Diana Moita is a postdoctoral researcher specializing in immunology, with a recently completed PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon. She conducts her research at the Prudêncio Lab – Plasmodium Liver Stage and Antimalarial Strategies, within the Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Science (GIMM). She holds an MSc in Biochemistry for Health (2018) from the Faculty of Science and Technology, New University of Lisbon, and a BSc in Biochemistry (2016) from the Faculty of Science, University of Lisbon. Over the course of her academic and research career, she has published 16 articles in peer-reviewed journals and has been the recipient of six scientific awards. With a multidisciplinary background spanning biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology, parasitology, and immunology, Diana has developed a strong expertise in host-pathogen interactions. During her MSc at GIMM, she investigated interferon-mediated immune responses during Plasmodium liver-stage infection, focusing on the role of Viperin, an interferon-stimulated gene. Her MSc thesis earned her GIMM’s Best Master Thesis Award (2018) and a top distinction (20/20). Throughout her training, Diana gained extensive technical expertise in molecular biology techniques (RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy), animal experimentation, and biosafety protocols (BSL-1, 2, and 3). She also developed strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills, effectively conveying her research findings in both scientific and public engagement settings. In October 2019, she was awarded the Best Student Diploma for academic excellence in the 2017/2018 academic year. Currently, Diana’s research focuses on understanding the immune mechanisms underlying whole-organism malaria vaccination and identifying factors that influence protective efficacy. Additionally, she has developed and extensively characterized a novel vaccine candidate targeting Plasmodium vivax, a neglected but significant human malaria parasite. In parallel, she is leading a collaborative project with Merck Healthcare KGaA, evaluating the immunomodulatory potential of an antimalarial drug currently undergoing human clinical trials. Her work explores whether this compound can enhance host immune responses against Plasmodium, potentially providing long-term protection and preventing subsequent infections. Beyond her research endeavors, Diana has also received formal training in Clinical Research and Project Management (Invictus Sciences), equipping her with the skills necessary to effectively oversee research projects, manage collaborations, and translate scientific findings into impactful applications. Her work aims to contribute to more effective malaria immunization strategies, bridging fundamental research and translational applications in the fight against this global disease.