Young i3S researchers awarded “la Caixa” doctoral fellowships
Joana Machado, Maria da Silva, and Maria Cardona Timoner, three young researchers at the Institute for Research and Innovation in Health of the University of Porto (i3S), have been awarded INPhINIT Retaining fellowships from the “la Caixa” Foundation, which funds four years of innovative research in any scientific field.
Each project receives €35,800 per year to cover the researcher’s salary, plus €3,500 per year for research expenses such as participation in conferences, specialised training courses, acquisition of consumables, and research stays abroad.
Studying a Regulatory Sequence with Impact on Colorectal Cancer
Researcher Joana Machado, from the Gene Regulation group, studies a small regulatory sequence found in messenger RNA (mRNA), whose ability to modulate gene expression remains unclear. Despite advances already published in the journal Nucleic Acids Research, Joana explains that it has not yet been possible “to define exactly how this sequence works, so the story is not yet complete.”
The discovery of a genetic variant associated with colorectal cancer has made the project even more relevant. The researcher explains that this variant “increases the activity of an oncogene”, which has led the team to investigate whether the element regulates processes contributing to tumour development and whether it might serve as a therapeutic target.
For Joana, who is enrolled in the Doctoral Programme in Biochemistry at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, receiving this fellowship represents a validation of her path and her team’s work: “Winning this fellowship was a recognition of the journey I have taken so far […] and it is also a recognition of everyone who has supported me, especially my supervisors, Dr Alexandra Moreira and Dr Isabel Pereira-Castro.”
Cardiac Regeneration Inspired by Natural Models
Maria Cardona Timoner, supervised by i3S researchers Diana Nascimento and Perpétua Pinto-do-Ó from the Stem Cells in Regenerative Biology and Repair group, and Mónica Sousa from the Nerve Regeneration group, investigates an exceptional case in mammalian biology: the regenerative capacity of the heart of Acomys cahirinus after myocardial infarction, without forming fibrotic scarring. The aim is to identify cellular and molecular mechanisms that may, in the future, enable cardiac regeneration in humans.
To Maria Cardona Timoner, the fellowship confirms the relevance of the scientific questions she is pursuing. “Receiving the INPhINIT fellowship from the “la Caixa” Foundation means, above all, confirmation that we are asking the right questions,” she says. She adds that working at i3S, “surrounded by an exceptional scientific team”, was decisive for the project’s progress.
The researcher, who is enrolled in the Doctoral Programme in Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCBiology) at the University of Porto, aims to explore parallels between regeneration in neonatal mice (Mus musculus) and adult Acomys cahirinus, analysing the role of cardiac fibroblasts, the extracellular matrix, and transcriptional programmes associated with scar‑free repair.
Understanding Ageing of the Immune System
Maria da Silva’s project, supervised by Elsa Logarinho, leader of the Ageing and Aneuploidy group, focuses on immunosenescence – the gradual decline of the immune system during ageing. The researcher aims to determine whether overexpression of the gene FOXM1, a key regulator of the DNA damage response, can restore genomic stability and slow ageing of the haematopoietic system.
Her motivations are also personal and linked to her background. “Growing up in a small inland town, considered one of the most aged communities in Portugal, made me particularly aware of the health challenges faced by the elderly population,” she says, noting that this reality strengthened her scientific commitment.
Receiving the fellowship represents “an extraordinary opportunity to conduct research with the potential to deepen our understanding of haematopoietic ageing,” highlights the doctoral student enrolled in the MCBiology Programme.
About the INPhINIT Retaining Doctoral Fellowships from the “la Caixa” Foundation
These fellowships are aimed at early‑career researchers who have lived in Portugal or Spain for more than 12 months in the last three years. They allow doctoral studies in any scientific field and at any university or centre of excellence in either country.
The programme also stands out for offering training in transversal skills, strengthening the academic and professional development of future researchers.
