Nuno Eduardo Moura dos Santos da Costa Taveira

Traditional PCR methods often lack precision due to amplification biases and difficulties in quantifying low-abundance bacteria. Digital PCR (dPCR) offers a highly sensitive, accurate, and reproducible method of quantification, enabling absolute measurement of bacterial DNA without the need for standard curves. This project focuses on developing advanced digital PCR (dPCR) assays to accurately quantify specific oral bacteria. Oral microbiota play a crucial role in both oral and systemic health, with imbalances linked to diseases like periodontitis, dental caries, and even cardiovascular issues. Accurate quantification of bacterial populations is essential for understanding these connections and developing targeted therapeutic interventions.

4h

Paulo Mascarenhas

The objective of this research project is to investigate the microbiological organisms, including spores, present in the air-conditioning devices of various environments within an institutional setting, such as cabinets, laboratories, and canteens. The study will concentrate on the identification and quantification of the microbial load, the assessment of microorganism diversity, and the evaluation of potential health risks associated with their presence. The findings will contribute to better air quality management and help mitigate health risks, while also offering educational opportunities in microbiological research and environmental health.

3h

Pedro Silva Rodrigues

The teaching, learning, and review of anatomical knowledge rely on vast amounts of textual information, often accompanied by photos and illustrations, which are typically overloaded with labels and annotations. Textual descriptions are linear and sequential, which limits the understanding of topographical relationships between anatomical features. Converting text into visual information, such as anatomical graphics, allows users to better perceive anatomical topography, the constituent elements, and their spatial relationships. This project aims to transform large amounts of traditionally textual information into image or graph formats. The goal is to determine whether anatomical graphs can help create mental maps that support the teaching of anatomy, including their integration into Virtual Reality simulators. For further clarification, the researcher can provide video support for the project if interested.

2h

Lucinda J. Bessa

This study aims to investigate the use of antibiotics at the Egas Moniz Dental Clinic (CDEM), with the objective of analyzing prescription patterns, clinical efficacy, and the incidence of antimicrobial resistance. Prior approval from the Ethics Committee will be required. The investigation will be conducted through the analysis of clinical records and questionnaires administered to the clinic's healthcare professionals, covering a representative sample of patients treated. Initially, the study will begin with a literature review on the use of antibiotics in dental medicine, highlighting relevant national and international guidelines. This study will provide a comprehensive overview of antibiotic use at CDEM, helping to identify areas for improvement and contributing to the prevention of antimicrobial resistance.

5h

Mariana Morgado

The pervasive integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in health professions education marks a paradigm shift that addresses urgent needs for personalisation, efficiency, and equity in the training of healthcare professionals. This research line explores the potential of advanced AI technologies—including generative models, intelligent tutoring systems, and digital clinical simulators—to individualise learning, enhance competency assessment, and strengthen clinical reasoning, thereby fostering active and adaptive educational strategies. A fundamental aspect of this agenda is the critical evaluation of the ethical, legal and social implications of AI use. This evaluation must pay particular attention to privacy, the mitigation of algorithmic bias, accessibility and governance. It must also be mindful of the emerging risk of technosolutionism and inequity. Methodologically, this line employs an interdisciplinary design integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches to underpin, assess, and propose models for the effective adoption of AI. The aim is to optimise the development of clinical and pedagogical competencies and catalyse positive change in both formal education and professional healthcare practice.

3h

José João Mendes

As preclinical dental education increasingly relies on simulation-based training, understanding students' satisfaction with dental simulators becomes essential for optimizing learning outcomes. This project aims to evaluate the satisfaction levels of first- and second-year dental students using simulators, identifying key strengths and areas for improvement. The findings will support evidence-based enhancements in teaching strategies and promote a more engaging, effective, and supportive learning environment in dental education.

4h

Iris Almeida

Analyse the relationship between genetic factors and the psychosocial development of individuals with a history of drugs abuse.

8h

Ana Margarida Ribeiro

In veterinary practice, rehabilitation modalities are often used to help in the recovery of animals affected by Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), a condition frequently observed in chondrodystrophic dog breeds and can lead to Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), resulting in pain, motor impairments and neurological deficits, but there is a lack of objective assessment tools for patient evolution. In this work, an innovative approach using surface Electromyography (sEMG) is proposed to be applied in the field of veterinary medicine rehabilitation. This project aims to optimize a surface Electromyography (sEMG) device for Small Animal Medicine, targeting non-invasive assessment of the muscular activity of the paraspinal muscles in healthy Dachshunds and in Dachshunds affected by Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). This will contribute to a more in-depth knowledge of the application of sEMG in Veterinary Medicine, with the possibility of developing an objective and measurable assessment tool, that could not only be valid for the early detection of muscle activity problems, but also for evaluating the effectiveness of the different therapeutic modalities applied in neurorehabilitation.

2h

Liliana M. R. Silva

Coccidiosis is an important disease in young ruminants. This project aims to identify and characterize the prevalence of different Eimeria species impacting young lambs, knowing that these animals are maintained in large groups in feedlots and that management of coccidiosis is crucial for keeping daily weight gains.

2h

Gil Alcoforado

This project aims to develop a new flap design for bone regeneration.

5h

Elisabete Matos

Project Food4Thought aims to design, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention that can contribute to change attitudes and beliefs of high school and college students regarding food sectors with a negative public perception, specifically aquaculture and insects as food. Both these sectors are expected to grow in the next decade, and it’s imperative that future consumers’ awareness is improved, to ensure higher success.

3h

Pedro Silva Rodrigues

This project consists of the creation of a virtual reality simulator using virtual reality glasses and haptic technology for teaching Operative Dentistry and Implantology, respectively in the context of undergraduate and postgraduate education in Dental Medicine.

2h

Pedro Silva Rodrigues

This project will focus on: 1. Explore the benefits and limitations of anatomy maps in Extended Reality (XR) and in Physicalizations (physical visualizations of information) as an educational tool for teaching and learning anatomy. 2. Create new anatomical labeling techniques that enhance current medical visualization possibilities in the context of preoperative surgical planning. 3. Create new educational tools using Extended Reality and Physicalizations for teaching and learning in Surgical Anatomy.

2h

Ricardo Assunção

Chemical contaminants can enter the pet food supply chain through its ingredients and at various stages of its production. However, studies on occurrence data are limited, but necessary, as the pet food market is growing steadily, and the majority of pets worldwide rely mostly or exclusively on this source of nutrition. This reliance makes them particularly susceptible to the potential adverse health effects of chronic exposure to such contaminants, raising significant concern. This project aims to determine the dietary exposure of pets to chemical contaminants by measuring their levels in biological matrices (direct approach) and commercial pet food samples, along with data on pet food consumption (indirect approach). This assessment will help identify potential risks associated with exposure and determine the need to develop and establish mitigation and regulatory measures to enhance the safety and quality of commercial pet food. In addition, the potential development of a biobank will enable future research on exposure assessment to other contaminants, including environmental contaminants, which may provide insights into human exposure, as pets can act as important sentinels of environmental health hazards.

3h

Luciano Maia Alves Ferreira

The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of Repeated Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation (rPMS) in patients with chronic low back pain. This is a controlled, randomized, multicenter clinical trial (Brazil x Portugal). A sample will be presented by individuals with chronic low back pain with a score between 40 and 80 on the Oswestry scale, who will be randomly divided into 2 groups: control (CG) and intervention (IG). The instruments used for evaluation will be: visual analog pain scale (VAS), brief pain inventory (BPI), McGill questionnaire, Roland Morris scale and WHOQOL-BREF. Both groups used the EMP device, with 10 sessions over a period of 2 weeks, in the IG applied in the flat tangential orientation lasting 20 minutes and a stimulation protocol consisting of 5 seconds of stimulation at a frequency of 20 Hz followed by 25 seconds of rest with a minimum intensity of 20% up to maximum intensity to induce sufficient contraction of the paraspinal muscle and in the CG in transverse orientation with the stimulus intensity level set at 5% of the maximum output of the stimulator to minimize stimulation, both in the most painful low back region. Keywords: Low back pain, neuromodulation, PMS, pain.

4h

Sérgio Filipe Calado Valério

Creatine is a popular sports supplement used by athletes to increase muscle mass, strength, and endurance, however, improper use or excessive doses can lead to liver or kidney issues. In Portugal, there are currently no guidelines for creatine intake or dosage, making it important to study and verify its usage. The main objective of this study is to determine if there are statistically significant differences in urine creatinine levels between creatine users and non-users. Secondary objectives include describing the assessed levels and identifying potential differences based on diet, other supplement intake, and supplement frequency. The study will involve gym athletes attending a Higher Education Institution in the Lisbon metropolitan area.

4h

Maria João Hilário

Saliva is a biological sample excreted into the oral cavity and plays an important role in the organism's homeostasis. Although the oral mucosa acts as a defense barrier, it is directly exposed to tobacco smoke, which can alter antimicrobial protection and salivary pH. The study aims to measure and compare oral pH in saliva samples from different groups (smokers and non-smokers). Secondary objectives include analyzing changes in oral pH over time, differences in salivary consistency between smokers and non-smokers, and the impact of different types of tobacco on oral pH.

4h

Luciano Maia Alves Ferreira

Specific stress is a condition that affects mental and physical health, leading to a series of neuropsychiatric and somatic disorders. Several non-invasive neuromodulation techniques, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve (tVNS), have been investigated as potential treatments for these disorders, with promising results, but still lacking further scientific exploration in relation to stress. This study aims to evaluate the effects of non-invasive neuromodulation on the symptoms of specific stress in adult individuals. The main objective is to determine whether tDCS, applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (F3/F4), and TVS, applied to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, are effective in reducing stress intensity. In addition, the effects of these interventions on associated factors such as sleep disorders, mental rumination and cognition will be evaluated. The results of this study may contribute to the development of new non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches for the management of specific stress, providing accessible, safe and effective alternatives for populations vulnerable to this condition. Keywords: chronic stress, neuromodulation, tDCS, tVNS, neuropsychiatric disorders.

4h

João Botelho

Salivary diagnostics offer promising avenues for non-invasive health monitoring. This project investigates the diagnostic utility of conventional urine test strips when applied to oral mouthrinses and stimulated saliva. By assessing their performance across various analytes, the study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a cost-effective, rapid screening tool for oral and systemic health markers, opening new pathways for chairside diagnostics in dental settings.

4h

Luís Proença

The field of dentistry has undergone significant transformations in recent years, driven by advancements in technology, changes in patient expectations, and the global challenges posed by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. The efficacy and satisfaction of dental treatments, particularly in university-based clinics, are contingent upon patient perceptions and the broader economic and social contexts within which they operate. Notwithstanding the growing importance of these factors, there is a paucity of understanding regarding the manner in which they intersect, particularly in relation to their impact on the management, accessibility and cost-efficiency of dental care within national health systems. The objective of this project is to examine the social, economic, and clinical impacts of dentistry in the present context. This will entail an analysis of patient satisfaction, the challenges posed by the pandemic, and the economic sustainability of dental care services, with a particular focus on the public healthcare system. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of how these factors influence dental practice and to propose strategies to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of oral healthcare in modern societies.

2h

Ana Cristina Martins de Miranda Vítor

Identification and characterization of Cryptosporidium genotypes in lambs from different original farms, concentrated in a feedlot, aiming to improve understanding of the disease transmission patterns and management strategies. Establish a relationship between the occurrence of Cryptosporidiuminfection and the development of ovine respiratory complex signs.

2h

Alexandra Bernardo

Several studies report handwriting analysis as a noninvasive tool to monitor forearm muscle activity and correlate writing patterns with disease progression. The present study aims to: 1. Characterize and compare the handwriting before and after the implementation of a specific rehabilitation program in Parkinson's disease. 2. Evaluate how disease severity, cognition and depression states, resulting from disease progression and rehabilitation, influences the handwriting ability, specifically in dynamic features.

10h

Maria Alzira Cavacas

Learning and teaching histology and microanatomy involves absorbing a large amount of theoretical information, which is often presented alongside photomicrographs (light or electron) that can be technically complex and contain staining artefacts and detailed annotations. Linear textual descriptions can hinder an understanding of the three-dimensional organisation of cells, tissues, and spaces within organs. Concurrently, microscopic and ultrastructural observation is fundamental to, and common across, several areas of health research, such as oral pathology. This line of work aims to overcome these limitations by aligning with the UN's 2030 Agenda and the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4: Quality Education (Target 4.7): We promote inclusive, effective and up-to-date education by transforming textual information into interactive visual environments and integrating digital tools, facilitating the construction of mind maps and the understanding of tissue architecture. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: We empower future health professionals with more robust technical skills by improving the teaching of pathology and microanatomy through virtual microscopy and high-resolution images, which translates into more accurate diagnoses and better healthcare. SDG 10 – Reduced inequalities (target 10.2): Using digital slides and virtual atlases integrated with physical slides democratises access to specialised knowledge, providing students and researchers in different geographical and socioeconomic contexts with access to high-quality materials and reducing disparities in academic training. This project aims to overcome these limitations by transforming textual information into interactive visual environments and integrating the study of histological preparation techniques with hybrid visualisation. This approach combines physical slides with digital slide collections and virtual atlases, enabling users to understand everything from slide preparation (fixation, embedding, and staining) to final microanatomical interpretation. The objective is to evaluate how virtual models and high-resolution images (both real and digital) can support the construction of mental maps and facilitate an understanding of tissue architecture. This hybrid methodology aims to bridge the gap between hands-on microscope handling and the accessibility of digital education. Furthermore, mastery of these techniques can support various research projects, such as oral pathology.

4h

Catarina Jota Baptista

Glyphosate is extensively used worldwide, including in the Iberian Peninsula. It is mainly used in agricultural landscapes but also urban areas. Despite its extensive use, there is a lack of research on its exposure and its potential effects on wildlife living in these environments. This project intends to measure the glyphosate in different biological samples and evaluate its impact on the health of different species, using biomarkers of effect.

2h

Pedro Silva Rodrigues

To contribute and improve teaching and learning of Head and Neck surgical and descriptive Anatomy by developing Virtual Reality Tools using Anatomy Graphs. We aim to improve the retention of contents in learning descriptive and topographic human anatomy, both in the academical and oral surgery contexts.

2h

Mariana Morgado

The field of health education has undergone substantial transformations in recent years, shaped by rapid advancements in educational technology, evolving student expectations, and the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery. While innovative teaching methods and student engagement have become pivotal factors in the transformation of educational practices, particularly in healthcare-related fields, there remains a knowledge gap regarding the impact of these changes on the effectiveness and motivation of students. Furthermore, the broader societal and technological shifts have created new challenges in adapting curricula and teaching strategies, which are of paramount importance for the production of skilled healthcare professionals. The aim of this project is to investigate the potential of innovative learning approaches to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes in health education. The study will assess the impact of various methods, including problem-based learning, digital tools, and case-based teaching, on student motivation, comprehension, and overall educational experience. The objective is to gain insights into how these methods can be integrated into health education in order to enhance the quality of teaching and better prepare students for real-world healthcare challenges.

3h

António HS Delgado

The aim of this project is to propose alternative ways to bond to tooth tissues, since there are still a number of flaws and constrainments in current practice. We aim to secure ways which do not follow a conventional approach (i.e., the creation of a hybrid layer in dentin which is bound to degrade with time). Such alternative strategies are expected to be compatible with hydrophobic self-adhesive composites. New formulations of these materials are also included in this aim, by optimizing the properties of composites already developed in previous work, up until this date. The final outcome is the creation of new-generation restorative materials.

6h

Liliana M. R. Silva

Feline leishmaniosis is emerging, particularly in Mediterranean regions such as Portugal. Recognizing cats as potential reservoirs for the disease underscores the necessity of incorporating them into a One Health strategy for effective leishmaniosis prevention. Leveraging routine sterilization procedures at Official Animal Collection Centres (CRO) in Almada, Loures, and Lisbon, researchers will collect samples from controlled colony cats.This project aims to understand the real impact of feline leishmaniosis in the outreach area of Egas Moniz School of Health and Science.

2h

Patrícia Lyra

Swallowing disturbances and sialorrhea are common and debilitating oral symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Patient-reported outcome measures, such as the Portuguese versions of the Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Sialorrhea Clinical Scale for PD (SCS-PD), are now validated tools for assessing symptom burden. However, little is known about how these functional complaints relate to the oral health status of PD patients. This project will assess the association between self-reported swallowing disturbances and drooling severity (SDQ and SCS-PD) and clinical oral health parameters (full-mouth periodontal charting and CPO-D) in a cohort of Portuguese PD patients. The study will explore whether a poorer oral health status correlates with the aforementioned PROMs. The findings could inform integrated screening strategies within multidisciplinary PD care, supporting earlier dental referrals and preventive interventions that reduce systemic risks and improve quality of life.

4h

Lucinda J. Bessa

Modern medicine currently faces a significant challenge that threatens public health: antibiotic resistance. The goal of this project is to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of various compounds and extracts, whether natural or synthetic. This activity will be tested against several bacterial strains, both Gram-positive and Gram-negative, as well as multidrug-resistant clinical isolates. Methods such as the agar diffusion method and microdilution will be used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Compounds that demonstrate activity will be further tested to assess their ability to inhibit bacterial biofilm formation through 1) biomass quantification using 0.5% crystal violet staining and 2) microscopic visualization after Live/Dead staining.

6h

Alexandra Margarida Afonso Tavares Cardoso

Fabrication process and quality controls; production flow diagram and HACCP description; International Food Standards evaluation for implementation; meat nutritional analysis.

7h

Vanessa Machado

Hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle can influence immune responses, including oral inflammatory markers. This project investigates variations in oral neutrophil counts in female sport athletes throughout different phases of the menstrual cycle. By examining the interplay between hormonal shifts, physical activity, and oral immune status, the study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of sex-specific physiological responses and support tailored approaches in sports dentistry and women's health.

4h

Ana Sintra Delgado

Integrating the One Health approach into public health education offers a valuable opportunity to improve health literacy, particularly in oral health. As global health challenges become more interconnected, recognizing the links between human, animal, and environmental health is crucial. While One Health is increasingly recognized across sectors, its application in oral health education, especially in schools, remains underexplored. This research aims to develop educational models that equip children with the knowledge to navigate complex health issues. By incorporating One Health into curricula, the project seeks to promote integrated health approaches, fostering healthier communities and sustainable health education practices.

2h

Lucinda J. Bessa

The study of complex microbial communities, such as those found in soil, the intestine, or the oral cavity, increasingly relies on culture-independent methods based on direct DNA (or RNA) analysis without any culturing step. These methods involve protocols where the total DNA (or RNA) is directly extracted from the sample. This project aims to: 1) process samples, such as oral swabs, feces, and milk, to optimize protocols for microbial genomic DNA extraction; and 2) optimize qPCR protocols for detecting and quantifying specific pathogenic bacteria in these samples.

6h

José João Mendes

The intersection of sports science and oral health is gaining attention, with emerging evidence linking athletic performance and oral conditions. This feasibility study explores the potential use of oral biomarkers—such as inflammatory, immunological, and salivary indicators—in the context of sports dentistry. By assessing the practicality, reliability, and relevance of biomarker collection and analysis in athletic populations, the project aims to lay the groundwork for future diagnostics and personalized preventive strategies in sports-related oral healthcare.

4h

Inês Caetano Santos

Oral diadochokinesis (ODK), defined as the rapid repetition of specific syllables, is a simple and non-invasive measure of oral motor function that reflects tongue and lip coordination. Declines in ODK performance have been associated with reduced oral function and may represent an early indicator of oral frailty in older adults. This project aims to investigate the relationship between oral diadochokinetic performance and established markers of oral frailty. By exploring ODK as a potential screening tool, the study seeks to contribute to early detection strategies and to the development of preventive interventions that support functional independence and healthy ageing.

h

Inês Caetano Santos

Frailty is a multidimensional syndrome involving physical, psychological, and social domains, significantly increasing vulnerability in older adults. Oral health has been increasingly recognized as a potential contributor to physical decline, nutritional compromise, and functional limitations. This project aims to examine the relationship between oral health parameters and physical condition indicators. By clarifying these associations, the study seeks to strengthen the evidence base for incorporating oral health assessment into comprehensive geriatric evaluation and frailty prevention strategies.

4h

Patrícia Lyra

Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that is increasingly recognised as involving systemic and local immune dysregulation. Oral inflammatory responses, which can be assessed through the quantification of white blood cell (WBC) counts, can provide a valuable insight into these processes. This project investigates variations in oral WBC in Parkinson’s Disease patients, according to their periodontal status and compared with age- and sex-matched healthy counterparts. By examining oral WBCs in the Parkinson's disease population beyond the effects of periodontal inflammation, the study aims to identify disease-specific oral immune patterns, contributing to a deeper understanding of oral–systemic interactions in Parkinson's disease and supporting the development of tailored, interdisciplinary management strategies.

4h

Catarina Izidoro

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that leads to the destruction of the tooth's supporting tissues, characterized by a decrease in homeostasis due to polymicrobial aggression. Halitosis, or bad oral odor, is one of the main complaints of periodontitis patients, with a negative impact on their interpersonal relationships and self-esteem. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of periodontal treatment on intra-oral halitosis, as well as self-perception of disease before and after periodontal treatment.

4h

Catarina Izidoro

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that leads to the destruction of the tooth's supporting tissues, characterized by a decrease in homeostasis due to polymicrobial aggression. Halitosis, or bad oral odor, is one of the main complaints of periodontitis patients, with a negative impact on their interpersonal relationships and self-esteem. The aim of the project is to assess the association between periodontitis and intra-oral halitosis and to evaluate patients' self-perception of periodontitis and halitosis with their diagnosis.

4h

Ricardo Castro Alves

This project will focus in the use of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of periodontitis and peri-implantitis.

5h

Alexandra Margarida Afonso Tavares Cardoso

Fabrication process and quality controls; production flow diagram and HACCP description; International Food Standards evaluation for implementation; DOP cheese nutritional analysis.

7h

Luísa L. Gonçalves

Chitosan is a biopolymer of high economic and biomedical relevance, widely valued for its biopharmaceutical properties, namely pH sensitivity, biocompatibility and low toxicity. These characteristics give it vast potential for application in various areas, such as biomedicine, biotechnology, the food industry, agriculture, veterinary medicine and environmental preservation. This biopolymer is obtained by alkaline deacetylation of chitin, a polysaccharide derived from glucose and found, among other sources, in the exoskeleton of crustaceans and insects. In the biomedical field, chitosan stands out for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties, and is considered a promising biomaterial for oral health applications. Its ability to inhibit the formation of biofilms reinforces its potential for preventing and controlling infections in the oral environment. This project aims to obtain and characterize the chitosan extracted from the puparium and/or the exuviae of a new source - the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), envisaging its use in the formulation of an adhesive gel for dental prostheses with antimicrobial activity. In addition, due to its proven properties in promoting healing and tissue regeneration, this project intends also to extend its application to the production and development of an ointment for the treatment of wounds in animals.

8h

Alexandre Trindade

Canine lymphoma is a common and heterogeneous type of hematological cancer, being similar to human non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Although treatments are likely to lead to remission, most dogs end up recidivating and dying, in contrast to NHL. A multidisciplinary approach will be used here to construct a canine lymphoma biobank to compare untreated versus relapsed samples from the same dogs. We hope to discover new therapeutic leads and prognostic tools.

6h

Iris Almeida

The PROMOTE Project – Promoting Integrated Professional Development for Prison Practitioners in Vocational Excellence for Offender Integration focuses on the reskilling of prison practitioners to support offenders’ re-integration into society.

8h

Iris Almeida

The present study aims to analyze the relationship between psychosocial risks, burnout, psychopathological symptoms and personality in health and justice professionals.

8h

Iris Almeida

Evaluation of the current Domestic Violence Risk Assessment Instrument (RVD) used by portuguese police since 2014.

8h

Maria Alzira Cavacas

L-PRF membranes are advanced, anticoagulant-free, autologous biomaterials that form a stable three-dimensional fibrin matrix. They act as a superior biological scaffold by trapping viable leukocytes and platelets, accelerating tissue repair through the gradual release of growth factors. Comprehensive microscopic and ultrastructural evaluation is essential to validate the clinical superiority of this tool, which has demonstrated exceptional potential in accelerating the healing of soft tissue and bone regeneration in periodontal and oral surgeries.

4h

António HS Delgado

We propose the synthesis of novel nanoparticles, containing functional chemical groups that may bring advantages to the formulation of next generation, potentially self-adhesive materials. The aim is to synthesize particles able to interact with mineralized tissues, superficially etching the substrates and bonding to the underlying tissue. These particles will then be included in the formulation of composites, and these materials will be tested, using normal physico-chemical property screening and ex vivo tooth models.

6h

António HS Delgado

New formulations of self-adhesive composites and alternative ways to prepare dentin for bonding procedures are the main focus of the project. Specifically, this project aims to test the effect of heating self-adhesive composites on the material properties and bonding behaviour, using ex vivo tooth models and laboratory assays.

6h

José João Mendes

The global dental community is increasingly recognizing the urgent need to adopt sustainable practices. This project aims to explore the potential of sustainable dentistry to mitigate environmental impact, promote ethical principles, and enhance patient care. By examining the current state of dental sustainability, identifying innovative practices, and evaluating their ethical implications, this research seeks to contribute to the development of a more environmentally responsible and socially conscious dental profession.

2h

Inês Caetano Santos

Oral frailty has emerged as a significant component of vulnerability in older adults, yet its social determinants remain insufficiently explored. Socioeconomic factors such as education level, income, occupational background, and access to dental care may play a crucial role in shaping oral health trajectories across the life course. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the association between socioeconomic indicators and oral frailty status in community-dwelling older adults, integrating clinical oral assessments and validated frailty measures. By identifying social gradients in oral frailty, the project seeks to contribute to the understanding of health inequalities and to inform targeted public health strategies that promote equitable and healthy ageing.

4h

Iris Almeida

The goal of the project is to validate the evaluation and intervention protocols, extended to different criminal typologies, based on practice in the field and reinforced by the literature, which the project has also produced in the Victims Information and Assistance Office, in the Forensic Psychology Office and in the Technical Advisor Office – Egas Moniz Forensic and Psychological Sciences Laboratory.

8h

Iris Almeida

The present investigation aims to analyze the relationship between attachment (Hazan & Shaver, 1987), the presence of psychopathology in adulthood (Dutton et al., 1994; Hazan & Shaver, 1987) and Intimate Partner Violence (Almeida et al., 2023).

8h

Pedro Manuel Mariano Pereira

Temporary skeletal anchorage has proven to be a predictable treatment auxiliar in orthodontics, particularly in complex orthodontic cases. The choice of microimplant insertion site can be crucial for the effectiveness of these treatment auxiliar. This research project aims to evaluate three-dimensionally the best insertion sites, considering bone availability in terms of quality and quantity, for temporary skeletal anchorage.

4h

Dinis Pereira

Research on emerging and established methods for diagnosing tooth size discrepancies.

3h

João Botelho

Dental education is inherently demanding, and growing evidence suggests that mental health challenges are prevalent among dental students. This project aims to track mental health trajectories over the course of one academic year in a prospective cohort of dental students. By identifying patterns, risk factors, and protective influences, the research seeks to inform tailored support strategies, contribute to a healthier academic environment, and promote long-term well-being within the dental profession.

4h

João Botelho

As the use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) rises, concerns grow regarding its effects on oral health. This one-year prospective cohort study aims to monitor changes in the oral mucosa and periodontal parameters among vapers. By generating longitudinal data and comparing it with non-vaping populations, the project strives to clarify vaping's impact on oral tissues, contribute to risk communication strategies, and support evidence-based guidance in clinical and public health dentistry.

4h

Vanessa Machado

Health literacy plays a vital role in empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their oral health. This project aims to validate the Portuguese version of the Health Literacy Dental Scale 29 (HeLD-29), ensuring its cultural and linguistic appropriateness, reliability, and psychometric robustness. By providing a validated tool for the Portuguese-speaking population, the study contributes to advancing oral health promotion, reducing inequalities, and supporting research in dental public health.

4h

Patrícia Lyra

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition with a significant systemic impact that is highly prevalent. While clinical periodontal examination remains the gold standard for diagnosis, its time-consuming nature and frequent infeasibility in multidisciplinary care settings has led to the development and validation of self-reported questionnaires with good predictive validity. However, their performance in neuro-compromised populations, such as patients with Parkinson's disease where motor and cognitive impairments may affect perception of oral health and the accuracy of self-reports, is unknown. This project aims to test the validity and predictive value of the self-report periodontitis questionnaire in patients with Parkinson's disease. Clinically, this research has the potential to establish a low-cost, rapid screening tool for periodontal disease in neuro-compromised populations, where oral health is frequently overlooked but strongly linked to systemic and functional outcomes. It could also empower non-dental professionals to identify at-risk patients early, ensuring timely referral for periodontal care and ultimately improving quality of life and interdisciplinary management.

4h

Ana Vanessa Antunes

This project explores the use of virtual reality (VR) to design immersive and interactive learning environments tailored to perioperative nursing education. In the complex and high-stakes context of surgical care, VR offers a powerful tool to simulate operating room settings, patient preparation, sterile techniques, instrumentation, and teamwork dynamics. Through experiential learning, students can safely engage in critical decision-making and procedural skills, enhancing both competence and confidence. Students participating in this project will investigate current applications of VR in perioperative nursing education—such as anatomy visualization, surgical procedure walkthroughs, patient safety training, and teamwork simulations— while identifying key pedagogical challenges that immersive technologies can help address, including low motivation and limited access to practical experiences. They will contribute to the co-design of VR-based learning modules focused on perioperative scenarios (e.g., preoperative assessments, intraoperative roles, postoperative recovery), develop storyboards or low-fidelity prototypes, and conduct small-scale usability tests or walkthroughs with peers or professionals. The project emphasizes critical reflection on the cognitive, emotional, and educational impact of immersive simulation, supporting the development of innovative tools that enhance patient safety and nursing education.

3h