In March, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, celebrated International Women’s Day with a digital campaign that showcased 13 research projects focused on women’s quality of life and the promotion of gender equality. The initiative featured twelve videos shared on the School’s social media, highlighting various scientific projects.

Among the projects is “T-MoMa,” led by Dulce Belo, a professor at Técnico and a researcher at the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Engineering (DECN) and Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT). The research project focuses on ovarian cancer, which is often diagnosed at advanced stages, exploring “gold bisdithiolate complexes” with adjustable properties. These compounds allow for the study of alternative mechanisms of action compared to traditional drugs and show potential anticancer and antibacterial effects, which could help combat infections related to treatments.

The “Woah-Pause” project, developed at the Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (iBB), proposes an in vitro model based on human cells to study osteoarthritis together with the hormonal changes during menopause. As part of this research, Kristin Schüler, a doctoral student, tries to understand the progression of the disease at this stage of life, contributing to the development of safer and more personalised therapies with less animal testing.

The “Tech for Taboo Topics” project, led by Teresa Almeida, a professor at Técnico and a researcher at the Interactive Technologies Institute (ITI), focuses on designing technological solutions for topics that are often silenced or stigmatised. Focusing on the intimate health of older women, the research adopts a participatory approach, involving the “A Avó Veio Trabalhar” (“Grandma Came to Work”) initiative in sharing experiences and developing solutions.

The campaign also highlighted projects dedicated to studying the gut microbiome during perimenopause and menopause, analysing the effects of hormonal stimulation associated with fertility treatments on the brain, as well as new therapeutic and diagnostic approaches for different types of breast cancer.

The initiative brought together 16 researchers from several research units affiliated with Técnico.