Vanessa G. Correia holds a PhD in Sustainable Chemistry (FCT/UNL, Dec 2015), a MSc in Biotechnology (FCT/UNL, Nov 2009) and a BSc in Biochemistry (FC/UL, July 2008). Her research career is focused on the production of functional materials/polymers using environmentally friendly technologies. During her PhD (supervisor: Prof. Dr. Aguiar-Ricardo), she produced biocompatible, contact-killing 3D materials for both biomedical and water decontamination applications. In 2016, Vanessa got a competitive postdoctoral grant in the scope of MIMESIS, an ERC project, and later a junior researcher position in AGRILOOP, a HORIZON-RIA project (Prof. Dr. Silva Pereira, ITQB/UNL). During this time, she focused her research on the biopolymer suberin (a highly complex and evolutionarily optimized multifunctional biopolyester). She made short scientific missions as a visiting researcher at the Univ. Helsinki to learn NMR with experts in lignin/cellulose/wood chemistry. The multifunctionality of antimicrobial native suberin was disclosed, which can support the identification of novel added-value polymer assemblies (10.1016/j.mtbio.2019.100039). Remarkably, this methodological approach opens new means to monitor suberin biosynthesis and deposition in planta and was already applied to another biopolyester, cutin (10.1104/pp.20.01049). In 2024, Vanessa got an Assistant Researcher position at FCT/UNL in the scope of ISLANDR, a HORIZON-RIA project (Dr. Nazaré Couto). It is a cross-disciplinary and multi-actor project that aims to promote the delivery of Green Deal objectives, in particular achieving Zero Pollution by reducing soil contamination and enhancing restoration, with a strong focus on pesticides. She is also collaborating with other European projects such as TARGET that aims to promote the development of strategies for sustainable water management. Ultimately, she seeks to expand her know-how on decontamination strategies, applying past knowledge to soil/water management. The work Vanessa has developed, so far, is integrated in 13 WoS journal articles (4 as first author; 1 accepted; 3 articles in preparation) of high impact. She participated as researcher in 10 projects, supervised 3 students (2 pursuing MSc degree) and mentored 7 students. Vanessa is also co-inventor of a granted national patent and was on the coordination team of an Industry sponsored project (Amorim Cork Research, Lda). Aligned with her belief that science needs to be communicated to a wider audience, she disseminated her work at scientific conferences (15 oral, 16 poster), and participated in many science outreach activities (e.g. Scientists go to Schools, TV interviews, Vaccination Enlightenment Campaign). She is highly motivated to push forward the development and independence of her scientific career and to consolidate her place in this scientific field. She seeks to enlarge her (inter)national experience (network of collaborators and research-stays abroad), to learn complementary soft/technical skills essential to managing a multidisciplinary team (e.g. management, GC-MS), and to apply to competitive funding calls. She has the required expertise to promote the design of natural, green functional 3D materials for decontamination purposes. Vanessa also concluded a post-graduation program collaboratively built by ITQB/NOVA SBE, where she improved her business skills and training in specific areas like grant writing, innovation and project management; and a leadership course designed for new research leaders. She truly believes that an innovation-driven mindset is vital to translating research into new valuable technological solutions for real-world problems. Vanessa's main collaborations include academia and industry: ITQB/UNL (MGPinho, PMPereira, CSPereira), FCT/UNL (AARicardo), Univ. Helsinki/Finland (AWTKing), Univ. Gdansk/Poland (LPHalinski), CENIMAT/UNL (JDeuermeier), Amorim Cork Research, Lda (PFernandes) and CICS/UBI (ICorreia).