Pedro Almeida

In 2021, I obtained a BSc degree in Biochemistry from the University of Porto. In the last semester, I got an opportunity to start my journey as a researcher, being recruited as a trainee for the Iron and Innate Immunity group at the Institute of Investigation and Innovation in Health (i3S, University of Porto). Here, I worked on non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections and the relationship with osteomyelitis. After this, I enroled in the Masters in Molecular Medicine and Oncology program at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, graduating in 2023. My thesis was developed at the Immunology Cancer & Glycomedicine group (i3S), and it focused on the potential role of high mannose glycans derived from fungal pathogens (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as triggers of trained immunity in monocytes and the potential therapeutic application in the context of bladder cancer. This work continued into 2024, originating two first author publications - a literature review and an original paper. During this year, I also had the chance to work as a Research Technician for the same group in the GlycanTrigger project, delving into spatial biology using Imaging Mass Cytometry to better understand the role of glycans in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. This position also came with my first international experience at the Leiden University Medical Center, where I got the chance to visit a collaborator's group for 2 and a half months. Lastly, in 2025, I got accepted as a PhD Student at the Karolisnka Institutet in Charlotte Thålin's group, working with antibody glycosylation as a part of the T-MAP project.

From an early stage in my career, Immunology always peeked my interest and was a field I would like to delve into further. During my BSc, I had the first contact with a course on the topic and my project further helped me get the grasp of this vast field. Following this, I got the chance to work with Immunology and Glycobiology, mixing the world of immune responses and carbohydrates, a combination that I enjoyed thoroughly and have decided to keep persuing for now.