Rui Vitorino (RV) is a Senior Researcher and Principal Investigator at the Department of Medical Sciences (DCM)-iBiMED, University of Aveiro. He earned his PhD in Biochemistry in 2004. Over the past two decades, RV has specialized in applying mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics and bioinformatics to characterize the proteome of biofluids and peptidomics, particularly in saliva and urine, to uncover molecular pathways underlying disease phenotypes. RV has pioneered multidisciplinary approaches to protein enrichment, employing both gel-based and gel-free methods. Notably, he developed a nanomagnetic platform (MAGN@PROT) that targets glycoproteins and metalloproteases in biofluids, addressing key challenges in the analysis of these protein classes. These advancements have enhanced biofluid analysis and hold significant potential for improving the identification of biomarkers for disease. His work focuses on translating these findings into clinical applications by defining multimarker panels for early disease detection and risk assessment. RV's research is conducted at BioDiGest, a platform for biomedical data analysis, integration, and management. He has authored over 270 publications, accumulating more than 7,400 citations, and holds an h-index of 39. He has participated in over 38 scientific projects, including three EU-funded and two international collaborations. His expertise in proteomics has garnered widespread recognition, leading to collaborations with national and international research groups, including EU-ETN and COST actions (BM1307, BM1305, CA15203, CA19144, CA20113). Recently, he joined the COST Action AtheroNET (CA21153), which focuses on implementing multi-omics approaches in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease research and prevention, and CA21140 - Interception of Oral Cancer Development (Running): Engaged in a collaborative effort to understand and potentially intercept the development of oral cancer at its early stages. RV has filed two patents, including one for MAGN@PROT (PCT/IB2015/053093), which received awards from Prove IT and the INESPO Innovation Network. His recent work, DMP/01/2022/2020372 (National Patent No. 117614), introduced a novel method for detecting and quantifying C-reactive protein in saliva using dynamic light scattering and magnetic nanoparticles. With over 18 years of proteomics experience, RV integrates wet lab (proteomics) and dry lab (bioinformatics) approaches to uncover biomarkers, identify therapeutic targets, and explore disease mechanisms. His work spans various biofluids (e.g., urine, saliva, pericardial fluid) and pathological conditions, emphasizing a holistic view of proteomic analysis. RV is particularly excited by the potential of MS-based proteomics to revolutionize cardiovascular disease diagnosis and treatment. Proteomics sits downstream of genomics and transcriptomics, offering direct links to phenotypic changes, while remaining upstream enough to analyze stable analytes compared to short-lived metabolites. This positioning allows for comprehensive snapshots of cell or tissue states. RV’s translational focus underscores the need to view biological processes holistically, bridging cutting-edge molecular insights with clinical applications.