Francisca Rodrigues

PhD Senior Scientist on Health and Sustainability
Researching Skin Health

Professional Summary

With over 14 years of in natural products (including food by-products) chemistry, green extraction techniques, and in vitro models, my research has focused on leveraging sustainable methods to unlock the therapeutic potential of polyphenol-rich compounds.

My work spans the fields of bioactive compounds for chronic diseases and skin aging. I have a strong background in in vitro models, advanced ex-vivo modeling, and in vivo assays, contributing to the validation of new ingredients and innovative approaches in personalized medicine.

Additionally, I actively participate in international collaborations and dissemination efforts, promoting research impacts and engaging with diverse scientific communities.

Key Areas of Expertise

Natural Products Research: Extensive experience in extracting bioactive compounds from natural sources and food byproducts, applying green and sustainable techniques to improve bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.

Metabolomics and In Vitro/In Vivo Models: Utilizing advanced metabolomic approaches to assess the biological effects of compounds in in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models, particularly in oxidative stress pathways associated with skin ageing and chronic diseases.

In Vitro Models: Extensive experience in developing and applying in vitro models to study drug permeation, cytotoxicity, and gene expression, particularly in skin and chronic diseases research.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working with chemists, biologists, and healthcare researchers across national and international research projects as well as industry, policymakers, and academic institutions to drive impactful research.

Grant Writing and Project Leadership: Leading and contributing to high-impact research projects by successfully securing funding through well-crafted grant proposals.
Publication and Dissemination: Publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at inter/national conferences, and (co)organization of workshops, seminars, and conferences to different targeted audience.

Career Highlights

Research Contributions: Lead and (co)Lead investigator on 6 funded research projects; >120 articles in international peer-reviewed journals and 28 book chapters, mostly in Q1/top 5% journals. Edition of 2 books and 10 special issues of international peer-reviewed journals.

Innovative Solutions: Development of a cosmetic products line with a new active ingredient validated through in vitro and in vivo assays in cooperation with industry; Development of a chewing gum in collaboration with industry to explore the reduction of firefighters’ occupational exposure to wildfire emissions.

International Recognition:
1) Expert evaluator to different international funding agencies (e.g., European Commission, etc.);
2) Top 2% most cited researchers worldwide, according to the “Stanford World’s Top 2% Scientists;

Scientific Recognition: Individual award “Recognition of Scientific Excellence-Certificate of Scientific Publication Merit” of School of Engineering of the Polytechnic of Porto for 11 articles in international peer-reviewed journals (Q1; top 10% journals) since 2022.

Awards and Recognition: Gold Premium (1st place) Seed Project during PhD, provided by a national company (JMV); Inter(national) awards as best oral (10) and poster (9) presentation in congresses

Supervision: Several Post doc, PhD and MSc students, BSc students, PhD Erasmus students and Erasmus students, fostering the next generation of scientists.

Research Goals

My goal is to continue utilizing my research expertise to uncover new insights into skin biology, focusing on advanced in vitro models and nanomedicine, with an emphasis on developing innovative therapeutic solutions for chronic skin conditions.

I aim to explore the mechanistic pathways influenced by natural compounds to mitigate disease progression, while fostering personalized treatment approaches.

This work holds particular relevance in advancing the understanding of the cancer microenvironment and proposing strategies for enhanced treatment modalities through precision medicine, contributing to improved patient outcomes.

Personal Motivation

I am a meticulous, discreet, and approachable professional fueled by a passion for advancing biomedical research, particularly in developing cutting-edge nanomedicines and in vitro models for skin disease treatment.

Committed to creating sustainable therapeutic solutions, I strive to generate reliable scientific knowledge that bridges academia, industry, and regulatory bodies, ultimately promoting more effective treatments and a healthier society.

At work, I am recognized as a dedicated and trusted researcher, always ready to collaborate and contribute to meaningful advancements in my field of research.

Beyond the lab, I am a strong advocate for equal opportunities and human rights. I also enjoy simple moments, including listening to music, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Published papers

You can find all my published work here:

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8803-0041

https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55236983800

Contact Information

I am always open to discussing new research opportunities, collaborations, and speaking engagements.

Feel free to reach out:

francisca.rodrigues@hera-science.com

or connect with me on LinkedIn.