Maria Manuel Mota

Portuguese scientist specializing in malaria research

Maria Manuel Mota

Maria Manuel Mota is a renowned Portuguese scientist known for her significant contributions to the field of malaria research. She is the Executive Director of the Instituto de Medicina Molecular (iMM) in Lisbon, Portugal, where she leads groundbreaking studies on the biology of malaria parasites and their interaction with the host.

Early Life and Education

Maria Manuel Mota was born in Porto, Portugal. She developed an early interest in the biological sciences, which led her to pursue a degree in Biology at the University of Porto. Her passion for research and discovery was evident during her undergraduate studies, where she excelled in her coursework and laboratory work.

After completing her undergraduate degree, Mota continued her education by enrolling in a doctoral program at the University of Porto. Her Ph.D. research focused on the molecular mechanisms of malaria infection, a topic that would become the cornerstone of her scientific career.

Research Career

Mota's research career began in earnest when she joined the laboratory of Victor Nussenzweig at New York University, where she conducted postdoctoral research on the Plasmodium parasite, the causative agent of malaria. Her work in Nussenzweig's lab was instrumental in advancing the understanding of how malaria parasites invade and survive within host cells.

Upon returning to Portugal, Mota established her own research group at the Instituto de Medicina Molecular. Her laboratory focuses on the liver stage of the malaria parasite's life cycle, a critical phase that is less understood compared to the blood stage. Mota's research has uncovered key insights into how the parasite evades the host's immune system and establishes infection.

Awards and Recognition

Maria Manuel Mota's contributions to malaria research have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. She has received the EMBO Gold Medal, one of the most prestigious awards for young researchers in Europe, in recognition of her innovative work in the field of parasitology.

In addition to her research accolades, Mota is a member of several scientific societies and serves on the editorial boards of leading journals in the field of infectious diseases. Her leadership at the Instituto de Medicina Molecular has also been instrumental in advancing the institute's mission to conduct cutting-edge biomedical research.

Impact and Legacy

Mota's work has had a profound impact on the global fight against malaria. Her research has not only advanced the scientific understanding of the disease but has also informed the development of new strategies for malaria prevention and treatment. As a mentor and educator, Mota has inspired a new generation of scientists to pursue careers in infectious disease research.

Related Pages

• Malaria
• Plasmodium
• Instituto de Medicina Molecular
• Victor Nussenzweig