Paula Videira

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.