Raquel De Amaro Lourenço is a researcher dedicated to uncovering the cellular mechanisms thatregulate tissue regeneration, with a particular focus on metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming forregenerative therapies. Her recent work using the zebrafish model has provided valuable insights intopotential therapies for degenerative diseases, particularly in the contexts of retinal (Lourenço et al.,2021, Front Cell Dev Biol) and bone regeneration (Mateus et al., 2015, Development; Brandão et al.,2019, J Cell Sci; Brandão et al., 2022, eLife).​

Currently, her research explores how metabolic reprogramming through lactate production influencestissue regeneration. Raquel has demonstrated strong leadership in project management,experimental design, and grant and manuscript writing. She has supervised undergraduate andMaster’s students, mentored PhD candidates, and actively participated in academic juries.

CiênciaVitae: https://www.cienciavitae.pt/portal/7A1E-7104-3941

ORCID: 0000-0002-6176-3066 ​

Email: raquel.lourenco@unl.pt ​

​Ana Teresa Tavares graduated in Biology from Faculdade de Ciências (UL, Lisbon) in 1993, and joined the Gulbenkian PhD Programme in Biology and Medicine in 1995. Ana developed her PhD studies at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies (La Jolla, USA) and presented her thesis on Limb Development at Faculdade de Medicina (UL, Lisbon) in 2001. Ana’s postdoctoral studies were conducted at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (Oeiras), and in 2007 she became an independent Research Fellow at the same institution. In 2009, Ana was granted a five-year Research Scientist position (FCT “Ciência 2007” programme) at the Vascular Development laboratory of Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (UL, Lisbon). In 2015, Ana integrated the Tissue Repair and Inflammation group at NOVA Medical School (UNL, Lisbon) as a senior Postdoctoral Researcher. Since 2011, Ana is also an invited Lecturer and Chair of Developmental Biology at ISPA – Instituto Universitário (Lisbon).

CiênciaVitae: https://www.cienciavitae.pt/portal/7A1E-7104-3941

ORCID: 0000-0002-3495-5513 ​ ​

Email: ana.ttavares@unl.pt​

​Daniel Ribeiro holds a PhD degree on Biomedical Sciences from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon. In that period, he made significant contributions to the field of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Daniel considers research is making major strides as it becomes progressively reliant on high-throughput technologies, as such he became increasingly interested in bioinformatics. Lately, he focused his research interests into bioinformatics, and while integrating his strong wet lab background in the analysis and interpretation of computational data, began exploring the themes of tissue healing, regeneration and cellular senescence in the context of Spinal Cord Injury. At NIMSB he is working on bioinformatic analysis of molecular and biomedical science data.​

CiênciaVitae: https://www.cienciavitae.pt/portal/7A1E-7104-3941

ORCID: 0000-0003-3660-9646 ​

Email: daniel.ribeiro@unl.pt​

Rute Salvador obtained a master’s degree in Oncobiology-Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer from AlgarveUniversity (2019). She also completed a Clinical Trials Coordination course in 2018, gaining valuable skills to interact with nurses and doctors in clinical settings. During her internship at Beatriz Ângelo Hospital, where she refined her ability to manage clinical trial logistics, she enhanced her communication and collaboration in clinical environments. She is proficient in various laboratory techniques, including flow cytometry, diverse cell culture methodologies (encompassing 3D co-cultures and primary cell cultures), microscopy and ELISA. Throughout her journey, Rute has gained experience in clinical research, specifically in managing patients’ databases, ethical committees’ approvals and writing informed consent forms. Rute has co-authored several posters and also 7 papers published in peer-reviewed international journals. ​

CiênciaVitae: https://www.cienciavitae.pt/portal/7A1E-7104-3941

ORCID: 0009-0001-7665-3900 ​​

Email: rute.salvador@unl.pt ​​

​Inês Gomes has a BSc in Biology with a specialization in Molecular Biology and Genetics and also a MSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics given by the Faculty of Sciences (University of Lisbon). She developed her master thesis at the Oncology Institute in Lisbon (IPOLFG), in Barret’s esophagus cancer progression. Currently she is a PhD student in Health Sciences at NOVA Medical School in Lisbon, working in epigenetic alterations and its impact in cancer. ​

CiênciaVitae: https://www.cienciavitae.pt/portal/7A1E-7104-3941

ORCID: 0000-0003-2532-3618 ​​

Email: ines.gomes@unl.pt​​

​Ana Patrícia Silva started her academic life with a Bachelor’s in Biology and wandered into the Marine Biology field, wherein she worked in several laboratories. She followed these experiences by a Master’s in Bioinformatics after an opportunity allowed her a glimpse in this field and inspired her. She’s currently in a research fellowship at NIMSB and a PhD student, working in metabolic models.

CiênciaVitae: https://www.cienciavitae.pt/portal/951A-728B-40F8

ORCID: 0009-0004-6690-2792 ​​

Email: ana.psilva@unl.pt​​

Rita Pereira holds a degree in Biology from Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Biomedical Research at Universidade NOVA de Lisboa. Her thesis work, in the field of Regenerative Medicine, focuses on epigenetics — specifically, on the role of histone lactylation, a post-translational modification, and its transcriptional regulation during cellular responses to toxicity-induced damage.​

With a strong interest in the interplay between metabolism and epigenetics, Rita is committed to advancing our understanding of how these mechanisms contribute to cellular stress responses and tissue regeneration.​

CiênciaVitae: https://www.cienciavitae.pt/portal/241D-B432-6A6E  ​

ORCID: 0009-0008-2528-2039 ​ ​

Email: rita.pereira@unl.pt ​​

Inês Figueira is a postdoctoral researcher working at Universidade Nova de Lisboa. Inês holds a PhD in Biochemistry with a specialization in Neurosciences, from ITQB-UNL in 2017. With an MSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics (2011) and a BSc in Biochemistry (2009) from FCUL, Inês focuses her research on understanding the cellular & molecular mechanisms that trigger brain diseases, aiming to prevent their progression and focusing on blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction as a central hallmark. Inês seeks to develop improved cell models of the neurovascular unit (e.g., complex co-culture systems and organ-on-chip) to disclose the potential of small molecules towards neurodegeneration, systemic and (neuro)inflammation, BBB impairment, and Parkinson’s disease. Inês published over 31 international peer-reviewed papers, 7 as the first author (h-index 16). So far, she has 8 awards, one FCT CEEC (BOOST_PD – 2022.00151.CEECIND) and two Exploratory FCT Projects (PERCEPT – 2022.02127.PTDC; NEXUS – 2023.12203.PEX). 

Ciência Vitae https://www.cienciavitae.pt/portal/8618-519D-6DEB

ORCID 0000-0003-4639-6883

Email ines.figueira@unl.pt

Diogo’s main research interest focus on the study of microglia cells and neuroinflammation,  the mechanisms of neuroinflammation and novel approaches to modulate microglia, especially in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson’s Disease.  Diogo Carregosa concluded his PhD in Biomedicine at NOVA Medical School, following a MSc in Biochemistry for Health in 2018 and a BSc in Biochemistry in 2016.

Diogo has been working with microglia cells since 2017. Diogo has experience in the synthesis and characterization of small phenolics, natural and synthetic, and its characterization; in vitro culture of immortalized and primary microglia cells; mice models of neuroinflammation and Parkinson’s Disease; animal behavior analysis; quantification of inflammatory markers in plasma and tissue; as well as, genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic techniques.

Diogo Carregosa has 10 publications in scientific journals, 3 book chapters, and has participated in several international conferences. He has also participated in two COST Actions related to neurodegenerative diseases and Parkinson’s disease. From his work, Diogo has a patent application for the use of small phenolics to treat Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Ciência Vitae https://www.cienciavitae.pt/portal/691A-C4FC-5BD0

ORCID 0000-0002-1396-3039

Email diogo.carregosa@unl.pt

Jorge has his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, where he assessed the cardioprotective effect of a natural compound in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Over the years, Jorge has been interested in assessing the therapeutic potential of natural compounds, firstly on fungal infections and lately on cardiovascular diseases, senescence and ageing. His work has been recognized by peers with papers published in highly reputable journals such as Phytomedicine and Pharmacological Research. Jorge is also eager to help disseminate his knowledge to others, particularly for lay audiences, with several participations in science outreach activities.

Ana Rita Garcia is a fellowship researcher at the NOVA Institute for Medical Systems Biology (NIMSB) in Lisbon, Portugal, and is completing her PhD in Pharmacy with a specialization in Cellular and Molecular Biology. She holds an MSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics (2020) and a BSc in Biochemistry (2016) from the Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon. Her research has been focused on Neuro-Oncology and Biooncology, with a particular interest in the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer brain metastases development and blood-brain barrier dysfunction. Ana Rita has extensive experience in advanced cellular (2D and 3D) and animal models, as well as a wide range of techniques including live-cell imaging, confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, qPCR, and organ-on-chip microfabrication. She has authored 10 international peer-reviewed publications, including 3 as first author, and has presented her work in 45 scientific communications across national and international conferences.

Daniela Marques is a PhD researcher at Universidade Nova de Lisboa, focusing on how physiological relevant microbiota-derived dietary (poly)phenol metabolites influence brain health by the modulation of neuroinflammation status of the brain, in the blood-brain barrier. She is also interested to identify candidate compounds that may be a new strategy to delay and/or postpone the development of neurodegenerative diseases. With a Master’s degree in Experimental Pathology and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Biology, she has established herself in the fields of neuroscience and nutrition. Daniela has co-authored nine published articles and contributed to numerous scientific events through poster and oral communications. She actively participates in research projects such as LIMBo and NEXUS. Beyond research, she has served on PhD committees, organized academic events, and volunteered on task forces. Daniela’s work extends to mentoring undergraduate research projects and disseminating scientific knowledge through webinars and open classes, showcasing her comprehensive engagement in the academic and scientific community. 

Ciência Vitae https://www.cienciavitae.pt/portal/F01E-9D39-C9F5

ORCID 0000-0002-6901-8650

Email daniela.marques@unl.pt

In 2012, I completed my Integrated Master in Biological Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico and began working as a research fellow at the Gulbenkian Institute of Science (IGC). I joined Isabel Gordo’s Evolutionary Biology Lab, focusing on antibiotic resistance and bacterial growth dynamics, gaining expertise in microbiology, genetic engineering, molecular biology, functional genomics, and in vivo experimentation.  In 2016, I joined Karina Xavier’s Bacterial Signalling Lab at IGC, studying gut microbiota and metabolic profiles. In 2017, I joined Sara Magalhães Lab at FCUL as laboratory manager, where I helped develop and standardize spider mite colony management protocols and contributed to the lab’s research.  Since 2019, I’ve been working at Cláudia Nunes dos Santos Lab. Initially a laboratory manager, I shifted to full-time research in 2021. In 2023, I began my PhD in Health Sciences at NMS-NOVA, focusing on the impact of (poly)phenol metabolites on the intestinal microbiome and inflammation. 

Ciência Vitae https://www.cienciavitae.pt/portal/1D18-5E09-5287

ORCID 0000-0001-9502-3712

Email catarina.jpinto@unl.pt

Carlos Rafael-Pita is a PhD student at NOVA Medical School, researching how a (poly)phenol-enriched diet modulates gut microbiota and neuroinflammation in the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. He holds an MSc in Biomedical Research from the Faculty of Medicine of Coimbra, where he studied lysosomal dysfunction in endothelial cells during heart failure. He has worked on multiple research projects, including investigating the anti-inflammatory potential of bioactive compounds in endothelial and animal models. His expertise spans cell biology, immunology, metabolism, and molecular nutrition. Passionate about inflammation-driven pathologies, he explores dietary interventions for neurodegenerative diseases. Beyond research, he is dedicated to science communication, using illustrations and digital media to make complex biomedical concepts accessible. Through visual storytelling, he bridges the gap between science and the public, promoting a clearer understanding of health and disease. 

Ciência Vitae https://www.cienciavitae.pt/portal/2F11-2263-AB12

ORCID 0000-0002-0686-4614

Email carlos.pita@unl.pt

Inês P. Silva is a PhD student at NOVA Medical School, specializing in Health Sciences, particularly Biomedicine. With a background in Biology and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, her focus is on developing a neurovascular unit-on-chip, inducing a PD-like phenotype, and testing phenolic metabolites as a preventive strategy. Her research integrates microfluidics and neurobiology to create physiologically relevant models for studying the effects of phenolic metabolites in neurodegeneration, aiming to advance neurodegenerative disease research. 

Ciência Vitae https://www.cienciavitae.pt/portal/5C10-AEC9-7981

ORCID 0000-0003-1809-612X

Email ines.silva@unl.pt

Diogo Louro is a PhD student in Molecular Biosciences at ITQB NOVA in Lisbon. He completed his BSc in Biochemistry in 2022 at NOVA FCT and his MSc in NOVA Biomedical Research at NOVA Medical School in 2024. His research focuses on understanding the potential of small molecules, including dietary compounds and microbiota-derived metabolites, to modulate neuroinflammation—a key hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. By exploring the mechanisms through which these molecules influence neuroinflammatory pathways, he aims to contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies that could mitigate disease progression and improve patient outcomes. 

Ciência Vitae https://www.cienciavitae.pt/portal/6D14-8762-68C8

ORCID 0009-0008-3282-7279

Email diogo.louro@unl.pt

Inês Paiva is a PhD student in Sustainable Chemistry in the laboratory of Dr. Rita Ventura at ITQB NOVA – Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier and at NIMBS – NOVA Institute for Medical Systems. She holds a BSc in Biochemistry from NOVA School of Science and Technology (2018) and an MSc in Biochemistry for Health from NOVA Medical School (2021), where she studied the neurotrophic effects of carbon monoxide in microglia-neuron communication. Her current research focuses on the development of novel neuroprotective strategies targeting neuroinflammation, a central feature of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Specifically, she investigates the biological activity of (poly)phenol metabolites. Her project involves the synthesis of new analogues of the most active compounds for structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies, as well as the development of 13C-labelled (poly)phenols and fluorescent poly(phenol) probes to uncover their intracellular fate and mechanisms of action. These studies aim to guide the rational design of (poly)phenolic compounds with improved neuroprotective properties. 

Dr. Ventura lab: https://www.itqb.unl.pt/research/chemistry/bioorganic-chemistry

Ciência Vitae https://www.cienciavitae.pt//pt/5D1C-82E3-4534

ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7010-7848

Email ines.paiva@itqb.unl.pt

Liza Hilman is a Registered Nutritionist and a PhD student at Nova Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa. She holds an MSc in Clinical Nutrition from Roehampton University in London.

Her PhD research focuses on the development, validation, and application of a food frequency questionnaire with a specific emphasis on polyphenol intake in the Portuguese population.

Previously, she worked as Head of Nutrition at a biotech company in London, where she developed and managed educational content, presented at conferences, supported the R&D department, and led the development of a nutrition consulting division. She was also involved in B2C and B2B initiatives, as well as marketing strategies.

Liza began her nutrition career with the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, delivering lectures on nutrition, physical activity, and healthy lifestyle, and conducting nutrition and health assessments.

She is the author of a popular science book on nutrition and the creator and speaker of several online nutrition courses and podcasts.

Ciência Vitae https://www.cienciavitae.pt/portal/991E-2A07-1859

ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9923-7437

Email liza.hilman@nms.unl.pt

Marco Faria Zadra is a dedicated researcher with a strong foundation in life sciences and biomedical research. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences with a specialization in Biomedical Research from HAN University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. During his studies, he completed two significant internships at the DZNE in Bonn, Germany, under the guidance of Daniele Bano, with the final internship serving as his thesis project. Currently, he is in the final year of a Master’s program in Biomedical Research at NOVA Medical School in Lisbon, where he is conducting his thesis research in the Molecular Health and Nutrition Lab led by Claudia Nunes dos Santos. With dual Italian and Portuguese nationalities, he also holds a European Baccalaureate from Brussels, reflecting a diverse and international educational background. 

ORCID 0009-0005-9673-9436

Email marco.zadra@unl.pt 

Graduated in Biochemistry at Nova School of Science and Technology. Currently a master student at Biomedical Research at Nova Medical School.