Spotlight on Emerging Young NETSKINMODELS Researchers

Hi! My name is Rúben Pereira, and I am an Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and an Associate Researcher in the Biofabrication Group (i3S, University of Porto).

My research focuses on designing cell-instructive hydrogels and bioinks for developing cell microenvironments and in vitro skin models. By combining engineered biomaterials, human cells, and 3D bioprinting, my team creates biomimetic models that help us better understand cell-matrix interactions in both healthy and diseased conditions. Recently, I was awarded a Starting Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) to advance the development of programmable living biomaterilas for skin fibrosis research.
Being part of the COST Action has been instrumental in connecting me with leading experts in skin tissue models and European Societies (ESDR), fostering multidisciplinary, and expanding my research scope. I also greatly value the opportunity to contribute in different roles within the Action and to support the COST community, which has truly been a rewarding experience.