Research Divisions

Laboratories from the Chemistry division work in areas ranging from organometallic chemistry and catalysis, through supramolecular chemistry, organic and bioorganic chemistry to physical chemistry. Interests within these groups range from biomembrane studies, medical applications of inorganic complexes, organometallic pharmaceuticals, methods for the synthesis of natural and bioactive compounds, and properties of ionic liquids. This division provides a rich array of research at an international level with interdisciplinary collaborative projects within the institute, institutions of the Associated Laboratory,  and the industry, not only contributing to the nation’s research status but also to the economic well-being of its means of production.

Head of Division: Beatriz Royo

The Biological Chemistry division uses biochemical and biophysical methods to investigate the molecular mechanisms of biological processes relevant to health and sustainability.
This division has a strong focus on functional and structural characterisation of proteins, in particular metalloproteins, membrane proteins and proteins related to human health, and also an important programme on cellular stress responses. The biological problems addressed range from biological energy conservation in aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms to mechanisms of oxidative and nitrosative stress responses used by pathogens to evade host immune defenses, and also responses to metal and metalloid stress. Other studies include protein folding and stability, protein modelling and development of theoretical/computational methods for the simulation of biomolecular systems. More applied studies target the structural characterisation of proteins with pharmacological or health importance, and of enzymes with biotechnological applications.

Head of Division: Cláudio M. Soares

The Biology division conducts research in fundamental areas such as pathogenic bacteria metabolism, bacterial cell wall synthesis, bacterial cell-cell communication and bacterial cellular and developmental biology, in collaboration with groups of the Associated Laboratory. In addition, researchers study eukaryotic cells in the areas of glycobiology and intracellular trafficking of glycoproteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases and ovarian carcinoma.

Head of Division: Maria Miragaia

The Plant Sciences division performs research that extends from cell biology and developmental genetics, through biochemistry, genetic engineering and biotechnology, to ecophysiology. The model-plants Arabidopsis thaliana, Thellungiella halophila, Medicago truncatula, Oryza sativa (rice) and Antirrhinum majus, are used with the purpose of elucidating basic aspects of development, biochemistry and responses to stress, and to give information that could support the study of economical relevant plants, such as, rice itself, maize, grain legumes, grapevine, olive, almond, pine, cork oak and eucalypt.

Head of Division: Carlota Vaz Patto

The Technology division encompasses Engineering Sciences related to chemical and biochemical systems as well as some components in Microbial and Enzyme Technologies related to foods, pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and the environment. The division is one of the mainstays of the private-not-for-profit institute, IBET. The division spans its interests and activities from fundamental and applied research, to GLP Services, and to the Pilot Plant for fermentation, extraction, and purification.
The core scientific areas are centred on Vaccines and Gene Therapy as well as Microbiology of Man-Made Products and the Environment. Laboratories carrying out research on Mass Spectrometry, Biosensors/Diagnostics, and Biomathematics close the loop for integrated, multidisciplinary activities.

Head of Division: Isabel Rocha