Vladyslava Tolstolis is currently working at AIBILI (Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image), a clinical research organization dedicated to ophthalmology. She also collaborates with the iCBR (CiBB), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, contributing to experimental research in retinal diseases within a framework that integrates clinical and experimental approaches. She holds a BSc in Biomedical Pharmacy and an MSc in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra. During her master’s research at the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), she investigated genetic variants associated with cardiovascular disease, focusing on the functional characterization of variants in the hSCN5A gene using a lentiviral-based platform. This work involved the application of several molecular and cellular biology techniques, including cell culture, qPCR, Western blotting and protein extraction, while contributing to experimental design, data analysis and the preparation of scientific reports and presentations. This experience marked an important step in her ability to generate meaningful results from experimental research and reinforced her motivation to pursue research with clinical relevance. Throughout this period, she combined her academic training with part-time professional responsibilities, demonstrating strong organizational skills and the ability to manage demanding workloads. In parallel with her current position at AIBILI, she is involved in experimental research activities through her collaboration with iCBR (CiBB), focusing on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying degenerative retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Her work contributes to ongoing projects investigating neuroinflammation, cell-to-cell communication and blood–retina barrier dysfunction. Her responsibilities include performing experimental work, supporting the development and optimization of new experimental approaches and contribute to data analysis and interpretation, while collaborating within multidisciplinary research teams. Her research interests focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying disease, particularly in retinal degeneration, inflammation and vascular dysfunction. She is especially interested in identifying novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers that may contribute to improving early diagnosis, disease monitoring and treatment strategies. She aims to pursue a research career at the interface between academic research and its application in clinical and healthcare settings.