Hugo M. Santos, an alumnus of NOVA University Lisbon, completed a comprehensive education in Applied Chemistry (specializing in Organic Chemistry) in 2006, enriched by extensive knowledge in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. This diverse academic base was the bedrock for pursuing a PhD in Biochemistry, undertaken jointly at NOVA and the Turku Centre for Biotechnology in Finland, focusing on MALDI-TOF-MS for protein analysis. Post-PhD, Santos joined the University of Vigo, Spain, where he pioneered the development of advanced MALDI-TOF-MS methods, addressing the complexities of matrix-free ionization of small molecules. In 2011, a significant shift occurred in his career when he joined the Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine in Barcelona. This period marked a pivotal transition towards biomedical applications of mass spectrometry (MS), setting the stage for his future endeavours in this field. Returning to NOVA in 2013, Dr. Santos pioneered the development of nano-proteomics methods, specializing in the MS analysis of protein corona dynamics on nanoparticles. His work was primarily aimed at the early detection of age-related diseases. In 2016, Dr. Santos was awarded the prestigious FCT Investigator Starting Grant, where he led the implementation of label-free MS-based quantitative proteomics methods to investigate renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, and neurodegeneration. Also in 2016, in collaboration with his team, he secured private funding from PROTEOMASS Scientific Society, totalling 750 k€, to set up the Laboratory for Biological Mass Spectrometry – Isabel Moura (LBMS-IM). This diligent fundraising facilitated the establishment and ongoing support of the Laboratory, which is equipped with two high-resolution ESI-Q-TOF MS/MS instruments from Bruker, three dedicated nano-LC systems, and five bioinformatics stations tailored for advanced data analysis. Dr. Santos's international standing was further cemented by an honorary appointment as an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh, USA. Since 2022, as a tenure track assistant researcher in (Bio)Chemistry & OMICS at LAQV, his collaborative efforts have broadened to encompass various scientific fields, from Medicine to Food and Chemistry, consistently advocating for sustainability and green chemistry. Dr. Santos has made significant strides in scientific research, contributing 103 peer-reviewed international journal articles, 15 invited editorials, 5 conference papers, and 5 datasets on ProteomeXchange. He co-authored 4 book chapters and edited "Translational Urinomics" (Springer-Nature, 2021). His work, particularly in proteomics and mass spectrometry, has garnered over 2,287 citations, with a Field-Weighted Citation Impact of 1.22 to 1.65. Key publications include: 1. Anal. Chem. 92, 13 (2020) 9164–9171. IF:8.008 2. Commun Med 3, 8 (2023). IF: undergoing evaluation for JCR metrics. 14% acceptance rate. 3. BMC Med 19, 196 (2021). IF:9.3 4. Clin Proteomics 28 20(1) 54 (2023). IF:5.0 5. Talanta 266, 124953 (2024) IF:6.1 Among Dr. Santo’s most remarkable accomplishments is his pioneering work in proteomics (paper 1), notably in the diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancer and renal cell carcinoma (papers 3 to 5). These breakthroughs underscore the efficacy of cutting-edge techniques such as the Total Proteome Approach and the use of ultrasonic energy in sample preparation, which emphasize efficiency and environmental sustainability. Dr. Santos's use of non-invasive urine samples for bladder cancer monitoring marks a major advancement in affordable, patient-centric healthcare. This technique, potentially applicable to diseases like breast cancer (in collaboration with Harvard Medical School) and heart failure (with the University of Pisa), is gaining recognition in the scientific community. Its impact and potential in advancing diagnostics are evident in ongoing research.