André Marques, senior researcher in the Lysosomes and Disease group at NOVA Medical School, is one of the newest ambassadors of the EUTOPIA Young Leaders Academy program, a European-wide academy of researchers.
The institutional candidate from NOVA Medical School was one of two researchers selected by NOVA’s Strategic Research Council to represent the University.
André Marques holds a PhD in Medical Biochemistry and, during his post-doctoral project, he focused on studying Batten disease, the most common hereditary neurodegenerative disease in children. This project resulted in the registration of an international patent for the treatment of the disease, of which he is co-inventor. Currently, he conducts research at NOVA Medical School focusing on the interplay between lipid metabolism and organelle dysfunction in human disease.
“This program offers a unique opportunity for early-career researchers like myself to develop critical skills for their academic future. In addition, it will allow expanding the network of contacts with scholars from different areas of knowledge, contributing to a more holistic reflection on issues that affect our society,” says André Marques. According to the researcher, this initiative also represents “an excellent platform to improve the conditions offered to young scientists interested in pursuing a career in research in Portugal.”
As for the contribution he expects his participation in this initiative to have on the research he is developing at NOVA Medical School, André Marques highlights “the possibility of connecting with international researchers and diversifying the lab’s tools, helping to face future challenges in cardiovascular disease research”. “Furthermore, I hope to develop the necessary skills to create a prolific work environment that fosters scientific advancement and personal growth for all members of the research team,” adds the researcher.
The EUTOPIA Young Leaders Academy is an initiative promoted by the EUTOPIA alliance of European universities, of which NOVA University Lisbon is a member. It aims to foster an interdisciplinary research community across various countries, as well as support the exchange between high-potential young researchers and stimulate their professional development. Now in its 3rd edition, the selected participants will also act as ambassadors, contributing to the alliance’s activities and promoting the creation of an integrated research community.
This year, along with André Marques, Ian Scott, a data scientist at NOVA Information Management School, with experience in the energy and sustainability sectors, was also chosen to represent NOVA University Lisbon.