António Jacinto is the Scientific Director of NIMSB.
Dr. Jacinto is Principal Investigator at the NOVA Institute for Medical Systems Biology and at NOVA Medical School, NOVA University Lisbon. His research interest is in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate of tissue repair and regeneration, with a special interest on the roles played by cell metabolism and inflammation in these processes. Conducted studies in animal models and made important contributions in Drosophila epithelial repair and Zebrafish organ regeneration. But the current focus in on using systems biology approaches to study human tissue repair mechanisms and the consequences of their dysregulation, particularly in cancer and aging. The ultimate goal is to gain insights into human physiology and disease, which may lead to novel therapeutic methods that enhance human regenerative processes. Graduated in Biochemistry, in 1993, at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Portugal, and obtained a PhD in Developmental Biology and Genetics, in 1999, at the University of London, UK. After the PhD, worked as Post Doc until 2002, at University College London. Established an independent junior research group at the Gulbenkian Institute of Science, Oeiras, in 2002. Joined the Institute of Molecular Medicine, Lisbon, in 2004, where led several research projects and oversaw institutional activities. Moved to the NOVA Medical School as a Principal Investigator in 2011, taking institutional roles, as Coordinator of the CEDOC – Chronic Diseases Research Centre from 2011 until 2019, as Vice-Dean for research at the NOVA Medical School from 2014 until 2021, and at present as Coordinator of the implementation of a new research centre, the NIMSB – NOVA Institute for Medical Systems Biology, funded by the Teaming for Excellence Programme – Horizon Europe. Published high-impact research papers in high-impact journals and received prestigious international grants, including an ERC Starting Grant. Participates actively in the scientific community, frequently reviewing international research grants and papers, and serving on scientific committees and advisory boards.