Principal Researcher at i3S, Portugal
Maria José Cardoso Oliveira is a distinguished biomedical researcher and group leader at the i3S-Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, Porto, Portugal. With a strong background in oncology and tumor microenvironment studies, she has made significant contributions to cancer research, particularly in understanding the role of macrophages and extracellular matrix components in cancer invasion and metastasis.
Professional Profile:
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Education Background
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Ph.D. in Medical Sciences – Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium (2004)
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Biology Degree (Scientific Branch) – Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal (1996)
Professional Development
Dr. Oliveira has been actively engaged in cancer research, serving as a Principal Researcher at i3S and INEB, as well as the Group Leader of the Tumor and Microenvironment Interactions Group since 2017. She has held various academic and scientific roles, including positions at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, and international collaborations with research institutions. She has also been a Scientific Commission Member of multiple programs, including the Master in Oncology and the Ph.D. program in Biotechnology Applied to Health Sciences.
Research Focus
Her research focuses on the complexity of tumor microenvironments, particularly the role of macrophage subpopulations in gastric and colorectal cancer invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. She explores macrophage polarization under ionizing radiation and its implications for therapeutic interventions. Her work integrates cell biology, microbiology, immunology, and oncobiology to develop targeted therapies.
Author Metrics:
Awards and Honors:
Dr. Oliveira has received multiple prestigious awards, including the L’Óreal/UNESCO/FCT Prize for Women in Science in 2009. She has also been honored with EMBO/FEBS Fellowships, the 1st LabMed Award, and several research grants from the Portuguese Science Foundation (FCT) and other international organizations.
Publication Top Notes
1. Multilevel Plasticity and Altered Glycosylation Drive Aggressiveness in Hypoxic and Glucose-Deprived Bladder Cancer Cells
- Authors: A. Peixoto, D. Ferreira, A. Miranda, L.L. Santos, J.A. Ferreira
- Journal: iScience (2025)
- Type: Research Article
- Citations: 0
- Summary: This study explores how hypoxic and glucose-deprived conditions influence bladder cancer cell aggressiveness through metabolic plasticity and glycosylation changes.
2. Self-Assembled Inorganic Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications
- Authors: M.T. Campos, L.S. Pires, F.D. Magalhães, M.J. Oliveira, A.M. Pinto
- Journal: Nanoscale (2025)
- Type: Research Article
- Citations: 0
- Summary: The paper discusses self-assembling inorganic nanomaterials and their potential applications in biomedical sciences.
3. Antibody Blockade of the PSGL-1 Immune Checkpoint Enhances T-Cell Responses to B-Cell Lymphoma
- Authors: J.L. Pereira, L. Arede, F. Ferreira, D. Duarte, N.R. dos Santos
- Journal: Leukemia (2025)
- Type: Research Article
- Citations: 0
- Summary: Investigates the therapeutic potential of blocking the PSGL-1 immune checkpoint to improve T-cell responses against B-cell lymphoma.
4. The Link Between Obesity and the Gut Microbiota and Immune System in Early Life
- Authors: M.I. Magalhães, M.J. Azevedo, F. Castro, Â.M. Amorim-Costa, B. Sampaio-Maia
- Journal: Open Access Review (2025)
- Type: Review Article
- Citations: 1
- Summary: Reviews how obesity in early life interacts with gut microbiota and immune system development.
5. Nanotherapeutics in Women’s Health: Emerging Nanotechnologies for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treatment
- Authors: S.T. Quintas, A. Canha-Borges, M.J. Oliveira, B.F.C.C. Sarmento, F. Castro
- Journal: Special Issue, Open Access (2025)
- Type: Review Article
- Citations: 13
- Summary: Discusses innovative nanotechnologies aimed at improving therapeutic outcomes for triple-negative breast cancer.
Conclusion
Prof. Maria José Oliveira is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her significant contributions to cancer research, leadership in oncology, high-impact publications, and prestigious recognitions. Addressing aspects like industry collaboration and commercialization could further elevate her profile. Given her track record and global impact, she is highly suitable for this prestigious award.