Santos expertise in biochemistry, microbiology, and the gut-liver axis, led him to cultivate a career defined by interdisciplinary innovation and a commitment to advancing the understanding of human health through scientific discovery. Santos academic journey began with a Bachelor degree in Biology from the University of Aveiro, where he investigated microbial variability in polluted water systems, showcasing a strong aptitude for independent research. Building on this foundation, he pursued a Master in Applied Biology with a specialization in Clinical and Environmental Microbiology, focusing on tracing sources of fecal contamination in tributaries of the Tagus River. His passion for microbial research culminated in a Ph.D. in Microbial Biochemistry, where he made significant contributions to the understanding of dissimilatory sulfate reduction, culminating in the publication of groundbreaking findings in Science. This work redefined microbial energy metabolism, earning recognition from the Sociedade Portuguesa de Bioquímica as the best biochemistry paper from 2012–2016. Postdoctoral experiences further diversified Santos expertise, enabling him to explore the gut microbiota role in metabolic diseases, particularly liver conditions like metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Santos work at the Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) allowed him to build the institution's inaugural research focus on gut microbiota, laying the groundwork for innovative therapeutic strategies targeting the gut-liver axis. As a Principal Investigator on multiple national and international projects, Santos has secured competitive funding totaling over 353 k€, developed collaborations with leading institutions and industries, and produced impactful publications in high-ranking journals such as Gut Microbes, Hepatology, and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Beyond research, Santos has made significant contributions to academia through teaching and mentorship. At the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, he designed and currently coordinates two new master-level curricular units, while also serving as a lecturer in eight courses spanning undergraduate, master, and Ph.D. programs. To further solidify his identity as an educator, he completed a postgraduate course in Higher Education and received the Department Pedagogical Award in 2022 for his innovative teaching strategies. Additionally, Santos has supervised or co-supervised nine undergraduate and master’s students and one Ph.D. candidate, demonstrating his dedication to mentoring the next generation of researchers and professionals. A foundation of Santos career has been fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. His network includes partnerships with leading institutions across Europe, including Masaryk University, Bonn University, Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, and the Salamanca University, as well as industry leaders such as BioGaia. Santos work consistently bridges basic science and translational medicine, reflecting a passion for understanding complex biological systems and their implications for human health. Whether advancing therapeutic strategies for MASLD or innovating in gut microbiota research, Santos goal remains clear: to drive impactful discoveries that translate into meaningful improvements in healthcare. With a track record of high-quality publications (including a first author paper in Science), international recognition, and impactful teaching, Santos is committed to continuing contributing to the advancement of molecular therapies and microbiome science, tackling metabolic disorders and systemic diseases with precision and innovation.