Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology
CNC was the first established “Laboratório Associado” in Portugal, and it has steadily increased the scope of scientific competences over the years, with a strong focus on the exploitation of the fundamental mechanisms of ageing and brain diseases.
As a research institution where the scientific challenges arise, the CNC has also the responsibility of developing and establishing strategies that foster positive attitudes towards science and scientists.
In parallel, the research groups explore mechanisms of neuroprotection and regeneration, which may be future candidates for the development of potential therapeutic strategies to manage these disorders.
This core activity is complemented by supporting areas which also develop their own research activity, opening the scope of intervention of CNC in the biomedical field, while providing novel lines of research applicable to Neuroscience, namely: genetic screening of diseases; structure-function relation of proteins with biomedical or biotechnological interest; development of new vectors for delivery of drugs and genetic material; development of biomaterials for stem cell-based therapeutics; study of drug and disease-induced cell dysfunction, with particular expertise in processes involving mitochondrial dysfunction and free radicals; intermediate metabolism and diabetes; cellular and developmental biology, whose programs focused on human infertility, disruption of human cell function in cancer, contact dermatitis, osteoarthritis, autoimmune disease, obesity and pathogens biology, involve close partnerships with clinicians at Coimbra University Hospital Centre (CHUC) and Coimbra Portuguese Institute of Oncology (IPO); microbiology with emphasis on the strategies for adaptation of microorganisms to extreme environments, the screening and development of new anti-mycobacterial drugs and the susceptibility to legionella and fungal infection.
The Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology is uniquely placed to take a decisive lead in Biomedicine at both basic and applied levels, due to the diverse backgrounds of its researchers.
The PDBEB is an International Doctoral Programme established by the CNC since 2002, providing advanced, multidisciplinary, research-oriented training in emerging areas of modern Biology and Biomedicine.
For more information check PDBEB website:https://web.archive.org/web/20160531024341/http://beb.cnbc.pt/ As a member of the European Neuroscience Campus Network (ENC-Network) the CNC participates in the Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate, EMJD.
Courses organized in the PDBEB Programme are available to all ENC students, with a focus on the Core Neuroscience Module, which cover CNC research expertise in this area, leading to possible joint PhD Projects with other Network partners.
