We’re excited to feature an interview with Maria João Matos, who recently joined the SDDN Governing Board. Learn more about her background, her vision, and what drives her passion for science.
How did you get interested in the field of Drug Discovery?
When I was nine years old, I went with my mom to a science fair at my sister’s school, and I was instantly captivated. Watching an acid-base titration and the spark of sodium reacting in water, I knew right then that I wanted to become a scientist. Years later, inspired by the guidance of my high school chemistry teacher, and further influenced by my studies in Pharmaceutical Sciences at university, I developed a passion for medicinal chemistry. What excites me most is how it creates a space where different areas of knowledge come together to address complex health challenges.
My interest deepened during an ERASMUS internship at the University of Santiago de Compostela, developing an experimental project under the supervision of Prof. Eugenio Uriarte and Prof. Lourdes Santana. I later pursued my PhD in the same research group, focusing on the design of nature-inspired small molecules for Parkinson diseases. They have been not only my mentors but also role models in creating a supportive and enjoyable research environment.
Can you share a bit about your professional/scientific career and your current role?
I am currently Associate Professor in the Department of Organic Chemistry at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. After my PhD in Spain, with different research stays in Italy and Portugal, I moved to the UK for a 3-years postdoc in chemical biology, at the University of Cambridge. During my stay in Cambridge, I have also been Fellow of the Newnham College. Those years were amazing!
As a medicinal chemist in academia, I lead a laboratory dedicated to drug discovery and development. I oversee multiple research projects, guiding experimental design and monitoring the progress. A key part of my role is mentoring students and young researchers, helping them refine their research skills, design and execute experiments, and critically analyze data. My work also extends beyond the lab through active networking and the establishment of interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly with pharmacologists and theoretical chemists. In addition, I regularly write and publish scientific papers to disseminate our findings and prepare competitive grant applications to support current and future projects.
My academic contributions go further, as I serve on editorial boards, such as the Editorial Advisory Board of ChemMedChem, and on the Executive Committee of the Spanish Drug Discovery Network (SDDN). Teaching is another rewarding aspect of my career: I currently lecture on Pharmaceutical Chemistry II for third-year Pharmacy students, a responsibility that I find both fulfilling and intellectually stimulating. I also coordinate international exchange programs, including Erasmus initiatives, which foster mobility and broaden the academic opportunities available to our students.
What kind of research are you focused on right now?
My research focuses on the design and development of innovative chemical approaches to generate new drug candidates and delivery systems aimed at neurodegenerative and other age-related diseases. By integrating principles of chemistry, pharmacology, and biomedical sciences, our work seeks to design targeted strategies that improve the delivery and therapeutic potential of potent molecules, both small molecules and bioconjugates.
Which technical and soft skills are crucial for your position?
My position requires a combination of advanced technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills. On the technical side, I rely on a solid background in synthetic and medicinal chemistry, drug design, and structure-activity relationship analysis. I also need proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing to publish our results and prepare competitive grant proposals. Knowledge of related disciplines such as pharmacology and computational chemistry is also important, particularly for fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.
Equally crucial are soft skills. Running a research laboratory requires leadership, mentoring, and the ability to guide young researchers as they develop their research independence. Communication skills are essential, not only for teaching undergraduate courses and presenting scientific work in different events, but also for networking and building collaborations across different fields. Organizational and project management abilities help me balance multiple responsibilities, from coordinating research projects and exchange programs to contributing to editorial and scientific committees. Finally, adaptability, creativity, and resilience are key skills that allow me to navigate the challenges of academic research while maintaining a productive and supportive environment for my team.
What accomplishment/s in your career do you feel most proud of?
In our group, we have built a chemical library of more than 1,000 compounds, including small molecules, bioconjugation linkers, peptides, etc., many of which have been evaluated against diverse biological targets. It is particularly rewarding to see some of these molecules now being commercialized by companies, as this represents a tangible translation of our academic research into tools and opportunities for further innovation. These experiences remind me daily that advancing science is much more about collective effort and collaboration than about discovery itself.
How do you balance work and personal life, especially when research demands are high?
I try to maintain balance by setting clear priorities, organizing my time efficiently, and being fully present in whatever I am doing, whether that is work or personal life. I have learned that taking breaks and protecting personal time ultimately makes me more focused, creative, and productive at work.
I remember when I was living in the UK, I used to travel to Portugal at least once a month to see my family and friends. My little nephew even thought I had my own airplane! The effort was always rewarded by the joy of being present for the important moments.
What part of your job do you find the most fulfilling or exciting?
The most fulfilling part of my job is experiencing science as a continuous journey of curiosity, collaboration, and growth. What excites me most is sharing the research progress with my team and collaborators, whether it is a small breakthrough at the bench or a milestone in a long-term project. Those shared moments of discovery and achievement are what make my work truly rewarding. Recently, a student in the group won a prestigious fellowship, and moments like that make everything worthwhile!
What emerging technologies or trends in Drug Discovery are you most excited about?
I believe the most exciting trends in drug discovery are those that bring us closer to curing complex and currently incurable diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and some autoimmune conditions. Advances in targeted therapies, personalized medicine, and immunotherapy are transforming the way we approach these challenges, offering the possibility of more effective and tailored treatments with fewer side effects. I believe we have very good years ahead!
What are your thoughts about the current impact of Drug Discovery in Spain?
I believe that drug discovery in Spain is stronger than we often realize, and there is enormous potential when we collaborate. Networks and initiatives such as the SDDN, capability mapping, and joint efforts to build shared resources like a national chemical library can significantly enhance our collective impact, fostering innovation and positioning Spain as a competitive contributor to global drug discovery.
