Mechanisms of Disease
Medicine ULisboa for Health, Clinical Research and Innovation
Advancing the
understanding of disease
mechanisms to drive
biomedical discovery and
improve human health
AXIS COORDINATOR
LUÍS MOITA, MD, PhD
Professor of Immunology
Coordinator of the
Mechanisms of Disease
Transversal Axis
This axis aims illuminate the fundamental processes underlying human disease by decoding the molecular, genetic, and cellular mechanisms that drive illness across biological systems. Our vision is to transform this understanding into breakthroughs that meaningfully improve health outcomes worldwide.
Our research embraces the full complexity of disease biology. By deploying cutting-edge technologies and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we move beyond surface-level observation to uncover the deeper logic of pathological processes. This scientific rigor is matched by a commitment to translational impact: we actively bridge the distance between laboratory discovery and clinical application, accelerating the development of diagnostics, therapies, and preventive strategies that reach patients.
A TRANSVERSAL AXIS
One of the Integrative
Scientific Backbones
of the Institute
As a transversal axis, Mechanisms of Disease serves as one of the integrative scientific backbones of the institute, providing the mechanistic frameworks that cut across and connect our cardiovascular, neurological, immunological, metabolic and nutritional, and women's, children's, and adolescents' health research programs, as well as our global health mission. This cross-cutting role is further enriched through close partnership with the Technologies and Data Science and Ethics and Medical Humanities transversal axes. The former amplifies our investigative capacity, while the latter ensures our discoveries are pursued and applied responsibly and equitably.
We believe the best science is inherently collaborative. This axis unites researchers, clinicians, and industry partners within an open, intellectually generative environment, while cultivating the next generation of biomedical scientists through mentorship and immersive training — building the human infrastructure that sustains discovery across the entire institute.
13 Research Groups
1. Disease Mechanisms Laboratory
Group Leader: Luís Ferreira Moita, MD, PhD
2. Genome Dynamics
Group Leader: Francisco Enguita, PhD
3. Lymphocyte Development & Leukemogenesis
Group Leader: Vera Martins, PhD
4. TBA
Group Leader: Vanessa Morais, PhD
5. Thymus Organogenesis and Remodeling Unit
Group Leader: Hélia Neves, PhD
6. TBA
Group Leader: Sónia Abreu, PhD
7. Molecular Microbiology and Infection
Group Leader: Mário Ramirez, PhD
8. Dermatology Laboratory
Group Leader: Paulo Filipe, MD, PhD
9. Translational Malaria Research
Group Leader: Maria Rebelo, PhD
10. TBA
Group Leader: José António Lopes, MD, PhD
11. Molecular Pharmacology and Cancer Therapeutics
Group Leader: Marco Cavaco, PhD
12. TBA
Group Leader: Edgar Almeida, MD, PhD
13. TumorNanoTherapeutics Lab
Group Leader: Diana Matias, PhD
OTHER AXES
drives biomedical
discovery
We welcome collaborations with researchers, clinicians, industry partners and institutions to advance cardiovascular health through science and innovation.
Contact us.


