João M. Rocha (male) holds a degree (1996) in Biological Engineering, specialization in Chemical and Food Technology, from University of Minho (UMinho), and a PhD (2011) in Food Science and Engineering from University of Lisbon (ISA-ULisbon). He has several complementary professional qualifications, including "Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in SimaPro®" (2018), and HACCP (2012) and ISO 9001:2000 certifications (2006). He has developed his research between Portugal and Finland (UHelsinki) in the fields of microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, chromatography, mass spectrometry and engineering. Currently, he is manager in the Technology Transfer Office at INESC-TEC. He was a researcher (2022) in LEPABE – Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, in the Department of Chemical Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP), where studied the polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAH’s) in rubber crumb from recycled tires for synthetic turf pitches infills. Recently (2019-20) he was researcher in the Food Polyphenol Lab at Green Chemistry Laboratory (LAQV), REQUIMTE – Chemistry and Technology Network, in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences – University of Porto (FCUP), where he studied the dietary polyphenols as prophylactic agents in food allergies. He was the Chair, Principal Coordinator and Grant Holder Scientific Representative of the COST Action Sourdomics (CA18101), a networking currently with 56 countries from the 5 Continents and more than 286 members. He is also (2019-) the Secretary of the General Assembly board of the National Association of Science and Technology Researchers (ANICT). His professional career as a researcher was always fulfilled with other intensive activities: (1) Assistant professor of Final Projects for B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees, Biochemistry, Food Technology, General Microbiology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology of the Cell (Genetics), General Chemistry I (Inorganic Chemistry) and II (Physical Chemistry and Kinetic Physics), Toxicology, Pharmacotoxicology, Chemistry and Structure of Foods, Applied Biochemistry (Enzyme kinetics), Introduction to Industrial Processes and General Biochemistry I, in the College of Biotechnology, Portuguese Catholic University (ESB-UCP) (1997-2011), University of Minho (UMinho) (2017-18) and School of Engineering of Porto (ISEP) (2022-23); (2) Professional courses of Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Laboratories of Chemistry and Basic Food Chemistry (2009); and (3) Co-founder, administrator and managing partner of a biotech start-up (2002-06), awarded in entrepreneurship concourses and with an approved funding project – with the core-business in processing of dairy sub-products and isolation of compounds with high-added value due to their immunological and growth properties, and its applications in the agri-food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. His career is characterized by a high degree of independence, international exposure, extensive international networking, broad experience in multi-project/multi-task management and leadership in different environments. João M. Rocha is a focused and dedicated Senior Professional who has gained numerous successes within academic and professional life, including an extensive experience within research, teaching, project management and networking coordination. He possesses the ability to achieve desired results with a decisive management and leadership style, applying motivational skills and maintaining a positive and supportive attitude to effectively deliver solutions. He works well under pressure and excel in the work planning and organisation. He is a driven and exceptionally talented professional who has gained high international exposure. He is an individual who adapts well within new environments, utilising excellent team working and leadership skills to ensure the achievement of the outlined objectives.