Mariana Coutinho Sardo

Mariana Coutinho Sardo is an Assistant Researcher at the University of Aveiro, affiliated with the Chemistry Department and CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials. Her research focuses on combining solid-state NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and computational methods to study molecular interactions in materials, particularly in pharmaceuticals, catalytic systems, and gas capture applications. She holds a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Aveiro (2009) and has conducted postdoctoral research at ETH Zurich and CICECO.

Education:

• 2009: PhD in Physical Chemistry, University of Aveiro
• 2005: Degree in Physics and Chemistry (teaching), University of Aveiro

Research Interests:

She specializes in NMR crystallography, drug-delivery systems, and the characterization of nanoporous materials for CO₂ capture and catalysis. Her work bridges experimental and computational approaches to understand molecular packing, drug-host interactions, and material functionality.

Scientific Collaborations:

• Key collaborators include Prof. Beat H. Meier (ETH Zurich), Prof. João Rocha, and Prof. Luis Mafra (University of Aveiro).
• Co-leads the PANACEA project (EU-funded NMR infrastructure initiative) and contributes to CO₂ capture research through FCT-funded projects.

Teaching & Outreach:

She has delivered hands-on NMR courses (e.g., II Jornadas Nacionais de Caracterização de Materiais, IV Ibero-American NMR Meeting) and served as Co-President of the Young Chemists Group (SPQ, 2010–2012).

Lab & Infrastructure:

Works within CICECO’s advanced facilities, leveraging cutting-edge NMR and materials characterization tools for interdisciplinary research projects.