Nuno M.M. Moura

I am graduated in Chemistry from the University of Évora in 2006. I received my PhD in Chemistry from the University of Aveiro (UA) in 2012. My PhD work was focused on developing new synthetic approaches to modify porphyrinic core at beta positions, studying the potential of the new compounds as photosensitizers, and in detecting biological/non-biological relevant metal ions. In 2013, I was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship (SFRH/BPD/84216/2012) at the UA, being engaged in developing advanced materials containing tetrapyrrolic macrocycles for photodynamic processes. Since 2019, I am a Junior Researcher at the LAQV-REQUIMTE pole of Aveiro, and my research interests are centered on the development of new photoactive molecules/materials for light-mediated processes and binding/removal purposes. To achieve my aims, I dedicate myself to the development of new methods for the synthesis and functionalization of heterocyclic compounds, namely porphyrinoids with suitable properties for application in photomedicine, photoinactivation of microbial pathogens, solar devices, photocatalysis and chemical sensing/remediation. In 2021, I was awarded a FCT project (EXPL/QUI-QOR/0586/2021) as Principal Researcher. FCT recognized my multifaceted scientific path as a team member in three 3-year projects involving the synthesis of organic compounds for application in solar cells, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and theranostic fields (total >775 k€). I am involved in the COST Actions CA18132-GLYCONANOPROBES (WG1/WG2) and EURESTOP-CA21145 (WG3), three FCT-CNRST and two FCT-DAAD transnational cooperation agreements, and in collaborative research programs with national and international universities, maintaining a solid and funded research program. From these networks, promising outcomes concerning the synthesis and application of porphyrins and other heterocycles were achieved. Moreover, these collaborations allowed me to supervise and mentor 1 postdoctoral and 11 PhD research works of visiting students from international universities. I am the author of 2 book chapters and 65 original research articles and review papers (34 as corresponding-author – 65% since PhD) in high-ranked international peer-reviewed journals (ca. 75% published in Q1 journals since PhD), 6 of them highlighted as front cover picture and one selected for the “Editor’s Choice”, summing +1070 citations and an H-index of 21 (Scopus, May 2023). I belong to the editorial board of Molecules, and I am Guest-Editor of 4 Special issues in Molecules, Int J Mol Sci (MDPI) and Frontiers in Medicine (Frontiers) and a reviewer for top-quality international journals (e.g. Coord Chem Rev, J Hazard Mater, Carbohydr Polym, ChemSusChem, Sens Actuators B, Chemosphere, JOC, Dyes Pigments). I have been enthusiastic to attend and invited to deliver talks at highly recognized national and international scientific conferences, with 5 conference proceedings, 72 oral and 73 poster communications. Since my PhD graduation, I have supervised 25 undergraduate student final year projects, 5 MSc students and 4 research fellows. Currently, I am the supervisor of 2 PhD and 3 MSc candidates, 1 undergraduate student and 1 research fellow. I am actively working in the preparation of competitive national and international proposals (e.g. COST Actions and FCT projects), teaching/mentoring activities, science outreach and public engagement activities. In 2018, in recognition of my high standard of work, I was selected by the Portuguese Chemistry Society (SPQ) to represent Portugal at the Young Investigator Workshop 2018 (YIW2018) held in Oxford, UK. In 2020, I was awarded the Portuguese Award for Best Young Organic Chemist from the SPQ organic chemistry division for outstanding work developed in the organic synthesis field. In 2021, the Lisbon Science Academy recognized my research work's transdisciplinary nature and relevance, electing me as a member of the Young Scientists Seminar for the 2021-2023 period.