Glycoscience: training today those who will transform the medicine of tomorrow
Glycobiology is a field of central importance for biomedical research and applications. It investigates the structure, function, and biology of glycans, which are among the most abundant and functionally complex biomolecules in all cells and organisms. Supported by the chemistry and biochemistry of carbohydrates, glycobiology is rapidly expanding and becoming an essential extension of modern molecular biology and medicine.
This course demonstrates how the field offers solutions and tools for pressing health challenges, presenting fundamental concepts along with the pathways that connect glycobiology to translational research in academia, industry, and patient advocacy.
Applications 2025/26
Dates: 2 December to 6 March 2026
Vacancies: 10
Language: English
Mode: Online and asynchronous
Course coordinator:
Paula VideiraA frontier scientific area with direct applications in biomedicine, and knowledge on the mechanism and treatment of several diseases such as cancer, metabolic and inflammatory diseases, infection and rare diseases.
Recently, NOVA FCT coordinated a European capacity-building project in the field of Glycoscience - GLYCOTwinning. This interdisciplinary scientific boost received from world-class partners Imperial College of London (United Kingdom), LUMC (The Netherlands) and CIC bioGUNE (Spain) has taken NOVA FCT to a new level in terms of research quality and knowledge in Glycoscience, in addition to expanding its network of contacts and institutional partners.
The course consists of eight sequential and complementary curricular units (UC) during one semester, in an after-work and asynchronous schedule. Each unit includes online lectures, readings, exercises, online tasks, and discussion forums to enhance learning of the various topics. The estimated time requirements are 224 hours in total and 28 hours per unit. In addition, it includes e-Learning platform tutorials and user support from the NOVA FCT e-Learning laboratory to maximise interactivity and learning outcomes.
The diploma will be awarded to students who have completed all eight modules. However, the course allows participants to enrol and take only specific modules, according to their interests, for which they will obtain specific certificates.
The course is taught by an outstanding faculty team that includes Ana Rita Grosso, Angelina Palma, Carina Cruncho, Filipa Marcelo, João Freitas, Mariana Barbosa, Margarida Castro Caldas, Sérgio Filipe, Vanessa Ferreira and Zélia Silva and includes lectures by international experts, such as Manfred Wuhrer, Noortje de Haan, Anne Imberty, Serge Perez, Yan Liu or Jesus Jiménez-Barbero, among others.
Research and teaching in life sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry and biomedical areas.
More differentiated clinical practice in contexts where glycans are relevant (cancer, congenital disorders of glycosylation).
Positions in R&D, product development and regulation in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.
Communication or education in science/health.
Patient advocacy and work in associations.
Admission rules:
Eligible applicants include holders of a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree in relevant scientific areas. Applicants with an academic, scientific, or professional curriculum recognised by the Programme’s Scientific Committee as adequate for this training may also be admitted.
Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of academic, scientific, or professional curriculum;
Motivation letter;
And, if necessary, an interview.
Tuition Fee – €1,000 for the entire course or €200 per course unit.
The Department of Life Sciences (DCV) focuses its activity on teaching and research in areas of fundamental Biology relevant for application in areas of Biotechnology and Biomedicine.
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