Innovator in Precision Medicine, AI-Driven Diagnostics & Bioinformatics | Biotech Entrepreneur | Advancing Healthcare Through Genomics & Data Science
I am a scientist, entrepreneur, and innovator passionate about translating cutting-edge research into impactful solutions for society. My work focuses on Life Sciences and Biotechnology, particularly genomics, bioinformatics, and the transformative power of data. Throughout my career, I have specialized in analyzing complex datasets using computational tools, leveraging data science, bioinformatics, and machine learning to uncover insights that drive innovation. I believe in the potential of data to revolutionize decision-making and improve outcomes in precision medicine, diagnostics, and sustainable resource management.
With a PhD in Biomedical Sciences, an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry, and an executive program in management for entrepreneurs, my career spans nearly three decades across academia, research infrastructure leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation ecosystems. I have led research groups, managed national and international scientific infrastructures, and published ~70 scientific papers in collaboration with researchers worldwide. My contributions have been supported by competitive funding programs such as H2020, resulting in millions of euros in research funding.
My research has led to the discovery of novel drug applications (drug repositioning), patent applications, and the founding of a diagnostics company. At Ophiomics, we are driving an ambitious agenda for precision liver medicine. Our flagship product, HepatoPredict—a tool that integrates AI and genomics—represents the first step in transforming how liver cancer is diagnosed and managed. By combining cutting-edge technology with clinical insights, we aim to deliver innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes.
Beyond my entrepreneurial journey, I am deeply passionate about building innovation ecosystems around precision medicine. I believe that new technologies—from AI to biotech—have the potential to fundamentally change healthcare. My experience includes mentoring entrepreneurs as scientific director of a startup incubator and different entrepreneurship programs, and contributing to collaborative initiatives as part of the scientific committee of a large technology park. These experiences have strengthened my ability to guide innovation from concept to implementation while fostering environments where transformative ideas can thrive.
I have worked in diverse international contexts (USA, UK, Portugal) across universities, research institutes, state laboratories, business incubators, and startups. My broad scientific expertise spans medical biotechnology, biodefense, agroforestry, marine biotechnology, biochemistry, molecular biology, nuclear chemistry—and increasingly—data science and AI-driven solutions.
I also serve on several scientific advisory boards for public institutions and actively support initiatives that bridge science and society. In particular, I am dedicated to fostering scientific communities in Portuguese-speaking African countries, and in the “Global South” in general, where a new future for Precision Medicine is being built.