Support Units

Filipa G. Marques holds a Master’s in Biotechnology and a PhD in Biomedical Sciences, with additional expertise in executive administration. She has experience in research, regulatory development, and gender equality advocacy.

At NIMSB, she supports the Board of Directors by managing strategic initiatives, coordinating high-level meetings, overseeing operations, and ensuring alignment between leadership vision and execution.

Stan Gorski studied biochemistry in Manchester, UK, and received his PhD in biophysics from the University of Leeds, UK. From 2001, he received a National Cancer Institute visiting postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA. In 2007, he became Scientific Editor of the EMBO Journal (Heidelberg, Germany) and in 2012 he moved to the University of Würzburg as Scientific Coordinator for the Research Centre for Infectious Diseases and the Institute for Molecular Infection Biology. During this time, he coordinated the scientific strategy of the pan-European LifeTime Initiative. Since 2019, he has been at the Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine), where he has coordinated several strategic initiatives including the LifeTime science strategy, the Einstein Center for Early Disease Detection, the Berlin Cell Hospital and, together with Ana Pombo, the conceptualization of MDC’s participation in the NIMSB. Dr. Gorski is currently head of the Strategic Initiatives team of the MDC and co-lead of the NIMSB project at MDC.

Juliana Roscito holds a degree in Biological Sciences (2004) and a PhD in Developmental and Evolutionary Biology (2010) from the University of São Paulo, Brazil. Her academic career continued with a post-doctorate on evolutionary genomics at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (Dresden, Germany), from 2013-2020. In 2020, she transitioned to strategic management of scientific initiatives, starting her non-academic career in the strategy team of the SaxoCell Consortium. From 2021-2024, Juliana took on the role of Scientific Coordinator at the DRESDEN-concept Genome Center; in parallel, she co-led the Dresden side of the SaxoCellOmics platform. Since early 2024, she is the Scientific Manager of the NIMSB at the MDC, in Berlin, being responsible for designing, implementing and coordinating scientific and administrative activities between the two partners for the development of NIMSB as a center of excellence.

Miguel Santos holds degrees in Biochemistry (BSc, MSc – Old Dominion Univ.), a PhD in Molecular Biology (ITQB/UNL), and advanced training in Genomics, Project Management, Biopharma Entrepreneurship, and Business Administration (ISCTE/FEUP, Rutgers). He has led scientific and innovation projects across academia and biotech industries, notably serving as COO at ECBio (2006–2017) and CSO at VF1883 Pharmaceuticals (2019–2022). Currently, he is Director of Innovation & Tech Transfer at the NOVA institute for Medical Systems Biology and an Invited Associate Professor at ITQB NOVA. Miguel is also a founder of Active Site (PT) and Regenera Sciences (USA), with a strong track record in regenerative medicine, entrepreneurship, and innovation management.

Natasa Loncarevic holds PhD in Neurobiology. With over 20 years of experience in fundamental and translational research, she has worked in academic and government research institutions.

At NIMSB, as a part of the Science Communication Office, she is responsible for planning and execution of strategic internal and external NIMSB communication.

Filipa G. Marques holds a Master’s in Biotechnology and a PhD in Biomedical Sciences, with additional expertise in executive administration. She has experience in research, regulatory development, and gender equality advocacy.

At NIMSB, she supports the Board of Directors by managing strategic initiatives, coordinating high-level meetings, overseeing operations, and ensuring alignment between leadership vision and execution.

Catarina Valente holds a degree in Management and a master’s in Accounting from ISCTE, along with a post-graduation in Data for Business from NOVA SBE. She has worked in financial control roles at PSA Group, NESTLÉ Portugal, and the APECEF group before joining Nova Medical School.

At NIMSB, she is responsible for budgeting, financial reporting, KPI analysis, internal control implementation, and providing strategic financial insights for decision-making.

Paula Simões holds a degree in Financial Management Accounting and is pursuing a postgraduate degree in Public Management Accounting. She has experience in credit control, HR, and accounting, previously working at Grupo José Avillez, S.A.

At NIMSB, she ensures compliance with financial regulations, budgetary analysis, and financial reporting.

Sandra Pereira holds a degree in Social and Organizational Psychology and a postgraduate diploma in Human Resources Management. She has extensive experience in HR generalist roles in both the private and non-profit sectors.

At NIMSB, she is responsible for HR processes, including recruitment, payroll, training programs, and employee engagement.

Joana Alves de Sá holds a law degree from the Catholic University of Portugal and postgraduate studies in Public Procurement Law, European Law, and Competition Law. With over 20 years of experience, she has practiced law and managed public procurement and contracts at Universidade Nova de Lisboa.

At NIMSB, she oversees legal affairs and ensures compliance with public procurement regulations.

Catarina Dagmar Leal has over 10 years of experience in HR consultancy, talent engagement, and HR operations. She previously worked with the HR team at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência.

At NIMSB, she oversees recruitment processes, onboarding, employee lifecycle management, training programs, and career development initiatives. She is also responsible for engagement strategies, gender equality compliance, and HR documentation.

Ana Roberto holds a degree in Sociology and Planning and has worked in R&D project management since 2006, holding positions at iMM and CEDOC.

At NIMSB, she supports the administrative and financial management of R&D projects, monitoring deadlines, liaising with funding institutions, and compiling performance indicators.

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Mariana Oliveira holds an Integrated Master’s in Biomedical Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), specialized in surgical management optimization. Her research at Université Laval/HEC Montréal and at CEG-IST focused on optimization models for operating room planning and patient access to surgical care. Currently finalizing a PhD in Engineering and Management, she also gained experience as a teaching assistant at IST and as a data analyst at Joaquim Chaves Saúde. 

At NIMSB, Mariana is Executive Assistant to the Scientific Director, providing strategic and operational support, facilitating communication across teams, and serving as a key contact with external institutions — strengthening both the institute’s coordination and its strategic impact. 

Susana Pascoal holds a degree in Chemical and Environmental Sciences with a specialization in Biotechnology and a PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences. With over 20 years of experience in fundamental and translational research, she has worked in biotech, academic, and government research institutions.

At NIMSB, she played a key role in establishing the Research Funding Office, contributing to the Data Management Plan, Open Science guidelines, and the Educational Program. As Operations Research Manager, she oversees the research laboratories, ensuring compliance with regulations and optimizing their operational efficiency.