Célia Manaia, a researcher at the Center for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) at the Faculty of Biotechnology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, is one of the most cited scientists in the world for the fifth consecutive year, according to “Highly Cited Researchers 2024”, compiled by Clarivate Analytics.

“This recognition shows that the work we do has an impact and relevance in the scientific community,” says the researcher, stressing, ”science is a collective and global effort, and it is very gratifying to realize that we contribute to this international dialogue.”

Dedicated to the field of microbiology, with a special focus on the study of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, Célia Manaia sees this distinction as “a stimulus to continue researching and contributing to advances that benefit society.”

The researcher also offers advice to new researchers. “More important than chasing rankings or metrics is working with passion, creativity and honesty. Find meaning in what you do and give yourself to the process, regardless of whether it's simple or complex.”