João Cortez

João Cortez serves as Researcher at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) and Director of the Research and Innovation Office at Catholic University of Portugal (UCP), with additional external lecturing duties at NOVA University Lisbon for Post-graduation in Management and Policies in Science and Technology. His career spans over 25 years including research roles at Nottingham Trent University (1999-2008), Ciência 2007 position at Universidade Nova de Lisboa (2008-2012), and leadership positions at INEB and i3S research institutes.

He holds a PhD in Applied Biotechnology from De Montfort University (1999), focusing on enzyme applications for protein matrix modulation during his doctoral research.

Cortez's research integrates biotechnology, enzymology, and nanotechnology with practical applications in food safety, biosensors, and sustainable textiles. His early work centered on enzyme-based modification of protein structures and nanotechnology applications in biosensors/textiles, while recent efforts pivot toward food safety innovation and Mediterranean agroecosystem sustainability through European-funded initiatives. This evolution reflects strong industry collaboration throughout his career.

Analysis of his 2021-2025 publications reveals concentrated focus on food safety community-building (CATALYSE project) and soil microbial diversity for sustainable agriculture. His work demonstrates interdisciplinary convergence of sensor technology, data analytics, and microbial ecology to transform agrifood systems, with particular emphasis on collaborative networks and practical implementation.

No documented scientific awards or major honors appear in the provided materials.

Cortez actively mentors through supervision and examination activities while commanding substantial research funding through European projects:

• Horizon 2020: MIRACLE (ICT), STARGATE (Twinning), RADIANT (SFS)
• Horizon Europe: CATALYSE, DIP4Agri, T4EU (Transform4Europe)

He coordinates strategic initiatives at CBQF including the RESOLVE Programme and leads European university alliances, driving innovation in agrifood systems through deep-tech applications and cross-institutional collaboration.