Background - Mário Barbosa graduated in Metallurgical Engineering at FEUP in 1972 and obtained his PhD at Leeds University (UK) in the same field in 1980.
Academic career - Until 2011, he was Full Professor at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), after which he transferred to the Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS) of the same university, where he served as Full Professor until 2020. Since 2021, he has been Emeritus Full Professor at ICBAS, where he coordinated the working group responsible for developing the strategic plan for the ICBAS’s One Health initiatives.
Research – His research has earned him international recognition in the field of biomaterials, where he carried out pioneering work, notably through innovative research and high-level international postgraduate training. Initially, he explored corrosion mechanisms in metallic biomaterials and their interaction with the immune system. He later focused on cell–biomaterial interactions and the role of inflammation in tissue regeneration mediated by biomaterials. He has published > 310 papers in international peer-reviewed journals ( h-index = 67; approx. 15,000 citations). His involvement in research projects funded by various sources (e.g., European Commission, AO Foundation, FCT) has fostered collaborations with China, the USA, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland. Former postdoctoral researchers and students now hold leadership positions in research institutes in Portugal and abroad (e.g., China, USA, Brazil and Spain).
Founding of research institutions – Mário Barbosa was one of the founding members of the Institute for Biomedical Engineering (INEB, https://www.ineb.up.pt/), established on 26 June 1989. From 2000 to 2012, he served as Scientific Coordinator of the institute and was President in 2000–2006 and 2010–2012. From 2015 to December 2019, following a successful application he led, he was Director of the Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S, https://www.i3s.up.pt/) at the University of Porto. i3S is the largest research and development institute in Portugal. INEB, together with IPATIMUP and IBMC, is one of the founding institutions of i3S.
Founding of postgraduate programmes – He was one of the founders and the first Director of the Integrated Master’s in Bioengineering (MIB), a joint initiative between FEUP and ICBAS. He led the launch of postdoctoral programmes: the Doctoral Programme in Biomedical Engineering, one of the first of its kind in Portugal; and the International Doctoral Programme in Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology Applied to Health Sciences (BiotechHealth), a partnership between ICBAS and the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP).
Awards and distinctions – Among the many awards he has received, the George Winter Award of the European Society for Biomaterials (ESB) - the ESB Award for outstanding work by a senior researcher - stands out (2001). He also received the Klaas de Groot Award in 2020, the ESB distinction for scientists who have demonstrated exceptional ability to provide excellent mentorship and guidance to young researchers, supporting them in establishing independent careers. Nationally, he received the Scientific Merit Award from the Ministry of Science and Technology (2021), the Medal of Merit from Vila do Conde City Council (2021), and the Gold Medal of the City of Porto (2022). Mário Barbosa is a Member of the International Union of Societies for Biomaterials Science and Engineering (IUSBSE). He served as Secretary of IUSBSE from December 2020 to May 2024. In September 2025, he was elected Honorary Member of the ESB.
Roles in national research agencies – Mário Barbosa has held leadership positions in the national research agency. He was President of JNICT (the agency that preceded FCT) from 1992 to 1994, and President of the Scientific Board for Engineering Sciences at FCT (2002 to 2005). He also served as an adviser (pro bono) in the office of the Minister of Science and Technology, Mariano Gago.
Other activities – Together with professionals from various fields, he launched the SER Project (Mental Health, Stigma and Resilience – https://serantiestigma.com), which aims to combat the stigma associated with mental illness.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3568-7482
Webpage: https://www.i3s.up.pt/personal-info.php?id=243&idg=32