29-06-2026
Mariana Barbosa, researcher at UCIBIO-NOVA FCT in the Glycoimmunology Lab, has been awarded funding from the RESTART Programme of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for the project SYNESIS.
The project seeks to deepen the understanding of how defects in sialylation — a fundamental biological process involved in cell communication, immune response, and tissue function — contribute to the development of human disease. Using the rare neuromuscular disorder GNE myopathy as a primary disease model, SYNESIS will investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with altered sialic acid metabolism, with the aim of identifying novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers. The knowledge generated is also expected to advance the broader field of Glycoscience, shedding light on the role of sialylation in other complex conditions, such as Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG) and cancer, ultimately paving the way for personalized healthcare solutions.
"The award of the RESTART funding by FCT represents a very important step for my scientific autonomy," highlights Mariana Barbosa. "By supporting my return to scientific activity after parental leave, it gives me a vital opportunity to assert myself and establish a dedicated line of investigation within the field of Glycoscience."
The RESTART programme is a competitive funding instrument created by FCT to promote gender equality and equal opportunities in scientific research, supporting researchers who have recently taken parental leave — including adoption or shared parental leave. Recognising that parenthood can have significant impacts on scientific output, funding acquisition, and career development, the programme aims to empower a competitive return to research by funding original and innovative individual R&D projects across all scientific fields. RESTART is aligned with recommendations from the Council of the European Union and the OECD, reinforcing Portugal's commitment to a more equitable and inclusive scientific community.
