Benedita Sampaio Maia graduated in Microbiology at School of Biotechnology, Portuguese Catholic University in 1998. Afterwards did a PhD in Human Biology at the Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto developing research work in experimental nephrology, physiology and pharmacology using both in vivo and in vitro methodologies. In 2006, started teaching activity in Microbiology at University of Porto and is currently chair of Microbiology biannual courses in Dentistry bachelor plus master degree at Faculty of Dental Medicine of Porto University. Presently, the main topic of research is human microbiome in health and disease.