University of Minho has once again demonstrated its strong scientific impact with 58 of its researchers featured in the 2025 Best Scientific Rankings by Research.com. Among them, five investigators from the ICVS — Fernanda Marques, João José Cerqueira, Luísa Pinto, Patrícia Maciel, and Nuno Sousa — stand out for their influential contributions to medical and biomedical sciences.
A study co-authored by ICVS researchers Afonso Fernandes, Matilde Gomes and Pedro Morgado has been chosen as Editor's Choice by the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, American Psychological Association’s journal.
Paula Ludovico, principal investigator at ICVS, has been awarded with over half a million euros in European research funding to take part of an international project focused on improving the sustainability of microbial bioprocesses. The project, entitled UPsYDe – Understanding and Postponing Yeast cell Death, was selected under the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks, part of the Horizon Europe framework.
ICVS has been awarded funding exceeding €2.27 million under the “Scientific Research and Technological Development Projects in All Scientific Domains” call by FCT, with 11 projects led by researchers from the institute. These projects highlight the diversity and excellence of research at ICVS, with impact across key fields such as neuroscience, regenerative medicine, infectious diseases, parasitology, and medical technologies.
The ICVS Science Photo Contest 2025 once again showcased the stunning beauty and creativity hidden within scientific research. This year’s winning image, captured by Inês Pereira, brilliantly illustrates the powerful intersection of science and art.
The ICVS Retreat 2025 took place on June 26 and 27, bringing together over 200 participants for two days of dynamic discussions, inspiring talks, and community building.
ICVS researcher Céline Gonçalves has been awarded the L’Oréal Portugal Medal of Honor for Women in Science. This award, granted in partnership with the National Commission for UNESCO and the Foundation for Science and Technology, recognizes the achievements of scientists under 35 and supports innovative research projects with an impact on health and the environment.
Research published in Nature, co-authored by ICVS’s Rui M. Reis, paves the way for new strategies in prevention and treatment.
Researchers from ICVS have discovered that compounds originated from the plant Hemerocallis citrina Baroni could have therapeutic potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Machado-Joseph Disease (MJD/SCA3) and Frontotemporal Dementia with Parkinsonism (FTDP-17). These diseases are characterized by the loss of neurons and severe motor difficulties.
Researchers at the Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS) of the University of Minho have taken an important step in the search for new therapies for Rett Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that still lacks an effective treatment. The results of the study, now published in the prestigious journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, show that the experimental drug NLX-101 may alleviate two of the most severe symptoms: irregular breathing and cognitive difficulties.
