Curriculum Vitae
Rita Pereira Vilaça
Identification
Personal identification
- Full name
- Rita Pereira Vilaça
Author identifiers
- Ciência ID
- B317-85CF-B04B
Addresses
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Faculty of Sciences University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Porto, Portugal (Professional)
Websites
- https://www.bioprotlab.com/researchers (Professional)
- https://laqv.requimte.pt/people/3514-rita_pereira_vilaca (Professional)
Knowledge fields
- Natural sciences - Biological Sciences - Biochemistry
- Natural sciences - Biological Sciences - Microbiology
- Natural sciences - Biological Sciences - Biochemical Research Methods
- Natural sciences - Biological Sciences - Cell Biology
- Medical and Health Sciences - Medical Biotechnology - Gene-based Diagnostics and Therapeutic Interventions
Education
| Degree | Classification | |
|---|---|---|
|
2024/03/04 - 2024/03/13
Concluded
|
Open Executive Programme - Project Management (Diploma de especialização)
Universidade do Porto Porto Business School, Portugal
|
18 |
|
2009/01/01 - 2014/05/28
Concluded
|
Ciências Biomédicas (Doutoramento)
Major in Sem especialidade
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Portugal
"Interplay between sphingolipid and nutriente signaling in niemann-pick type C1 disease: new clues from a yeast cell model" (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
|
Aprovado com distinção |
Projects
Contract
| Designation | Funders | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024/01/01 - Current | New Molecular and Cell-based Approaches to assess Food Astringency and Bitterness (ByTASTy)
Project Manager
REQUIMTE LAQV Porto, Portugal
|
European Commission
Ongoing
|
| 2023/01/01 - Current | Unravelling the potential of the wheat microbiome for the development of healthier, more sustainable and resilient wheat-derived
food & feed products
Project Manager
REQUIMTE LAQV Porto, Portugal
|
European Commission
Ongoing
|
Other
| Designation | Funders | |
|---|---|---|
| 2023/10 - Current | Future of plant-based food: Bridging the gap of new proteins and FLAVOURsome (FLAVOURsome)
WG5 member
REQUIMTE LAQV Porto, Portugal
|
European Cooperation in Science and Technology
Ongoing
|
| 2022/10 - Current | Non-globular proteins in the era of Machine Learning (ML4NGP) - CA21160
Science Communication Coordinator and WG Leader
|
European Cooperation in Science and Technology
Ongoing
|
Outputs
Publications
| Online resource |
|
| Website |
|
Activities
Oral presentation
| Presentation title | Event name Host (Event location) |
|
|---|---|---|
| 2008/09/04 | Downregulation of the AMPK protein kinase Snf1p increases cellular protection by quercetin against oxidative stress in yeast Rita Vilaça*, Mª Amélia Amorim, Pedro Moradas-Ferreira, Victor de Freitas, Nuno Mateus e Vítor Costa (*speaker) | III Encontro Nacional de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas
(Faro, Portugal)
|
Supervision
| Thesis Title Role |
Degree Subject (Type) Institution / Organization |
|
|---|---|---|
| 2021/09 - 2022/11/15 | Yck2: At The Intersection Of Prion-like Domains And Stress Granules Regulation?
Co-supervisor
|
Mestrado em Bioquímica (Master)
Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Ciências, Portugal
|
| 2021/09 - 2022/07/21 | Uncovering the Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation Behavior of Ataxin-3
Co-supervisor
|
Mestrado em Bioengenharia (Master)
Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal
|
| 2020/09 - 2021/07/23 | Cross(dys)regulation of mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction in Huntington’s disease
Co-supervisor
|
Mestrado Integrado em Engenharia Biomédica (Master)
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
|
| 2021 - 2021 | Role of TFEB in autophagy in cell models of Huntington’s disease
Supervisor
|
Engenharia Biomédica (Master)
Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
|
| 2018/02 - 2018/09 | Finding novel therapeutic drugs targeting calcineurin using Saccharomyces cerevisiae reporter bioassays
Supervisor
|
Licenciatura em Bioquímica (Degree)
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Portugal
Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Ciências, Portugal |
| 2018 - 2018 | The role of eisosomes and calcineurin in a yeast model of Niemann-Pick type C1
Supervisor
|
Bioquímica (Master)
Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Ciências, Portugal
|
| 2016/09 - 2017/10 | TORC2/Pkh1-Ypk1 pathway is activated in a yeast model of Niemann-Pick type C1 disease
Supervisor
|
Mestrado em Bioquímica (Master)
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Portugal
Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Ciências, Portugal |
| 2016/10 - 2017/07 | Cross-talk between calcium-calcineurin signaling and sphingolipid metabolism in the yeast model of NPC disease
Co-supervisor
|
Licenciatura em Bioquímica (Degree)
Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Ciências, Portugal
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Portugal |
| 2014/09 - 2015/07 | Sphingolipid metabolism, Sit4p and TORC1 in the yeast
model of Niemann-Pick type C1 disease
Co-supervisor
|
Mestrado em Bioquímica (Master)
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Portugal
Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Ciências, Portugal |
| 2012/09 - 2013/06 | Sinalização por esfingosina e envelhecimento no modelo da levedura da doença de Niemann-Pick tipo C1
Co-supervisor
|
Licenciatura em Bioquímica (Degree)
Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Ciências, Portugal
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Portugal |
| 2011/09 - 2012/07 | Role of the yeast orthologue of Niemann-Pick C1 protein in oxidative stress resistance and mitochondrial function
Co-supervisor
|
Mestrado em Bioquímica (Master)
Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Ciências, Portugal
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Portugal |
| 2010/09 - 2011/10 | Estudo da função da Ncr1p e da Npc2p na resistência ao stress em Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Co-supervisor
|
Mestrado em Contaminação e Toxicologia Ambiental (Master)
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Portugal
|
Event organisation
| Event name Type of event (Role) |
Institution / Organization | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024/02/26 - 2024/02/28 | TRAINING SCHOOL "Databases and computational tools on phase separation". Participants will receive multidisciplinary training
to gain deeper insights and practical experience in applying databases, in silico resources and computational tools to query
relevant biological data and analyze it in context. Using integrative methodologies for studying both structured and intrinsically
disordered proteins, trainees will investigate the LLPS and aggregation propensities of wild-type and mutant proteins in physiology
and disease. (2024/02/26 - 2024/02/28)
Workshop (Member of the Organising Committee)
|
Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Belgium |
| 2023/10/18 - 2023/10/20 | III PhasAGE International Conference "Multiscale understanding of protein aggregation and biomolecular condensates in aging
and disease"
https://phasage.eu/iii-phasage-international-conference/ (2023/10/18 - 2023/10/20)
Conference (Member of the Organising Committee)
|
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Portugal |
| 2023/09/15 - 2023/10/20 | Exposição “Um olhar raro”
A iniciativa visa agregar, em simultâneo, a perspectiva dos doentes, de jovens alunos de escola secundária e de investigadores
sobre um grupo de doenças genéticas raras e incuráveis; a exposição integrará fotografias tiradas pelos próprios pacientes
e/ou seus cuidadores; ilustrações gráficas de estruturas de proteínas envolvidas nas doenças raras; e representações gráficas
feitas por alunos do ensino secundário sobre a relação da estrutura e função de proteínas e o seu papel em doenças humanas
raras. (2023/09/15 - 2023/10/20)
Exhibition (Member of the Organising Committee)
|
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Portugal |
| 2023/09/15 - 2023/09/15 | Capacity building event aimed to empower the capabilities of national associations of patients with neurodegenerative and
neuromuscular diseases.
https://phasage.eu/capacity-building-event-to-empower-patients-associations-dedicated-to-neurodegenerative-and-neuromuscular-diseases-in-porto/ (2023/09/15 - 2023/09/15)
Symposium (Member of the Organising Committee)
|
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Portugal |
| 2023/04/17 - 2023/04/21 | Training School "Protein aggregation, intrinsic disorder and phase separation in the era of machine learning" - The main goal
of this course is to provide multidisciplinary training on computational and experimental tools to acquire comprehensive knowledge
of integrative methodologies for studying intrinsically disordered proteins and protein aggregation in cell biology and disease.
(2023/04/17 - 2023/04/21)
Workshop (Member of the Organising Committee)
|
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Portugal |
| 2022/12/11 - 2022/12/13 | PHASAGE-VIB INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE "Biomolecular condensates in biology and disease"
https://phasage.eu/ii-phasage-international-conference/ (2022/12/11 - 2022/12/13)
Conference (Member of the Organising Committee)
|
Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Belgium Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium |
| 2022/09/12 - 2022/09/16 | Barcelona Protein Aggregation Training School. (2022/09/12 - 2022/09/16)
Workshop (Member of the Organising Committee)
|
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Spain |
| 2022/01 - 2022/06 | Training School "Biomolecular condensates in cell function, aging and disease" (2022/04/18 - 2022/04/22)
Workshop (Member of the Organising Committee)
|
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Portugal |
| 2021/05 - 2021/10 | I PhasAGE International Conference 2021 - https://phasage.eu/phasage-conference-1/ (2021/10/12 - 2021/10/14)
Congress (Member of the Organising Committee)
|
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Portugal |
| 2021/02/05 - 2021/02/05 | PhasAGE Kick-off Meeting, Online Event (2021/02/05)
Symposium (Member of the Organising Committee)
|
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Portugal |
| 2009/01 - 2011/09 | Organization of "Friday Noon Speaker Seminars" at Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC, UP) as a member of IBMC
graduate students Group (GSG). Responsible for contact with foreign invited speakers and schedule the visit, seminar, and
meetings with researchers from IBMC. (2009/01 - 2011/06)
Seminar (Member of the Organising Committee)
|
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Portugal |
| 2010/06/17 - 2010/06/17 | Member of the organizing team for the Symposium “Careers in Science: Life after Ph.D.” with foreign speakers (2010/06/17 - 2010/06/17)
Symposium (Member of the Organising Committee)
|
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Portugal |
Event participation
| Activity description Type of event |
Event name Institution / Organization |
|
|---|---|---|
| 2021/10/19 - Current | Training Course in Research Ethics & Integrity
Workshop
|
Training Course in Research Ethics & Integrity (57 hours training)
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Portugal
|
| 2021/09 - Current | Preparation and implementation of science education activities for i3S educational program (https://cienciaetal.i3s.up.pt/?page_id=5452)
to high school students - Workshop "From 3D structure to protein function".
Workshop
|
i3S educational program
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Portugal
|
| 2020/11/08 - Current | "Institutionalising Science Engagement: the key to promote science literacy and informed decision-making in society" (Course
coordinator: Ana Faustino & Niklas Marzinek from Falling Walls Engage) https://falling-walls.com/event/institutionalising-science-engagement-2/
Workshop
|
Institutionalising Science Engagement: the key to promote science literacy and informed decision-making in society |
| 2023/08/21 - 2023/08/23 | Design Thinking
Workshop
|
Skills and Lead, Portugal
|
| 2022/01/13 - 2022/01/21 | Triggers and Trends in Communicating Science for Society
Workshop
|
Workshop Triggers and Trends in Communicating Science for Society (40 hours training)
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Portugal
|
| 2021/09/29 - 2021/10/11 | Research Project Management Course
Workshop
|
Research Project Management Course, 1st edition (20 hours training)
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Portugal
|
| 2021/09/24 - 2021/09/24 | Preparation and implementation of science communication activities for European Researcher's Nights (supported by Marie Sklodowska-Curie
Actions) which are public events dedicated to bringing researchers closer to the public. "A DESORDEM NA FUNÇÃO CEREBRAL E
DOENÇAS ASSOCIADAS AO ENVELHECIMENTO - PhasAGE Twinning Project"
Workshop
|
European Researcher's Night 2021
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Portugal
|
| 2020/02/17 - 2020/02/21 | Connecting Researchers with the Society Topics: Public Engagement in Science, Communication, Innovation, Career development,
Ethics
Workshop
|
Connecting Researchers with the Society
Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Neurociências e Biologia Celular, Portugal
|
| 2019/11/24 - 2019/11/30 | Preparation and implementation of science communication activities for “Science and Technology week - 2019” organized by CiênciaViva.
Science communication activities. Scientific institutions and universities open doors to the public, opportunities for scientific
observation and personal contact with specialists from different areas of knowledge.
Workshop
|
“Science and Technology week - 2019”
Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Neurociências e Biologia Celular, Portugal
|
| 2019/09/27 - 2019/09/27 | Preparation and implementation of science communication activities for European Researcher's Nights (supported by Marie Sklodowska-Curie
Actions) which are public events dedicated to bringing researchers closer to the public. They showcase the diversity of research
and highlight the impact of research on our daily lives. It is an event of public awareness of the positive role of research
in society across Europe and beyond.
Exhibition
|
European Researchers’ Night 2019
Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Neurociências e Biologia Celular, Portugal
|
| 2019/09/02 - 2019/09/06 | Co-responsible for the project "Caracterização de modelos de doenças neurodegenerativas: Doenças de Alzheimer e Huntington"
under the program "Ciência Viva no Laboratório - Scientific Occupation of Young Students" which is an internship program for
secondary school students in laboratories and scientific research institutions. This program develops during the summer school
vacation period to allow students a prolonged and effective approach to scientific reality. 1-week workshop
Workshop
|
Ciência Viva no Laboratório 2019
Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Neurociências e Biologia Celular, Portugal
|
| 2019/03/01 - 2019/03/29 | Preparation and implementation of science communication activities for “Brain Awareness Week 2019” - International Brain Week,
a campaign to raise public awareness of the progress and benefits of neuroscience research.
Workshop
|
“Brain Awareness Week 2019”
Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Neurociências e Biologia Celular, Portugal
|
| 2018 - 2018 | Research-based Teaching: developing students research competencies (3h)
Pedagogical Training for University Teachers - Pedagogic Training actions organized within the scope of the Pro-Rectory for
Pedagogical Innovation in University of Porto
Workshop
|
Research based Teaching: developing students research competencies
Universidade do Porto, Portugal
|
| 2018 - 2018 | Introduction to Pedagogical Practice for New Teachers (6h)
Pedagogical Training for University Teachers - Pedagogic Training actions organized within the scope of the Pro-Rectory for
Pedagogical Innovation in University of Porto
Workshop
|
Introduction to Pedagogical Practice for New Teachers
Universidade do Porto, Portugal
|
| 2017/09/29 - 2017/09/29 | Preparation and implementation of science communication activities for European Researcher's Nights (supported by Marie Sklodowska-Curie
Actions), public events dedicated to bringing researchers closer to the public. They showcase the diversity of research and
highlight the impact of research on our daily lives. It is an event of public awareness of the positive role of research in
society across Europe and beyond.
Exhibition
|
“European Researcher’s night 2017”
YScience - Science Education Lda, Portugal
|
| 2017/09/04 - 2017/09/09 | Co-responsible for the project "Combate aos radicais livres: enzimas antioxidantes versus moléculas antioxidantes” under
the program 13ª Escola de Ciências da Vida e da Saúde (Universidade Júnior) - University of Porto - National program of initiation
to the university environment for students of basic education (2nd and 3rd cycles) and secondary. 1-week workshop
Workshop
|
13ª Escola de Ciências da Vida e da Saúde (Universidade Júnior)
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Portugal
|
| 2017/06 - 2017/06 | Evolution of Pedagogy in Higher Education (4h)
Pedagogical Training for University Teachers - Pedagogic Training actions organized within the scope of the Pro-Rectory for
Pedagogical Innovation in University of Porto
Workshop
|
Evolution of Pedagogy in Higher Education
Universidade do Porto, Portugal
|
| 2017/04/21 - 2017/04/23 | Responsible for preparation and implementation of a practical workshop (4h) "Aging and neurodegenerative diseases: the role
of oxidative stress" by invitation
Workshop
|
V AEICBAS BIOMEDICAL CONGRESS
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Portugal
|
| 2017/01 - 2017/01 | Active Learning in the Classroom (3h)
Pedagogical Training for University Teachers - Pedagogic Training actions organized within the scope of the Pro-Rectory for
Pedagogical Innovation in University of Porto
Workshop
|
Active Learning in the Classroom
Universidade do Porto, Portugal
|
| 2017 - 2017 | Coaching and positive communication in teaching (10h)
Pedagogical Training for University Teachers - Pedagogic Training actions organized within the scope of the Pro-Rectory for
Pedagogical Innovation in University of Porto
Workshop
|
Coaching and positive communication in teaching
Universidade do Porto, Portugal
|
| 2017 - 2017 | Emotional Intelligence (7h)
Pedagogical Training for University Teachers - Pedagogic Training actions organized within the scope of the Pro-Rectory for
Pedagogical Innovation in University of Porto
Workshop
|
Emotional Intelligence
Universidade do Porto, Portugal
|
| 2016/09/30 - 2016/09/30 | Preparation and implementation of science communication activities for European Researcher's Nights (supported by Marie Sklodowska-Curie
Actions), public events dedicated to bringing researchers closer to the public. They showcase the diversity of research and
highlight the impact of research on our daily lives. It is an event of public awareness of the positive role of research in
society across Europe and beyond.
Exhibition
|
“European Researcher’s night 2016”
YScience - Science Education Lda, Portugal
|
| 2011/09/23 - 2011/09/23 | Preparation and implementation of science communication activities for European Researcher's Nights (supported by Marie Sklodowska-Curie
Actions), public events dedicated to bringing researchers closer to the public. They showcase the diversity of research and
highlight the impact of research on our daily lives. It is an event of public awareness of the positive role of research in
society across Europe and beyond.
Exhibition
|
European Researcher's Nights 2011
Universidade do Porto, Portugal
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Portugal |
| 2010/09 - 2011/06 | Responsible for the project "A journey to Microland" under the program "Porto de Crianças", a week-long educative project
for dissemination of research in primary schools financed by the Educational Project of Câmara do Porto (in collaboration
with IBMC). Preparation and implementation of science education activities.
Workshop
|
Porto de Crianças
Câmara Municipal do Porto, Portugal
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Portugal |
| 2011/03/17 - 2011/03/20 | Participation in science communication activities for “Mostra da UP”, an informal meeting point between the university community
and all those who want to know what is done in the University of Porto and associated research institutions. Public engagement
activities with information, experimentation, and discovery.
Exhibition
|
9th edition “Mostra da UP”
Universidade do Porto, Portugal
|
| 2010/09/24 - 2010/09/24 | Preparation and implementation of science communication activities for European Researcher's Nights (supported by Marie Sklodowska-Curie
Actions), public events dedicated to bringing researchers closer to the public. They showcase the diversity of research and
highlight the impact of research on our daily lives. It is an event of public awareness of the positive role of research in
society across Europe and beyond.
Exhibition
|
European Researcher's Nights 2010
Universidade do Porto, Portugal
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Portugal |
| 2010/03/25 - 2010/03/28 | Participation in science communication activities for “Mostra da UP”, an informal meeting point between the university community
and all those who want to know what is done in the University of Porto and associated research institutions. Public engagement
activities with information, experimentation, and discovery.
Exhibition
|
8th edition “Mostra da UP”
Universidade do Porto, Portugal
|
Committee member
| Activity description Role |
Institution / Organization | |
|---|---|---|
| 2017/10 - 2018/09 | Scientific coordinator of YScience-Science Education, a science education project (funded by Hélder Maiato that aims to teach
the scientific method to young students (www.yscience.pt). Coordination of collaborators and resources, preparation and implementation
of science education activities, design scientific protocols and experiences, organization of schedules between collaborators
and schools, and participation in public scientific exhibitions to the general public.
Coordinator
|
YScience - Science Education Lda, Portugal |
| 2015/09 - 2017/09 | Scientific collaborator of YScience-Science Education, a science education project (funded by Hélder Maiato that aims to teach
the scientific method to young students (www.yscience.pt). Implementation of protocols and scientific experiences, and participation
in public scientific exhibitions to the general public and young students.
Member
|
YScience - Science Education Lda, Portugal |