Débora Campos

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.