What is your favorite food?
I have a deep appreciation for traditional Portuguese cuisine. My absolute favorite is a hearty dish of broad beans with chorizo and egg. And for dessert, nothing beats the sweet, creamy delight of a pastel de nata (creamy egg custard tart).

What’s the best advice you ever received?
One piece of advice that has always stuck with me is to stay curious. Curiosity fuels creativity and innovation, and it’s something I strive to cultivate in my personal and professional life.

Do you have any hobbies?
Once an avid soccer player, I now find joy in the beautiful chaos of fatherhood. While I may not be on the field as often, the thrill of the game now comes in a different form—through the eyes of my two children.

How did you get involved in technology transfer? 
My journey into technology transfer began unexpectedly when I stepped in during my boss’s maternity leave. The blend of science, business and law intrigued me, and I was thrilled when I was offered a permanent position as Innovation Manager.

What does an average day at work look like for you?
My workday is a dynamic mix of reviewing contracts, managing our patent portfolio and engaging in meetings with faculty members and external partners. It’s a role that requires a balance of negotiation and relationship-building skills, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see projects progress.

What do you like most about working with inventors and other tech transfer professionals?
What I find most fulfilling is the opportunity to bridge the gap between science and business. Helping inventors see their work from a different, more applied perspective is a rewarding challenge. Support and insights from fellow tech transfer professionals are invaluable in navigating this complex field. For big or small issues that arise in my daily job, I often reach out to my peers for advice.

Portugal, and Lisbon in particular, are becoming well known as a new hub for European startups and entrepreneurs. How is that trend creating opportunities for your tech transfer office?
Indeed, Portugal has seen a surge in IT startups, thanks to various government initiatives that have led to Lisbon being selected as the European Capital of Innovation 2023 and as host of the 2024 WebSummit. While the biotech sector is still budding, I believe it’s poised for significant growth. This presents exciting opportunities for our tech transfer office.

What’s something you’re working on right now that really excites you?
One of the most exciting initiatives I’m currently involved in is our internal funding program for Proof of Concept projects. It’s a fantastic opportunity to analyze early-stage technologies, collaborate with faculty and, ultimately, support projects that could become success stories in our portfolio.

You recently completed an AUTM LifeArc fellowship. How has your job description evolved or expanded thanks to the skills and experience you acquired during your fellowship?
The AUTM LifeArc Fellowship was a turning point in my career. It deepened my understanding of intellectual property management and networking, which led to my transition from Innovation Manager to Translational Portfolio Manager. The skills I gained have been instrumental in driving project success. Recently, the head of our Innovation Office has moved on to a new role, so I’ve been offered the opportunity to step up as the interim Head of our Innovation Office—a testament to the transformative impact of the fellowship on my professional journey.

What does AUTM Membership have to offer that you can’t get from other organizations?
Being a Member of AUTM offers a unique blend of benefits that are hard to find in other organizations. One of the most significant advantages is the sense of community and camaraderie among Members. AUTM provides a platform where professionals from diverse backgrounds and expertise come together to share knowledge, experiences and insights. This proximity fosters a supportive environment where Members can learn from each other, collaborate on projects and grow both personally and professionally. During the past year I was an avid participant at AUTM’s webinars, where I have learned lots of things you don’t find in books.