After my PhD degree in Biological Sciences from University of Minho (UM), in a groundbreaking finding I identified a key role of polyols in grapevine strategy to tolerate drought. As post-doc researcher (last 10 years), I worked with increasing scientific independence, to increasingly apply my knowledge in plant biochemistry, biology and physiology. Working in several projects as a post-doc fellow researcher, I initially demonstrated how kaolin exogenous foliar application in grapevine as a strategy for mitigating negative effects of environmental constrains influenced metabolic pathways associated with berry quality. More recently, I have focused my research into identifying non-mature microRNA-encoded peptides (miPEPs) in grapevine able to protect grapevine against pathogen infection and fungal/bacterial disease progression. Their potential is based on their ability to modulate grape berry cell's biochemistry towards the selective and sustainable production of secondary and bioactive metabolites without resorting to genetic engineering. This potential may also translate into important advances in the sustainable production of bioactive compounds for Food, Textile and Cosmetics industries. During my period as post-doc researcher, I published the findings of my research in many highly-reputed top journals, most of them as first, corresponding or senior author (https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=36672737200), but also prioritized the supervision of postgraduation students. I have some important international collaborations as that of A. Granell from CSIC/UPValencia and Ric de Vos (U. Wageningen) internationally. Having them as co-supervisors further allowed me to supervise PhD students by successfully applying for FCT PhD fellowship calls. Attesting international recognition/experience, I also participated in the COST Action CA17111 – INTEGRAPE. Over the last years I won the ADVID Prize (best article on Douro DOC grapevine-focused research) and became the Principal Investigator (PI) of a competitive FCT/FEDER-funded R&D project aimed at improving grape berry quality and drought resistance while reducing water use (MitiVineDrought - PTDC/BIA-FBT/30341/2017 - 225.875€). Under my coordination as PI, the outputs in its scope were very significant and overachieving, and relevant for plant biologists and grapegrowers, bringing new knowhow for better grape productivity and quality in a context of climate change. It was also important to attract national funds for my research and research centre and to provide opportunities for BSc and MSc to develop their work under my supervision. Having experience as Invited Professor at UMinho, I have significantly dedicated myself to MSc and PhD student supervision, but also to dissemination of science to society via outreach activities and to peer-reviewing and editorial roles. In February of 2025 I became the Principal Investigator of my 2nd funded research project with an additional funding of ca. 250 000,00€ to develop and implement an innovative strategy to protect grapevine against new and rising plant health threats.