Luciano Santos (LS) is a young researcher born in 1997 at Funchal, Madeira. He holds a degree and a master's degree in Biochemistry from the Faculty of Sciences (FCUP) and the Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS) of Porto University. LS received one of the highest final grades in the biochemistry degree program, earning distinction as one of the top students. For his degree project, LS focused on the computational study of the catalytic mechanism of the brain enzyme DOPA decarboxylase, an important pharmacological target for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease. This project provided him with relevant bioinformatic skills such as molecular dynamics simulations, molecular docking, or QM/MM hybrid methods. LS completed a master’s dissertation in organic chemistry field, with supervision from Dr. Ivo Dias (LAQV/REQUIMTE) and Prof. Enrique Borgez (FCUP). His dissertation aimed to enhance the efficacy of melanostatin, a neuropeptide that exhibits anti-Parkinson's activity, by designing peptidomimetics with improved oral bioavailability and pharmacological activity. LS developed an innovative methodology using the reactivity of amino acid functional groups to synthesize the first macrocyclic analogues of melanostatin described. In addition, LS also contributed to other ongoing projects, including the development of a novel method for synthesizing N-functionalized glycines and peptoid analogues of melanostatin. LS's work involved a range of laboratory techniques, such as liquid phase peptide coupling or olefin metathesis as well as various separation methods, including extraction, precipitation of aminoacids and peptides or purification by column liquid chromatography. Analytical work, such as interpreting nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution mass spectra (HRMS), was also a part of his research. These research findings are currently being incorporated into a manuscript that will be submitted soon for publication in an international journal. In August 2022, LS started a voluntary internship in CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research under the supervision of Prof. Luisa Valente. LS has gained interest in the fish nutrition area which led him to apply for a research position under the project OmegaPeixe, in collaboration with industrial partners (FlatAtlantic). The project aims to fortify fish in fatty acids such as DHA and EPA in order to provide consumers the recommended level to ensure cardiovascular protection. LS has gained autonomy in all laboratory analysis related to this project, in particularly the chemical characterization of ingredients, diets and biological samples. Furthermore, LS has become increasingly interested in the use of functional diets able to improving fish quality for consumption in the sense of promoting human health. To achieve this, he has been evaluating new ingredients using tools to evaluate their antioxidant (ABTS and ORAC) and antimicrobial (bactericidal/bacteriostatic activities) properties. Moreover, LS obtained certification for aquatic animal experimentation (FELASA category B) to carry out in vivo experimental work following best practices. His multidisciplinary background and laboratory skills make him a promising researcher able to easily adapt to any area of scientific research from chemistry to biology.