Iris Da Luz Batalha

Iris Da Luz Batalha is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Bath, Faculty of Science. She leads the NanoImmunology and Molecular Pharmaceutics research group and is actively involved in advancing nanomedicine for targeted drug delivery and immunomodulation. She also holds an external position as Course Director in Nanotherapeutics at the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE), University of Cambridge. She is currently accepting doctoral students and supports applications for external fellowships.

• PhD in Bioengineering Systems, NOVA School of Science and Technology (FCT NOVA), 2014
• MSc in Biotechnology, NOVA School of Science and Technology (FCT NOVA), 2009
• BSc in Applied Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology (FCT NOVA), 2007

Dr. Batalha's research focuses on developing nanomedicine-based strategies for targeted drug delivery and immune system modulation. Her work includes engineering drug-polymer conjugates and self-assembled soft materials that enable precise, stimulus-responsive drug release. A key innovation is 'Dynamic Targeting,' which exploits the metabolic profile of antigen-presenting cells via MR1 presentation. Her group tailors nanomedicines to modulate the complement system for vaccines or therapeutic delivery. Applications span cancer, tuberculosis, influenza, autoimmune diseases, and central nervous system disorders.

Her recent publications (2019–2025) highlight advancements in polymersome design, tuberculosis therapy using MbtI inhibitors, blood-brain barrier penetration, and artificial enzyme development. These works reflect strong interdisciplinary trends in nanotechnology, immunology, and pharmaceutical sciences, with a focus on precision therapeutics and novel delivery mechanisms.

Dr. Batalha serves as Guest Editor for Pharmaceutics (2024–2025) and Editor for Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (2021–present), demonstrating active engagement in scholarly communication. She has also participated in media interviews and public outreach, including school engagement talks.

She is Principal Investigator on the project The Lung Collective: Deciphering Metabolic Interactions for Therapeutic Intervention, indicating ongoing grant-funded research. She mentors doctoral students and supports postdoctoral fellowship applications from various international programs (e.g., EMBO, Marie Curie). Her research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and innovation.

Dr. Batalha leads the NanoImmunology and Molecular Pharmaceutics group at the University of Bath, fostering a collaborative team environment focused on cutting-edge nanomedicine research. Her affiliations with Cambridge’s ICE further extend her educational impact in nanotherapeutics.