Hugo Alves holds a Bachelor in Biochemistry and a Master’s in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology and Bioentrepreneurship in Plants, from the University of Minho (Braga, Portugal). During his master’s thesis, Hugo Alves characterized the cytotoxic mechanisms of action of propolis extracts, a natural tertiary product produced by honey bees (Apis mellifera L.). The necrotic-mediated effects in yeast cells earned Hugo’s work the first international communication (as a poster presentation), in the Second Propolis Conference - Propolis in Human and Bee Health (Sofia, Bulgaria). Currently integrated into the Plants for Life Ph.D. program (ITQB NOVA), Hugo’s research focuses on the role of calcium-dependent protein kinases as general signaling hubs for stress responses in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Based on his background, Hugo Alves applies biochemical, genetic, and biotechnological tools to unravel possible crosstalks between the major players involved in plant growth-stress coordination.