Professor Isabel Santos was honoured for her relevant scientific contributions to the advancement of radiopharmaceutical chemistry, molecular imaging and cancer theranostics in the special edition of Dalton Transactions, titled “Frontiers in Radionuclide Imaging and Therapy, A chemical journey from naturally radioactive elements to targeted theranostic agents”, which is co-edited by professor João Correia (researcher at C2TN-IST), professor Angela Casini (Cardiff University) and professor Chris Orvig (University of British Columbia).

“One of our main goals was to disseminate professor Isabel Santos’ scientific interests throughout her scientific career”, explained professor João Correia. This special edition reflects the different scientific interests of professor Isabel Santos, from basic research in the field of inorganic chemistry to biomedical applications of new compounds.

The researcher at C2TN-IST developed several projects in the area of the “development of new innovative molecules for imaging diagnosis and selective therapy of different diseases, namely in the field of oncology, neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular diseases”, specified the professor.

Professor Isabel Santos “was one of the first Portuguese scientists who worked in the field of (radio)chemical compounds for cancer theranostics”, said professor João Correia. She was also the first president of C2TN-IST and a pioneer in the inclusion of European women in science.

This special edition addresses topics such as: new production methods, molecular theranostics, multimodal imaging and gold nanoparticles for radiopharmaceutical applications.

Professor Isabel Santos felt “surprised, thrilled and happy for this initiative that concerns not only me but also all collaborators who worked with me”. She had a long scientific career of over 40 years, “always showing full dedication, enthusiasm and curiosity”, as she herself said.