Maria Manuel Mota

Maria Mota 13

Maria Manuel Mota is a prominent Portuguese biologist known for her significant contributions to the field of malaria research. She is a leading figure in the study of the Plasmodium parasite, which is responsible for causing malaria, a disease that affects millions of people worldwide.

Early Life and Education

Maria Manuel Mota was born in Lisbon, Portugal. She developed an early interest in biology and pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Lisbon, where she earned a degree in Biology. She later completed her PhD at the University of Porto, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of malaria.

Career

After completing her PhD, Mota conducted postdoctoral research at the New York University School of Medicine, where she worked under the mentorship of renowned malaria researcher Victor Nussenzweig. Her research during this period focused on the liver stage of the Plasmodium life cycle.

In 2005, Mota returned to Portugal and joined the Instituto de Medicina Molecular (iMM) in Lisbon. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the iMM and leads a research group dedicated to understanding the biology of malaria parasites and their interaction with the host.

Research Contributions

Maria Manuel Mota's research has significantly advanced the understanding of malaria. Her work has elucidated key aspects of the Plasmodium life cycle, particularly the liver stage, which is crucial for the development of effective malaria interventions. Some of her notable contributions include:

• Discovering the role of host cell factors in the liver stage of Plasmodium infection.
• Identifying potential targets for malaria vaccines and therapeutics.
• Investigating the immune response to malaria and how the parasite evades it.

Awards and Honors

Mota's groundbreaking research has earned her numerous awards and honors, including:

• The EMBO Young Investigator Award.
• The European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant.
• The Prémio Pessoa, one of Portugal's most prestigious awards.

Personal Life

Maria Manuel Mota is married and has two children. She is an advocate for women in science and actively mentors young researchers.

See Also

• Malaria
• Plasmodium
• Instituto de Medicina Molecular
• University of Lisbon
• University of Porto