Maria Teresa Duarte is a Full Professor and Head of the Chemical Engineering Department at Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon. She leads the X-ray Diffraction Facility at Centro de Química Estrutural and coordinates the Chemistry and Toxicology of Bioactive Molecules group, part of the Biological, Medicinal and Environmental Chemistry Thematic Line. Her research focuses on applying Crystal Engineering principles and supramolecular synthesis to design pharmaceutical molecules with enhanced properties. She has pioneered approaches to improve drug stability, solubility, and bioavailability through co-crystallization techniques and BioMOFs development. Her work addresses critical challenges in pharmaceutical development, particularly in controlling polymorphism and enhancing drug delivery systems. Professor Duarte's scientific contributions span crystal engineering, mechanochemistry, and pharmaceutical formulation. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on sustainable synthesis methods, antimicrobial applications of metal-organic frameworks, and innovative approaches to polymorph control using ionic liquids. Fulbright Fellow Alexander von Humboldt grantee Senior Fellow of Institute of Advanced Studies of University of Bologna (2017) Selected among Portugal's "100 Women in Science" (2016) With over 230 peer-reviewed journal articles and 380+ conference presentations, Professor Duarte is a leading figure in pharmaceutical crystal engineering. She currently coordinates the Portuguese site in the IMPACTIVE European Project focused on Innovative Mechanochemical Processes for synthesizing green ACTIVE pharmaceutical ingredients.
Professor Lorenzo Pastrana serves as Chair of the Research Office (Scientific Directorate) and Group Leader of the Food Processing Group at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL). He holds a Professorship in Food Science at the University of Vigo and maintains visiting positions at Italian and Brazilian institutions. His career spans leadership roles including Director of the Centre of Research Transference and Innovation at University of Vigo and founder of the Galician Agri-Food Technology Platform. His research integrates biotechnology and nanotechnology to revolutionize food systems through market-oriented applications. Key focus areas include food micro and nanostructures for personalized nutrition, active and intelligent packaging solutions using biomaterials, and miniaturized in vitro digestion models. The Pastrana Research Group pioneers TRL 2-7 innovations addressing global food challenges with scientific excellence and commercial viability. Recent publications reveal strong trends in nanostructured delivery systems (oleogels, emulsions), 3D bioprinting for food personalization, and advanced packaging materials. Core themes emphasize sustainability, health enhancement through bioactive compounds, and cellular agriculture integration. The group's work bridges fundamental nanotechnology with practical food industry applications. Professor Pastrana actively supervises over 30 PhD students across current and alumni cohorts. His team operates the enhanced Soft Material Characterisation Lab featuring unique permeability testing equipment. The group participates in major European initiatives including FEASTS, IDfoods, and TrustEat, driving innovation from fundamental research to market implementation for healthier, sustainable food systems.
Vanessa Correia is an Assistant Researcher at CENSE (Centre for Environmental and Sustainability Research) within NOVA School of Science and Technology at NOVA University Lisbon. Her work focuses on environmental sustainability through material innovation, particularly investigating soil contamination impacts and developing green technologies for pollution reduction. Bachelor Degree in Environmental Engineering Master in Environmental Engineering Master in Sustainable Urbanism and Spatial Planning Master in Marine Living Resources European Master in System Dynamics PhD in Environment and Sustainability PhD in Climate Change and Sustainable Development Policies PhD in E-Planning Her research interests include soil health assessment, zero pollution initiatives, and the development of functional materials using environmentally friendly technologies. She specializes in plant polyesters like suberin and cutin for biological decontamination applications, and explores CO2-based material design for sustainable solutions. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in antimicrobial polymer systems, ionic liquid toxicity assessment, and supercritical fluid technologies. Key themes include waste valorization, biomaterials engineering, and environmental remediation strategies.
Paula Videira serves as Associate Professor at NOVA University Lisbon's Faculty of Science and Technology (FCT-NOVA) and leads the Glycoimmunology Group at the UCIBIO research unit. With expertise spanning Glycobiology, Immunology, and Oncology, she directs a highly productive research program focused on understanding glycan expression mechanisms and their impact on human disease. Her research centers on three interconnected themes: 1) mechanisms behind aberrant sialylated short O-glycans in cancers and their implications for tumor immunity; 2) the role of sialylated glycans in immunomodulatory molecule expression; and 3) how Congenital Defects of Glycosylation (CDG) affect immune responses and infection susceptibility. Dr. Videira employs cutting-edge methodologies including in vitro and in vivo assays, omics technologies , bioinformatics tools , and patient-centric approaches to translate discoveries into clinical applications. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on glycan-cancer interactions , particularly examining sialyl-Tn and related structures as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Her work spans bladder cancer, breast cancer, and CDG research, with increasing emphasis on clinical translation through monoclonal antibody development and diagnostic tools. 101 peer-reviewed publications in top journals (BBA, Molecular Oncology) 4 patents as principal investigator 11 invited reviews including highly cited CDG therapy review Nearly 4.5 million EUR secured in research funding Additional 1.4 million EUR for technology spin-off Dr. Videira actively mentors PhD and Master's students while leading international collaborations. She co-founded CDG&Allies-PPAIN , a patient-centric network with nearly 100 professionals worldwide, and CellmAbs (2019), a biopharmaceutical company developing immuno-oncology agents that was recognized among the top 30 biotech startups by Biotecnika. Her leadership extends to editorial boards (Scientific Reports), international advisory roles (Slovak Academy of Sciences), and organization of international glycoscience courses and workshops.
Sónia Patrícia Marques Ventura is an Assistant Professor in the Chemistry Department at University of Aveiro, Portugal, where she conducts research within the CICECO Institute (Aveiro Institute of Materials) as part of the G4 Research Group focused on Renewable Materials and Circular Economy. Her work bridges chemistry, biotechnology, and environmental science with a focus on sustainable resource utilization. Dr. Ventura's research interests center on green chemistry and sustainable technologies, particularly in developing innovative extraction methodologies using deep eutectic solvents and bio-based solvents for biorefinery applications. Her work spans marine biomass valorization (especially algae and macroalgae), waste stream conversion into high-value products, and the development of bioactive materials for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. She has made significant contributions to the fields of circular economy implementation in bioprocessing and sustainable extraction principles. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on marine and agricultural waste valorization through green extraction technologies. Her work demonstrates consistent innovation in developing sustainable solvent systems (particularly deep eutectic solvents) for extracting high-value compounds from biomass sources including algae, fish by-products, grape pomace, and pomegranate waste. A notable trend is her integration of techno-economic analysis with environmental sustainability metrics to evaluate the commercial viability of green extraction processes. Dr. Ventura actively supervises multiple PhD students including Alexandra Pereira Conde, Bárbara Maria Correia Vaz, Damoon Keshmirshekan, and Letícia Sanches Contieri. She leads significant research projects including SeaSolv (Multi-product biorefinery of seaweed using green solvents) as Local Coordinator, and participates in major initiatives like ALGREEN (blue-biorefinery of macroalgae) funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, and NYMPHE (New system-driven biorefinery of polluted habitats) funded by the European Commission. Her research group operates within the CICECO Institute's infrastructure at University of Aveiro, collaborating with international partners on algae biomass development and sustainable extraction technologies. Dr. Ventura has contributed to European-level vision documents for algae biomass development and participates in discussion panels addressing challenges faced by women in science.
Carla Maria Feio Pires is a Researcher at the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), where she has served as Laboratory Manager of the Aquatic Valorization Division since 2017 and as a Quality Management Systems Evaluator since 2001. Her extensive research focuses on marine biotechnology with particular emphasis on valorization of marine resources, protein hydrolysates, and bioactive compounds from fish by-products and seaweed. Her research interests span marine biotechnology, protein hydrolysates, bioactive compounds, food science, biochemistry, and sustainable utilization of marine resources. Dr. Pires has made significant contributions to developing innovative methods for extracting valuable compounds from fish processing waste, seaweed, and other marine resources, with applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and sustainable food production systems. Her work bridges fundamental biochemistry with practical applications in the seafood industry. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on marine resource valorization, particularly examining protein hydrolysates from fish by-products and seaweed extracts. Her research consistently explores enzymatic processing methods, thermal treatments, and novel extraction techniques to maximize bioactive properties including antioxidant, antihypertensive, and anti-diabetic activities. A key trend is her emphasis on sustainable approaches that transform waste streams into valuable ingredients for functional food applications. Dr. Pires has supervised numerous Master's and PhD students at institutions including the University of Lisbon, NOVA University of Lisbon, and University of Algarve. Her research has been funded through multiple national and international projects including SEAFOOD_AGE, NASPA, SMARTSEAWEED, and ALGAVALUE, demonstrating significant grant acquisition capabilities in marine biotechnology and food science. Her laboratory work focuses on the Aquatic Valorization Division at IPMA, where she leads research on marine by-product utilization, protein extraction technologies, and development of functional ingredients from marine resources. Current projects emphasize sustainable valorization of marine co-products, smart seaweed utilization, and development of innovative fishery processes for healthy aging.
Elina Margarida Ribeiro Marinho is a Researcher at the Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T) within the School of Engineering at the University of Minho. She holds a PhD in Sciences - Organic Chemistry (2015), Master's degrees in Medicinal Chemistry (2009), and a degree in Chemistry (2007), all from the University of Minho. Her research spans multiple disciplines at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and biomedical engineering. Dr. Marinho's educational background includes a PhD thesis titled 'Synthesis of molecules containing the piperazine unit as potential antipsychotic agents' (approved with 'Very Good' distinction), a Master's thesis on 'Synthesis of flexible clozapine analogues,' and specialized training in scientific research competencies. She has completed numerous professional development courses focused on research methodology and scientific investigation. Her research focuses on the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes and graphene, engineering biomedical surfaces for bone repair and blood-contact medical devices, and developing innovative wound treatment solutions using micro-to-nanofibrous biodegradable polymer matrices. She has extensive experience in developing uni- and coaxial fibers modified with bioactive agents using wet spinning techniques, with applications in drug delivery systems, multifunctional textiles, photodynamic cancer therapy, and wound dressings. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward biomedical applications of textile engineering, particularly in wound care technologies. Her research has evolved from fundamental organic chemistry and heterocyclic synthesis toward applied biomaterials for medical applications, with increasing focus on sustainable chemistry approaches to develop smart materials. The interdisciplinary nature of her work bridges chemistry, materials science, and biomedical engineering, with a growing emphasis on practical medical solutions. Best Flash Communication Award at the 9th International Electronic Conference on Medicinal Chemistry (2024) HOVIONE Merit Scholarship (2010) PhD thesis approved unanimously with 'Very Good' distinction (2015) PhD scholarship from Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (2010) Dr. Marinho has co-supervised 4 Master's theses (2 completed, 2 in progress), 1 undergraduate student (completed), and 4 scientific initiation research projects. She has participated as a postdoctoral fellow in 4 research projects, as a doctoral fellow in 1 project, and contributed to 2 additional research initiatives. Her current research involves multiple projects including PRR - Projecto Bioshoes, Projecto Plurianual 2020-2023, Factory of the Future - Smart Manufacturing, and GNESIS - Graphenest's New Engineered System. As a member of the Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T), Dr. Marinho works within a multidisciplinary team focused on textile innovation and application development. Her work involves collaboration with numerous researchers across various institutions, with 41 collaborators in co-authoring scientific articles. She actively contributes to the development of natural-based fibers using sustainable chemistry approaches, with applications spanning multiple biomedical and industrial domains.
Daniela Magalhães is a researcher at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) and affiliated with the Escola Superior de Biotecnologia (ESB-UCP) at Universidade Católica Portuguesa since 2020. Her work focuses on Food Science within Agrarian Sciences, emphasizing the valorization of citrus by-products and sustainable food innovation. BSc in Biotechnology (2016) MSc in Food Safety (2019) with ERASMUS+ internship at LABERCA, France Her research involves microbiology analysis, chemical characterization (UHPLC-ToF-MS, LC-HRMS), bioactivity evaluation (antioxidant, antimicrobial), and addressing food waste through circular economy principles. She contributes to European projects like Medismart, developing functional ingredients from Mediterranean citrus by-products. Recent publications highlight expertise in: Functional food formulation Food waste valorization Phytochemical characterization Antioxidant/microbial activity assays Scientific accolades include: 2nd place at 'Circular Economy: Make It Happen' conference (2024) Editor's Choice awards for citrus and pigment studies (2024) Daniela actively participates in conferences, organized international events, and applies analytical techniques like HPLC and GC-MS to agri-food challenges.
Maria Isabel Guerreiro da Costa Ismael serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Beira Interior (UBI), where she maintains active research affiliations with FibEnTech (Fiber Materials and Environmental Technologies). Her academic profile reflects a sustained commitment to chemical research and education since at least 1995. Her research spans three primary domains: Organic Chemistry : Specializing in synthetic methodologies for bioactive compounds Carbohydrate Chemistry : Focusing on sugar derivatives, pseudo-nucleosides, and heterocyclic modifications Chemistry Didactics : Contributing to pedagogical frameworks for chemical education Analysis of her publication record (1995-2009) reveals consistent expertise in synthesizing functionalized carbohydrate derivatives with biological applications. Her work demonstrates particular strength in lactone chemistry, nucleoside analogues, and diterpene transformations, often employing advanced NMR techniques for structural validation. Recent publications show increasing emphasis on enzyme inhibitors and sustainable material science applications. Professor Ismael maintains active research collaboration through FibEnTech, contributing to environmental technology development while continuing her core work in organic synthesis. Her email contact (iismael@ubi.pt) and university extension (1453) remain current as of the 2025-08-31 update.
Rebeca Alexandra Oliveira Esperança André is an Assistant Professor at the School of Health Sciences and Technologies (ECTS), Universidade Lusófona, Lisbon, Portugal. She teaches Biochemistry I and II and Analytical Methods I. Her academic background includes a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Biochemistry from the University of Lisbon and a Ph.D. in Systems Biology from the same institution. Her research focuses on Systems Biology, Biochemistry, and the sustainable application of marine bioactives in functional foods, cholesterol metabolism, and circular economy innovations. Key areas include: Marine Bioactives Cholesterol Metabolism Functional Foods Waste Valorization Phytochemistry Nanotechnology for Drug Delivery Her recent work spans the entourage effect in cannabis , diterpenoids for cancer therapy , and sustainable collagen extraction . She actively contributes to interdisciplinary research bridging marine biotechnology with health sciences. Rebeca collaborates with industry leaders like SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals and participates in international conferences such as Insectera Congress and Innov Delivery. Her teaching and research emphasize environmental sustainability and societal well-being through innovative scientific solutions.
Ana Raquel Madureira is a Senior Researcher at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) at Catholic University of Portugal and holds the position of Invited Assistant Professor at the same institution. She leads the Fermentation Solution research group, focusing on white biotechnology fermentation processes and developing innovative applications for by-products and biomolecules with strong engagement of companies at an early phase of product development. Dr. Madureira earned her PhD in 'Use of whey protein matrices as food vectors for probiotic bacteria' from Catholic University of Portugal, with her degree awarded on September 2, 2010. Her academic journey includes being an Invited Visiting Researcher at the Industry Department, University of Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Chemical Engineering School, Vigo University (Ourense, Spain). Her research interests span biotechnology, microbiome science, and applications across multiple industries. She has developed expertise in compounds chemical and bioactivities characterization, in vitro models for biological phenomena simulation, microbiome modulation, and understanding aging mechanisms. Her work bridges academic research with industry applications, maintaining strong collaboration with European and international companies. She has led significant projects including Nanodairy (nanoparticles loaded with polyphenols for gut health), HandCare (microbiome-friendly hand sanitizers), Radiobiome (formulations for cancer patients' microbiome), and thermal spring water applications for menopausal skin health. Dr. Madureira's publication record demonstrates consistent output with over 90 indexed manuscripts (h-index of 32 as of October 2023), 65 conference posters and abstracts, 23 invited oral communications, and 7 patents (2 provisional). Her recent work shows a strong focus on microbiome applications, sustainable ingredient development from agricultural by-products (particularly sugarcane), skin health, and aging mechanisms. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Fellow of ISAPP (International Scientific Association for Probiotic and Prebiotics) Award by Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation for participation in the 27th IDF World Dairy Congress in Shanghai, China (2005) Monetary award for participation in the 'Functional Foods' training course awarded by ABS – Post-Graduation School (Helsinki, Finland) Participation in the seminar Probiotics, Prebiotics, and the Host Microbiome: The Science of Translation Survey at New York Academy of Sciences As a supervisor and mentor, Dr. Madureira has guided 7 PhD and Master's students through their academic journeys. She serves as Principal Investigator for multiple scientific projects, including Therm4Skin (2023-2026) and previously led the NANODAIRY project (2011-2014). She is an active European Projects Expert Evaluator for Innovation Fund Denmark (IFD), INNOWWIDE, H2020 EC, Eureka Eurostars, EitFood, EitHealth, and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions. Dr. Madureira contributes significantly to institutional leadership as a member of the Scientific Council (ESB, UCP), the Internal Engagement Task Force, and as internal coordinator of the Microbiome and Clinical Studies platforms. She is part of the management team and scientific coordination for a Centre of Excellence in Portugal focused on Biotechnology and Circular Economy, developing new molecules of high commercial interest for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
José Albertino Almeida de Figueiredo is an Assistant Professor and Chairman of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Beira Interior. He directs the Food Biochemistry course and serves as a researcher at FibEnTech - Fiber Materials and Environmental Technologies. His research focuses on: Organic Chemistry Carbohydrate Chemistry Natural Products Professor Figueiredo teaches General Chemistry courses and specialized subjects including Preparative Chromatography Process Development (Green Deal Alliance), Molecular Docking, Electrochemistry and Electroanalysis, Environmental Management and Technologies, and multiple Practical Skills Laboratories covering concentration determination, solution preparation, organic chemistry, plant biology, and biomolecule separation. His publication record from 2004-2009 shows expertise in pseudo-C-nucleoside synthesis with applications spanning drug discovery (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors), sustainable materials (cellulose oxidation for pulp improvement), and agricultural chemistry (insecticidal compounds). His work bridges fundamental organic synthesis with practical applications in medicinal chemistry, green technology, and environmental science through the FibEnTech research center.
Ana Isabel Estevez Pintado is a Researcher at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) of the Catholic University of Portugal, where she serves as coordinator of the analytical platform within the College of Biotechnology. She is currently completing her PhD in Biotechnology (Food Science and Engineering) at the Portuguese Catholic University while maintaining active research and teaching responsibilities. Ana earned her Chemical Engineering degree from the School of Engineering of the Polytechnic Institute of Porto in 1994 and a Master's in Energy Efficiency in the Chemical Industry in 2000. Her technical expertise spans bioprocess engineering, microbiological techniques, and advanced analytical methods including chromatography, electrophoresis, and spectrophotometry. She has taught courses in chemical analysis, laboratory practices, and general chemistry. Her research focuses on two interconnected domains: development of novel bioactive molecules and valorization of industrial by-products. The fingerprint analysis of her work reveals strong specialization in dairy biotechnology (Lactose, Enterococcus, Cheeses at 75-100% relevance), amino acid chemistry, and proteolysis processes. She has developed significant expertise in converting agricultural and industrial waste streams into valuable materials through sustainable bioprocesses. Ana's publication record shows consistent output from 2018-2025 with increasing emphasis on circular economy applications. Her recent work demonstrates a clear trajectory from fundamental analytical research toward applied sustainable solutions, particularly in natural product extraction, cosmetic applications, and waste-to-value conversion. The articles show strong interdisciplinary connections between food science, materials engineering, and environmental sustainability. She has authored 18 peer-reviewed journal articles and 3 book chapters while presenting 7 oral communications and 46 conference posters internationally. Her current research involves the Circulas project (collaboration between Biorbis and ESB-UCP), following her previous work on the Alchemy project (2018-2023) with Amyris Inc. and ESB-UCP, demonstrating sustained industry-academic partnership development.
Patrícia Dias Mendonça Rijo is an Associate Professor at the School of Health Sciences and Technologies , Universidade Lusófona, Lisbon. Specializing in Medicinal Chemistry, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacognosy with a focus on Natural Products, she leads the Laboratory of Natural Bioactives (Bio.Natural) at CBIOS Research Center. Her work spans anticancer drug discovery, antibiotic resistance reversal, and skin health applications. 7 COST Action and CYTED international networks participant Associate Editor: Phytomedicine (Elsevier), Frontiers in Pharmacology Director of Research and Innovation at CBIOS Her research emphasizes terpenoids (particularly abietane diterpenoids from Plectranthus species) for multidrug-resistant cancer therapy, antibiotic coordination frameworks, and gut-skin axis modulation. With over 140 peer-reviewed publications, three patents, and 300 conference communications, she pioneered science outreach through initiatives like the Bio.Natural Research Meeting and New European Bauhaus projects. Key scientific contributions include: 2022-2024: Development of Plectranthus -derived nanoparticles for glioblastoma targeting 2023: Discovery of antibiotic-enhancing metal-organic frameworks 2024: Mechanistic studies of PKC isoform modulation by diterpenoids She has coordinated 14 science outreach projects and organized 23 scientific events including the Global Women’s Breakfast (IUPAC). Her work appears in ACS Omega , Scientific Reports , and Frontiers in Pharmacology .
João Manuel Rainha Costa is a postdoctoral Researcher at the Center for Biological Engineering, University of Minho, specializing in synthetic biology and industrial biotechnology. He earned his PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering (2024) and MSc in Biotechnology (2017) from the University of Minho, focusing on microbial synthesis of valuable compounds. PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering (2024) MSc in Biotechnology (2017) BSc in Biochemistry (2015) His research focuses on constructing heterologous pathways in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Zymomonas mobilis for sustainable production of curcumin, fructooligosaccharides, and biosurfactants using synthetic biology techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 and metabolic engineering. He specializes in bioprocess optimization and valorization of industrial/agricultural residues. Recent publications show strong focus on 2025 Zymomonas mobilis gene deletion strategies for prebiotic production , 2024 yeast curcumin biosynthesis advancements, and 2022-2023 multi-enzyme systems for functional sweeteners and bioactive mixtures . His work spans from metabolic pathway design to industrial application in textile and food sectors. Scientific Awards PRR Bolseiro de Investigação (BE@T project) SFRH/BD/138325/2018 PhD grant (FCT) POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029549 Research Grant He supervises students in synthetic biology projects and industrial biotechnology applications. Additional roles include science communication training , conference organization , and peer review for journals like International Journal of Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Journal.
