional ingredients. Research domains include: Valorization of agro-industrial byproducts Development of bioactive edible films Design of functional foods for chronic disease prevention Circular economy applications in food systems Recent publications (2023-2025) show strong focus on sustainable biomaterials and health-promoting ingredients, with notable increases in circular economy applications and precision nutrition studies. Key innovations include antiviral biopolymers from yeast and bioactive films for food preservation. Awards include recognition for circular economy innovations and upcycling research. Directs extensive EU-funded projects including THRIVE (€4M) and CIRCUL-A-BILITY, supervising large research teams and industrial partnerships.
Miguel Ângelo Cerqueira is a Research Fellow at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) in Braga, Portugal. He holds a PhD in Biological Engineering from the University of Minho (2010) and served as an Assistant Professor there from 2011 to 2016. His research focuses on biopolymers, edible films, nanotechnology, and sustainable food packaging. Cerqueira has led numerous projects funded by agencies like FCT and Horizon 2020, addressing topics such as antimicrobial coatings, functional food delivery systems, and circular economy materials. Education: PhD in Biological Engineering, University of Minho (2006–2010) Bachelor's Degree in Biological Engineering, University of Minho (2000–2005) Research interests span biodegradable packaging materials, nanostructured systems for food applications, and valorization of agro-industrial byproducts. His work combines material science with food technology to develop eco-friendly solutions, such as edible coatings, oleogels, and active packaging. Recent trends in his publications focus on antimicrobial nanocomposites, recyclable food packaging, and functional foods enriched with bioactives like resveratrol and β-carotene. Awards: Best PhD Thesis Award (2011), University of Minho Young Scientist Award (2014), IUFoST World Congress Advising and Grants: Currently supervising 3 MSc and 2 PhD students. Has co-supervised 10 students and led over 30 funded projects. His work includes collaborations with industry partners like 2BNanoFood and Improveat, focusing on innovations like bioplastic packaging and functionalized food systems. Labs/Teams: Active in multidisciplinary teams such as the European Network for Gastrointestinal Health Research (ENGIHR) and COST Actions on food packaging and nanofiber composites. His lab develops nanosensors for food quality assessment and smart packaging materials with self-degradability.
Ana Maria Gomes is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Biotechnology of Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP), affiliated with the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF). She holds a PhD in Biotechnology (1999) and specializes in probiotics, functional foods, and bioactive compounds. Her research focuses on enhancing food systems through innovative processing techniques and valorizing byproducts for health benefits. Education: PhD in Biotechnology (1999) Affiliations: CBQF, UCP Faculty of Biotechnology Key Projects: PeptiBiotics (2023-2024), AWARE (2022-2026), VIIAFOOD (2021-2025) Research Interests: Probiotics, functional food development, antioxidant mechanisms, and food biotechnology. She explores applications in antimicrobial peptides, alternative proteins, and sustainable food systems through interdisciplinary collaborations. Recent work includes studies on diatom bioactivity, avocado oil metabolism effects, and high-pressure cheese processing. Awards include the NEWFOOD 2020 prize for food innovation and recognition for obesity-prevention yogurt research. Supervised 46 academic works at UCP Active in grants: FIND4S (2024-2027), STARGATE (2021-2023) Labs/Teams: Leads CBQF’s food biotechnology initiatives and collaborates with the VIIAFOOD innovation platform.
Idalina José Monteiro Gonçalves is a Junior Researcher at the University of Aveiro's Department of Materials and Ceramic Engineering. Her research focuses on sustainable materials, biodegradable polymers, and advanced food packaging solutions. She leads and collaborates on projects like NET4MAT (EU-funded) and FAIST (PRR Agenda), addressing microbial resistance and eco-friendly manufacturing. With extensive supervision experience, she has guided 32 bachelor students, 14 MSc graduates, and 9 PhD candidates. Current advisees include Ana Cerqueira (Post-Doc) and PhD students Carolina S. Martins, Elisângela Maria Tavares Gonçalves, and Gabriela de Jesus Campos. Her work emphasizes circular economy principles, developing bio-based composites from agricultural byproducts (e.g., potato, coffee cascara, locust bean gum). Key projects include PLASTICOLIGHT (low-density plastic additives) and POTATOPLASTIC (biodegradable bioplastics from potato waste). She contributes to CICECO, the Aveiro Institute of Materials, advancing innovations in renewable materials and 4D printing technologies. Publications highlight advancements in nano-reinforced food packaging, antioxidant bioplastics, and organocatalytic methods for sustainable material synthesis. Her research bridges academic and industrial needs, promoting Portugal’s footwear and food packaging sectors through FAIST’s smart factory initiatives.
Vitor Sencadas is an Associate Professor at the Department of Materials and Ceramic Engineering, University of Aveiro, Portugal. His research focuses on advanced materials for biomedical, energy, and environmental applications, with a strong emphasis on nanotechnology and additive manufacturing. He leads projects such as 3S4Leather, addressing leather waste valorization and sensorized additive manufacturing solutions. He has supervised multiple PhD students and contributed to over 150 publications in journals like Advanced Functional Materials and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. His research interests include biomimetic materials, flexible electronics, wearable sensors, and sustainable materials. Notable achievements include developing piezoelectric and luminescent solar concentrators, and contributions to Stanford’s 2022/2024 World Top 2% Scientists list. His work bridges materials science with practical applications in healthcare, energy harvesting, and environmental biorefinery processes. He collaborates extensively with CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials, contributing to interdisciplinary research and innovation in smart materials and biomedical devices. His group explores multifunctional materials for healthcare monitoring, energy systems, and sustainable manufacturing.
Lusophone University of Humanities and TechnologiesPortugal
Maria Isabel da Silva Santos is a Researcher affiliated with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FMV) and the CECAV (Veterinary Medicine Research Center) at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Portugal. Research Interests: Her work focuses on Food Science , Microbiology , and Food Safety , particularly Multidrug-resistant pathogens (*E. coli*, *Salmonella*) Antimicrobial peptides in milk and whey Zoonotic disease transmission from food-producing animals Functional foods and waste valorization (e.g., pear pomace, whey) Key Publications: Recent studies include 2024: Antioxidants article on pear pomace bioactives 2024: International Journal of Molecular Sciences on milk antiviral peptides 2023: Collaborative work on multidrug-resistant *Campylobacter* in poultry Network: Active in antimicrobial resistance and zoonoses research, with collaborations across Portugal and Europe. Supervised work includes studies on foodborne pathogens and bioprocessing techniques.
Ana Maria da Conceição Ferreira Takahashi is a Junior Researcher at the Aveiro Institute of Materials (CICECO), University of Aveiro, Portugal. She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering (2018) and has conducted international research at institutions in Brazil, Japan, Germany, and Portugal. Her work focuses on sustainable processes using eco-friendly solvents for biomass valorization and plastic waste recycling, integrating green chemistry and biotechnology within circular economy frameworks. She leads the FCT-funded project GreenPATH, developing enzymatic depolymerization strategies for polymer recycling. With 43 peer-reviewed publications (h-index 20), she collaborates with industries like LEGO and Volvo in EU initiatives. She has supervised over 25 students and received the CICECO Young Researcher Award (2024). Education: BSc (2011), MSc (2013), and PhD (2018) in Chemical Engineering from University of Aveiro. Postdoctoral work included TUM University Foundation Fellowship (Germany) and JSPS Fellowship (Japan). Research interests emphasize bio-based solvents (ionic liquids, DESs), enzyme-assisted depolymerization, and computational tools like COSMO-RS for solvent selection. Projects include plastic additive removal, biomass extraction, and industrial collaboration for sustainable technologies.
Filipa Sofia Dinis Reis is a prominent researcher at the Instituto Politécnico de Bragança (IPB), specifically within the Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering at the School of Technology and Management. With over 114 publications in the last decade, she has established herself as a leading expert in food science, natural products chemistry, and sustainable food technologies. Her research spans multiple domains including functional foods, mushroom biochemistry, and food waste valorization. Dr. Dinis Reis completed her Master of Biotechnology at the Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, where she was recognized as the best student of her cohort (2008-2010). She later earned her PhD from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, receiving the Extraordinary Doctoral Prize for her outstanding work. Her educational background provided the foundation for her current research in food science and natural product chemistry. Her research interests focus on identifying and characterizing bioactive compounds in natural sources, particularly mushrooms and plant byproducts. She investigates the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative properties of these compounds, with special emphasis on food waste valorization through circular economy approaches. Her work on apple pomace, walnut biostimulants, and mushroom extracts has significant implications for sustainable food production and health-promoting ingredients. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward sustainable food systems, with increasing focus on circular economy applications, food waste valorization, and natural alternatives to synthetic additives. Her research bridges fundamental chemistry with practical food industry applications, particularly in the areas of natural preservatives and functional ingredients derived from agricultural byproducts. Iacobus Program - Stays (2023) Erasmus+ Programme (STT Staff Mobility) (2023) Ideas with potential for innovative pilot projects (2023) Iacobus Program - Scientific papers (2022) CEECIND - Concurso Estímulo ao Emprego Científico Individual (2022) Extraordinary Doctoral Prize from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (2018) PhD Grant from FCT (2015) As Principal Investigator of the CYPonins project (2022-2028), funded by the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, Dr. Dinis Reis leads research on cypress saponins as bio-based alternatives for high-mortality rate tumors. Her work attracts significant research funding and has practical applications in both the food and pharmaceutical industries, demonstrating the translational potential of her research. She actively collaborates with international researchers, as evidenced by numerous co-authored publications with scientists from various countries. Her laboratory focuses on advanced analytical techniques for characterizing bioactive compounds in natural sources, with particular expertise in chromatographic methods, antioxidant assays, and antimicrobial testing. The research group works at the intersection of food science, pharmacology, and sustainable technology, developing innovative solutions for food waste reduction and natural product utilization.
Marta Marques Alves is an Assistant Professor at the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) , University of Lisbon, affiliated with the Centro de Química Estrutural (CQE) . She holds a PhD in Plant Biochemistry (2010) from the New University of Lisbon (UNL) and has been a Junior Researcher in Materials Sciences at IST since 2018. Her research focuses on functional materials , particularly zinc-based biomaterials for biomedical applications , such as 3D-printed bone scaffolds that degrade naturally and release therapeutic agents. She bridges plant science and materials engineering, emphasizing eco-conscious solutions for societal transitions. She teaches Industrial Safety and Utilities and Mass and Energy Balances . Her editorial roles include serving on the boards of Scientific Reports , Applied Surface Science Advances , and Surfaces and Interfaces . She coordinates the Corrosion Science and Surface Engineering (CSSE) research group (20 members) and serves on CQE’s executive committee. Her work has led to over 50 peer-reviewed publications and collaborations in national and international projects. Institutional contributions include advising graduate students and overseeing research infrastructure. Her outreach efforts include a podcast explaining her innovations in biocompatible materials. She advocates for sustainable materials and interdisciplinary research, addressing challenges in healthcare and environmental science.
João Miguel Rocha is an academic with diverse roles in Food Science and Engineering. He holds a PhD from the University of Lisbon (2011) and a B.Sc. in Biological Engineering from the University of Minho (1991-1996). His career includes positions such as Assistant Professor at the University of Minho (2017-2018), Lecturer at the Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (2023-2024), and Researcher roles at institutions like the University of Helsinki (2000) and Universidade Nova de Lisboa (2011). Currently, he serves as a Technology Valorization Technician at INESC TEC (2024-2025). His research focuses on food microbiology, fermentation processes, and sustainable food systems, with emphasis on sourdough biotechnology, functional foods, and valorization of industry by-products. He has led and contributed to projects such as SOURDOMICS (COST Action CA18101) and NUTRALLERPHEN , exploring dietary polyphenols and microbial metabolites. His work bridges academia and industry, addressing food safety, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. Key collaborations include studies on colostrum, probiotics, and plant extracts for health applications. Education PhD in Food Science and Engineering, University of Lisbon (2011) B.Sc. (5-year) in Biological Engineering, University of Minho (1991–1996) Research Interests Dr. Rocha’s work spans food microbiology , fermentation technology , and nutraceutical development . He investigates microbial communities in sourdough, biopreservation strategies, and the application of food by-products for functional ingredients. His studies on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) formation in legumes and phytochemicals in plants highlight his focus on health-promoting compounds. He also explores life cycle assessment (LCA) for sustainable food systems. Grants & Projects EU-funded SOURDOMICS (2019–2023): Network for sourdough biotechnology innovation NUTRALLERPHEN (2019–present): Dietary polyphenols as allergy prophylactics SAVAGE : Wild fruit nutritional characterization in Morocco Labs & Teams He leads the Food Polyphenol Lab , focusing on extraction and application of bioactive compounds from agri-food by-products. Collaborates with institutions like the University of Helsinki , INESC TEC , and the International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME) .
Marlene Barros is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Dental Medicine (FMD), Portuguese Catholic University (UCP), where she also serves as Director since 2020. She is the Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Health (CIIS), recognized as 'Very Good' by FCT, and leads the SalivaTec laboratory focused on saliva-based diagnostics. She has a strong academic background in biochemistry and biology, with leadership roles in education and research. Her educational qualifications include: PhD in Biochemistry (specialty: Enzymology and Protein Chemistry), University of Coimbra (1995) Agregação in Biology, University of Aveiro (2007) Marlene Barros' research is centered on protein chemistry and molecular mechanisms of disease, with a focus on identifying biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic targeting. Her work spans proteomics, bioinformatics, oral biology, and microbiome analysis. She has coordinated academic programs such as the Master in Molecular Microbiology and the Degree in Biomedical Sciences. Her recent research articles reflect a strong trend in salivary proteomics, oral microbiome interactions, human-viral interactomics, and the development of bioinformatics databases (e.g., OralOme, OvisOme, CanisOme). These works emphasize translational applications in precision medicine, diagnostics, and functional food science. She has received the following scientific award: Prémio Melhor Poster SciComPT 2019 She has supervised numerous academic projects and is actively involved in national and international research collaborations. She has led or participated in significant funded projects such as SPRINT, OralTherm, RedSup4Health, and OeHMP, supported by Portugal2020 and Fundación 'la Caixa'. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in health and education. She is a key member of the SalivaTec laboratory and contributes to interdisciplinary teams in projects involving digital health, oral microbiome, and functional foods. Her leadership extends to pedagogical innovation and community-based learning in dental education.
Débora Campos is a Researcher at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) at Catholic University of Portugal (UCP). She holds a PhD in Biotechnology and Food Science and Engineering from UCP (awarded in 2019) and has conducted international research missions at Universidad de Rosario (Argentina), International Nanotechnology Lab (Portugal), UC Davis (USA), and MIT Food Systems Lab (USA). Her research focuses on food waste valorization with emphasis on: Functional ingredients development from agricultural by-products Bioactive compounds extraction and stabilization Sustainable food systems and circular economy approaches Nanotechnology applications in food delivery systems Dr. Campos has 24 h-index (Google Scholar), with 49 research and review papers, 10 book chapters, and over 40 conference abstracts. Her recent publications demonstrate strong focus on pineapple, mango, and fish by-products valorization, with particular expertise in bromelain extraction and applications. Her work shows consistent emphasis on sustainable extraction methods, bioactive compound preservation, and development of functional food ingredients from waste streams. Her scientific contributions have been recognized with multiple awards, including: R&D+i in sustainability category at Born from Knowledge (BfK) Idea Award Letter of Commendation for contribution on polyphenols and Health Five consecutive Annual CBQF incentives for outstanding professional performance (2020-2024) 1st place at 2024 Tech Validation Winners from EIT Food Accelerator Network Dr. Campos actively supervises students, serving as co-supervisor for 3 PhD FCT grant students (2020-24), a PhD mobility student from Algeria, and has supervised 2 BSc students from Turkey. She is also the founder of AgroGrIN Tech, a UCP spin-off focused on sustainable nutraceutical ingredients from food waste.
Portuguese Institute for Sea and AtmospherePortugal
António Manuel Barros Marques is a Senior Researcher at the Portuguese Institute for the Ocean and Atmosphere (IPMA) and a member of the Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR) at the University of Porto. He has led groundbreaking research in seafood quality, safety, and physiology since 2006 while teaching in master's programs at Lisbon University, New University of Lisbon, and Peniche's Superior School of Tourism and Sea Technology. Dr. Marques earned his PhD in Applied Biological Sciences from Ghent University (2005) with research on 'Gnotobiotic Artemia as a tool to develop new solutions to fight diseases in aquaculture' and completed his undergraduate degree in Biology Applied to Marine Resources at the University of Lisbon (1999). His research spans seafood quality/safety (chemical/microbial analysis), toxicology, consumer risk assessment, and sustainable seafood preservation. He pioneers climate-resilient aquaculture solutions addressing microplastics contamination, ocean warming impacts, and circular economy approaches in seafood systems. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2022-2025) reveals dominant themes: valorization of seafood by-products (e.g., enzymatic hydrolysis of fish heads), microplastics bioaccessibility in shellfish, climate change effects on fish physiology, and sustainable packaging innovations. His work bridges food science, environmental toxicology, and circular economy principles. As principal investigator, Dr. Marques has secured ~€20 million in research funding including: Horizon Europe INNOECOFOOD (€5 million) H2020 SEAFOODtomorrow (€7 million) ECsafeSEAFOOD (€5.09 million) FP6 RISKFOODCONT (€210,000) He has mentored 13 post-docs, 10 PhD students, 14 MSc candidates, and 27 project researchers/technicians. He leads IPMA's DivAV research team (10 post-docs, 3 PhD students, 2 technicians) and maintains a global network spanning 20 Portuguese and 120 international institutions including the US FDA and UN Food and Agriculture Organization.
Silvia Cristina da Cruz Marques Socorro is a Full Professor of Biomedicine at the Faculty of Health Sciences of University of Beira Interior (UBI) and serves as the Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation and Development. She holds multiple leadership positions including Coordinator of the Research, Innovation and Development Support Office, Director of UBIMedical, and is a Professor in the Department of Medical Sciences. Additionally, she serves as the Researcher Director of the course(s) and is affiliated with the CICS - Health Sciences Research Center. Her research focuses on the action of sex steroid hormones, endocrine disruptors and other metabolic regulators in the control of cell survival, energy metabolism and calcium homeostasis in male reproduction and prostate cancer. With a PhD in Biological Sciences (2001) and Habilitation degree in Biomedicine (2013), she has supervised 3 post-doctoral projects and 10 PhD theses, and co-authored more than 90 articles with an h-index of 31. Dr. Socorro's recent publications demonstrate her continued leadership in prostate cancer research, particularly focusing on regucalcin, STEAP proteins, endocrine disruptors, and the role of phytoestrogens. Her work spans molecular mechanisms of cancer progression, hormone regulation, and potential therapeutic approaches for reproductive disorders and cancer. Scientific Awards: Prémio 2022 Award Professor Alexandre Moreira Investigação in Andrology, Sexual Medicine and Reproduction 2018-2019 Prémio Carreira Alumni da Universidade do Algarve 2021 Award Professor Alexandre Moreira Investigação in Andrology, Sexual Medicine and Reproduction 2016-2017 Dr. Socorro has secured significant research funding through projects including ARGOS (Adipose tissue dysregulation induced by environmental chemicals and prostate cancer aggressiveness), MICROBIO-PCa (Metabolic changes in prostate cancer triggered by bacteriome), and U*Night (Researchers' Night). She serves on the Editorial Board of international indexed journals and is an active member of scientific organizations including ASPIC (Portuguese Association for Cancer Research) and EACR (European Association for Cancer Research). Her current leadership as Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation and Development demonstrates her commitment to advancing scientific research infrastructure and collaboration at UBI.
