Susana Santos

Susana Santos majored in Genetics and Microbiology at Lisbon’s Faculty of Sciences and started researching the molecular mechanisms of phage-host interactions relevant to the industrial fermentation processes carried out by lactic acid bacteria. She holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology (Lisbon’s Faculty of Sciences) were proceed with the previous work and developed novel approaches. She holds a Post-Doc in Molecular Biology (Lisbon´s Faculty of Pharmacy) developing her research in the subject of Genetics of Cardiovascular Diseases. As a researcher of Lisbon´s Faculty of Pharmacy and Lisbon´s Instituto Superior Técnico, she coordinated one national project (Cardiogenetics) and participated in more than 10 national projects (Cardiogenetics and Cancer). This gave her experience of applying scientific knowledge to Healthcare. In 2009 she becomes an Assistant Professor at Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias of several subjects related to Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology. In 2013 she became a co-founder of the start-up HeartGenetics, Genetics and Biotechnology. In HeartGenetics she was Chief of Technology Officer and Director of Quality Management System. HeartGenetics pioneers a methodology that integrate Genomics and Computational Technologies to make available innovative knowledge that helps Healthcare providers to promote Wellness, prevent illness, and diagnose diseases. She developed genetic tests with applications in cardiovascular diseases, pharmacogenetics, cardio-oncology, nutrigenetics, and athletic performance. In 2019 she became Chief of Innovation Officer of the company EXMceuticals Portugal. By making use of biotechnology strategies, her focus is on the evaluation and proof of concept of phytochemicals with therapeutic and wellness potential. Her function is related to implement the Company innovation strategy, promote scientific and technological research and innovation activities. In 2018 she become a consultant of the company EXMceuticals Inc and in 2019 she became Chief of Innovation Officer of the company EXMceuticals Portugal, a biotechnology breakthrough company. She works on developing novel cannabis-based products, making the best use of biotechnology strategies and of intertwining social and environmental responsibility to obtain plant-based products that mimic some (critical) natural and regulatory functions in the human organism Her main interest is in applying biological and genetic based-knowledge to healthcare targeting wellness and the pharma industry.