The research project in the biomedical and bioelectronic areas focusing on Diabetes by researcher Joana Sacramento was recognized by L'Oréal Portugal, UNESCO National Commission and Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia.
Joana Sacramento, postdoctoral researcher at the laboratory Neuronal Control of Metabolic Disturbances: Therapeutic Strategies led by professor and principal investigator Sílvia V. Conde, was one of the scientists awarded the L'Oréal Medal of Honor for Women in Science with the project entitled "Closed-loop electroceutical targeting of carotid sinus nerve to treat type 2 diabetes" during the ceremony that took place on May 10 at Pavilhão do Conhecimento.
With this project Joana Sacramento aims to develop an algorithm that allows selectively modulation of the activity of the nerve that connects the carotid body, a small organ that is located bilaterally in our neck, to the brain - called the carotid sinus nerve, and thus treat diabetes type 2, a disease that affects millions of people around the world. This work aspires to contribute to a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes that will be personalized and adapted to the needs of each patient through real-time correction of carotid sinus nerve activity to restore its baseline physiological activity.
Researcher Joana Sacramento explains that "it is a great honor to receive a L'Oréal Medal of Honor that distinguishes the work of women in science. I feel that it is recognition of the work that has been developed in our laboratory. A team effort, since without a great team and a great leader and mentor like Prof. Sílvia Conde, who inspires us every day, none of this would be possible. This award motivates us to continue our research in the area of the carotid body and metabolic diseases like, type 2 diabetes."
Em 2009 a Prof. Sílvia Conde foi também distinguida com a Medalha de Honra L’Oréal. Este ano foram atribuídas mais três Medalhas de Honra a mulheres cientistas com projetos relacionados com dispositivos cardíacos, glaucoma e recuperação de solos. As Medalhas de Honra L’Oréal Portugal para as Mulheres na Ciência é uma iniciativa da L’Oréal Portugal, em conjunto com a Comissão Nacional da UNESCO (CNU) e com a Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, (FCT), com o objetivo de promover a participação das mulheres na Ciência, incentivando as mais jovens e promissoras cientistas, em início de carreira, a realizarem estudos avançados na área das Ciências, Engenharias e Tecnologias para a Saúde ou para o Ambiente.
In 2009 Prof. Sílvia Conde was also distinguished with the L’Oréal Medal of Honor. This year, three more Medals of Honor were awarded to women scientists with projects related to cardiac devices, glaucoma and soil restoration. The L'Oréal Portugal Medals of Honor for Women in Science is an initiative by L'Oréal Portugal, together with the UNESCO National Commission and the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologi, with the objective of promoting the participation of women in science, encouraging the youngest and most promising scientists, at the beginning of their careers, to carry out advanced studies in the area of science, engineering and technologies for health or the environment.