Research Vision & Academic Leadership My scientific trajectory is defined by a commitment to uncovering the biophysical mechanisms of protein misfolding diseases—specifically Parkinson’s Disease—and exploring the impact of exogenous substances, such as cannabinoids, on these pathological pathways. Since 2003, I have consistently secured independent funding from Portuguese and European institutions totalling over €3.15 million. In 2008, I spearheaded a pioneering initiative to integrate Forensic Science into Portuguese academia. This challenge evolved into a robust multidisciplinary career, bridging molecular pathology with forensic toxicology and genetics. I currently coordinate the Forensic Science and Psychology Research Line at the Egas Moniz Multidisciplinary Research Centre (CiiEM), where I lead the Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry laboratory. Institutional Impact & Strategic Management As the head of the Forensic Science and Psychology Laboratory (LCFPEM), I oversee a comprehensive operation that provides critical expert services to the judicial system, including Sintra’s Court, and maintain strategic partnerships with the GNR (National Republican Guard), INMLCF (National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences), and hospitals like Garcia de Orta. My leadership extends to the coordination of both the BSc and MSc programs in Forensic Sciences, where I manage a diverse team of lecturers, senior scientists, and forensic experts. My laboratory serves as a vital hub for advanced training, directly funding and supporting researchers across Toxicology, Human Identification, and Questioned Documents. Scientific Output & Mentorship My career is anchored in high-impact dissemination and the cultivation of the next generation of scientists: Publications: Author of over 70 peer-reviewed articles, ten book chapters, and editor of a specialised volume. Mentorship: Successfully supervised 2 Post-docs, 5 PhD candidates, and over 45 MSc students, alongside 35+ scientific traineeships. Recognition: Recipient of the prestigious Pfizer Prize in Clinical Research (2012). My academic foundation was supported by three FCT scholarships (MSc, PhD at the University of Coimbra, and a Sabbatical at Lincoln University). Expertise: I serve as an international expert evaluator for research networks and am a standing member of the Forensic Science Scientific Council at the Egas Moniz School of Health & Science (IUEM). Career Resilience Notably, my career includes a significant period of resilience; following the completion of my PhD, I took a career break (2002–2004) for health reasons, after which I successfully re-established my research trajectory to reach my current standing as a leader in Portuguese Forensic Science.