Ana Martins Vilas Boas, a PhD student in Biotechnology at the Faculty of Biotechnology (ESB) and a researcher at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF), has been awarded a “Visibility Pack” under the EWA Portugal 2025 – Empowering Women in Agrifood programme, promoted by EIT Food (European Institute for Innovation & Technology).
The project with which she participated, BioUpCycle, developed in collaboration with Daniela Magalhães, Marta Coelho, Marta Cunha and Sofia Sousa, aims to transform agricultural residues into new value-added bioproducts, contributing to a more circular and sustainable agri-food system.
Participation in EWA Portugal was, in Ana Martins Vilas Boas’ words, “a true journey of transformation”, providing access to specialised mentoring and embedding her within a network of women entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector.
The award further strengthens the project’s visibility and recognition at national level. Ana Martins Vilas Boas will represent Portugal at the event “Next Bite: Accelerating Innovation Through Women Leadership”, taking place in Warsaw next week.
