Liliana Dias obtained her PhD in Health Sciences from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra. Her previous research focused on astrocyte dysfunction in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, with particular emphasis on the water channel aquaporin-4, calcium signalling, and their modulation by adenosine A2A receptors. To address these questions, she combined primary cell cultures and animal models with cellular, molecular and functional approaches, gaining experience in a wide range of experimental techniques.

She recently joined the Synapse Biology Group, where she contributes to studies exploring the molecular mechanisms that regulate synapse formation and function. Her research interests include astrocyte biology, neuron–glia interactions, and the role of astrocytes in brain health and disease.