CONSORTIUM
i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde
The i3S team has extensive expertise in developing biomaterials for cardiovascular applications and assessing their interaction with biological systems. In the project, they are responsible for developing and providing vascular grafts and conducting in vitro biocompatibility and performance studies of the iGraft. They are also responsible for leading the project, coordinating project management and dissemination. The i3S team is led by Dr. Inês Gonçalves a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and the leader of the Advanced Graphene Biomaterials group. In this project, Inês is closely assisted by Dr. Andreia Pereira.
Inês Gonçalves
PI and Goups Leader of Advanced Graphene Biomaterials Group of i3S
Biography
Inês Gonçalves was born and lives in Porto, is married, and mother of 3 teenage boys.
She is Principal Investigator at i3S and Leader of the Advanced Graphene Biomaterials Group. She is co-founder and CEO of the Startup GOTECH Antimicrobial, and board member of the Iberian Society of Biomechanics and Biomaterials (SIBB). Inês is a Microbiologist with Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. She focuses on the development of graphene biomaterials and medical devices for antimicrobial and cardiovascular applications, ranging from fundamental science to translational applications. She has been involved in over 20 research projects (13 as principal investigator; raising over 6M€), and in the organization of 26 national/international conferences (12 as scientific committee and 14 as organizing committee).
Inês Gonçalves is the author of 45 papers in peer-reviewed international journals, 4 book chapters, and 6 patents. Her work was presented as >80 oral communications and >70 posters at international conferences. She has supervised/co-supervised 7 Post-Docs (3 ongoing), 12 research assistants (1 ongoing), 6 Ph.D. students (1 ongoing) and 20 MSc students (2 ongoing). Her work has been recognized with over 30 national and international awards, including “Pulido Valente Science Prize”, the “Medal of Honor L’Oreal for women in science 2013”, the “Innovator Award” from Wellcome Trust, and “Dona Antónia – Revelação”.
In the Blood2Power project, Inês leverages her expertise in the development of novel biomaterials for cardiovascular applications. Additionally, she serves as the project coordinator, playing a pivotal role in overseeing, coordinating, and fostering effective collaboration among partners to ensure the achievement of successful and impactful outcomes.
Ciência Vitae: https://www.cienciavitae.pt/portal/CF12-5CD3-90A8
Andreia Pereira
Assistant Researcher at the Advanced Graphene Biomaterials Group of i3S
Andreia T. Pereira is a Post-Doc researcher within the Advanced Graphene Biomaterials Group at i3S, where she devotes her work in developing deep-tech solutions for biomaterials and energy harvesting systems specifically for cardiovascular applications. She holds a BSc and MSc in Biochemistry and performed her Ph.D. in biomaterials field. Throughout her journey, Andreia published 19 papers (5 as 1st and 2 as corresponding author) and 1 book chapter, filled 2 patents, participated in 10 scientific projects (4PI & 1 co-PI), engaged in 4 entrepreneurship courses, won 4 personal awards, organized 5 scientific events, and supervised 10 students/researchers.
Daniela Sousa
Junior Researcher at the Advanced Graphene Biomaterials Group of i3S
Biography
Daniela Sousa concluded her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering in 2012. She has dedicated her research efforts to advancing the development of in vivo and in vitro preclinical models, to enhance the creation of innovative strategies for combating diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and cancer. Throughout her career, Daniela has authored 34 publications in international peer-reviewed journals and supervised several students and undergraduate trainees. Her commitment extends to fostering national and international collaborations, as she has actively participated in 8 national projects (one as principal investigator) and 4 international projects (e.g. H2020). As a dedicated researcher within the Blood2Power Project, Daniela aspires to leverage her expertise in the interdisciplinary realm of Biology-Engineering interfaces to actively contribute to the advancement of cutting-edge medical devices with a substantial impact.
Herbert Middleton
Technician at the Advanced Graphene Biomaterials Group of i3S
Herbert Middleton is a Research Technician at the Advanced Graphene Biomaterials Group – i3S, who applies his passion for materials, biology, physics, and engineering to his role. With an MSc in Biomedical Materials and Devices from the University of Aveiro, Herbert played a crucial role in groundbreaking projects like “Blood4Energy,” gaining knowledge in energy harvesting systems for cardiac devices. Proficient in materials testing, electrical performance measurement techniques, and various material characterization methodologies, Herbert’s evolving interest in computer programming and signal analysis underscores his commitment to advancing innovative research in biomaterials and beyond, aligning seamlessly with the groundbreaking pursuits of the Blood2Power project.
Ana Isabel Mendes
Junior Researcher at the Advanced Graphene Biomaterials Group of i3S
Biography
Ana Isabel Mendes holds a BSc in Biotechnology, a MSc in Biotechnology for the Health Sciences, and a PhD in Health Sciences. She has several years of expertise in the field of biomaterials, particularly on the development of controlled drug delivery systems and on the assessment of the therapeutic potential of biomaterials-based approaches through in vitro and in vivo models of disease. Ana Isabel Mendes recently joined the Advanced Graphene Biomaterials Group at i3S as a junior researcher within the project Blood2Power, where her work is focused on developing innovative solutions for cardiovascular applications and on their validation using preclinical models.
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Blood2Power Coordinator
