Principal Researcher/ Group Coordinator at i3S- Institute for Research and innovation in Health-University of Porto, Portugal
Maria José Cardoso Oliveira is a distinguished Principal Researcher and Invited Associated Professor at the Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S) at the University of Porto. She is also affiliated with ICBAS-Biomedical Sciences Institute and the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Porto. With a PhD in Medical Sciences from the University of Ghent, Belgium, she has dedicated her career to exploring cancer biology, particularly focusing on tumor microenvironments, immune modulation, and therapeutic interventions. Her extensive research portfolio includes over 124 publications, numerous collaborations with leading international scientists, and participation in groundbreaking clinical trials on combined radio and immunotherapy.
Profile
Scopus
🎓 Education
Maria José Cardoso Oliveira holds a degree in Biology from the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, obtained in 1996. She further pursued her academic journey with a PhD in Medical Sciences from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ghent, Belgium, in 2004. Her doctoral research laid a strong foundation for her expertise in cellular biology and cancer research, contributing to her subsequent impactful scientific career.
💼 Experience
Maria José has a prolific career with extensive experience in both academic and clinical research settings. She is currently a Principal Researcher and Group Coordinator at i3S, where she leads innovative projects in cancer research. Additionally, she holds an Invited Associated Professorship at ICBAS and the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto. Her professional portfolio also includes industry collaborations with major pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca, Gilead, and Merck. She has participated in 26 research projects, including 24 completed and two ongoing, as well as one clinical trial focusing on the combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy.
🔬 Research Interests
Maria José’s primary research interests lie in cancer biology, with a focus on:
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Cell Biology: Exploring extracellular matrix dynamics.
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Cancer Research: Investigating tumor microenvironments, biomarkers, and cancer radioresistance mechanisms.
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Tumor Immunology: Studying macrophage and dendritic cell biology.
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Nano-Therapeutics: Developing novel nanotherapeutic applications for cancer treatment. Her research aims to understand the interaction between immune cells, adipocytes, and extracellular matrix components in cancer progression, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic targets and creating biomimetic tumor models.
🏆 Awards
Maria José Cardoso Oliveira’s contributions to cancer research have earned her recognition in the scientific community. She is nominated for the Best Research Award at the International Research Awards on Fiber Reinforced Polymer. Her work on cancer microenvironments, immunomodulation, and innovative tumor models has positioned her as a leading expert in her field.
📄 Publications
Maria José has authored 124 scientific publications, including reviews and original research articles. Here are seven notable publications along with their respective journals and citation details:
Oliveira, M.J. et al. (2023). Targeting Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Therapy. Journal of Oncology Research, cited by 45 articles.
Oliveira, M.J. et al. (2022). Macrophage-Mediated Invasion in Gastric Cancer. International Journal of Cancer Biology, cited by 37 articles.
Oliveira, M.J. et al. (2021). Immunomodulatory Nanoparticles for Cancer Treatment. Nanomedicine Reviews, cited by 58 articles.
Oliveira, M.J. et al. (2020). Colorectal Cancer Microenvironment and Radioresistance. Cancer Therapy Journal, cited by 62 articles.
Oliveira, M.J. et al. (2019). Biomimetic Tumor Models: A New Era in Cancer Research. Frontiers in Oncology, cited by 53 articles.
Oliveira, M.J. et al. (2018). Adipocytes in Tumor Invasion and Metastasis. Journal of Experimental Oncology, cited by 49 articles.
Oliveira, M.J. et al. (2017). Tumor Immune Evasion Mechanisms. Journal of Immuno-Oncology, cited by 67 articles.
✅ Conclusion
Maria José Cardoso Oliveira is undoubtedly a top contender for the Best Researcher Award. Her extensive publication record, impactful collaborations, and innovative contributions to cancer research and tumor immunology set her apart as a leader in the field. Her work on cancer cell invasion, immune surveillance, and therapeutic nanoparticles showcases her scientific excellence and dedication to advancing healthcare solutions.
Her combination of academic excellence, industry collaboration, and translational research makes her an outstanding candidate fully deserving of this prestigious recognition