YRMA Voices – Edition 8 presents two unique paths shaped by the opportunities offered through the YERUN Research Mobility Awards. In both cases, the awards became catalysts for significant academic and professional developments, whether through in-person lab work or virtual collaboration under challenging conditions.
Dr. Ana I. Furtado, now a postdoctoral researcher at Maastricht University, reflects on how the mobility award allowed her to establish a meaningful partnership with the Sensor Engineering Department. What began as a short research visit evolved into an extended collaboration, multiple publications, and ultimately a new role in the same institution — a clear example of how mobility can lead to long-term professional integration and growth.
Dr. Maria Beatriz Seabra de Brito currently a Guest Professor at Nova School of Law and Legal Advisor to the Vice President of the Portuguese Constitutional Court, shares her experience of a fully remote mobility exchange with Pompeu Fabra University during the pandemic. Despite the unusual format, the collaboration proved instrumental in defining the direction of her doctoral work and laid the foundation for future academic ties.
What impact did the YERUN Research Mobility Award have on your research and professional development?
Dr. Ana I. Furtado: The YERUN Research Mobility Award gave me the opportunity to get to know the research work carried out by the Sensor Engineering Department at Maastricht University. It allowed me to expand my network and establish a strong collaboration with the Sensor Engineering group. Through the YERUN grant, I was able to collect preliminary results that provided a strong foundation for further research. This collaboration has already resulted in one publication (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100605), and another one is currently in progress, contributing strongly for my professional development.
Dr. Maria Beatriz Seabra de Brito: The topic I chose for my YERUN project actually ended up becoming the subject of my PhD! My connection with Pompeu Fabra University was a bit unusual, it was entirely virtual due to the pandemic, but it was still incredibly valuable.
Can you share a memorable moment or highlight from your mobility experience?
Dr. Ana I. Furtado: One of the most memorable aspects of the experience was working in a modern, well-equipped laboratory that encouraged both autonomy and collaboration. I appreciated the open exchange of knowledge and the collaborative approach to problem-solving within the group. It reinforced for me that science thrives in teamwork and shared learning.
Dr. Maria Beatriz Seabra de Brito: It may not seem like a big deal now, with some distance, but at the time, right in the middle of the pandemic, the opportunity to connect with the inDret journal team at Pompeu Fabra was amazing. It gave me a real boost and motivation to keep going with my research, even under difficult circumstances.
Did the collaboration initiated through the award lead to any ongoing partnerships or follow-up projects?
Dr. Ana I. Furtado: Yes, absolutely. After the mobility period, I returned to Maastricht University to finalize the research work for my PhD. Thanks to the network established through this collaboration, I am now officially employed as a postdoctoral researcher at Maastricht University in the Sensor Engineering group. This has opened up new opportunities to work on a variety of projects, particularly those focused on biomedical devices and biosensors. I hope in the future also have new collaborated projects with Maastricht University, NOVA University Lisbon and IST/UL.
Dr. Maria Beatriz Seabra de Brito: Yes, although for now it’s mostly in the form of future collaboration plans and expectations.
What advice would you give to researchers considering applying for the YERUN Research Mobility Awards?
Dr. Ana I. Furtado: Make the most of the experience, expand your network, learn new techniques and methodologies, and immerse yourself in the research culture of the host institution. I even had the chance to teach during my time there, which was incredibly rewarding. Explore the country, make new friends, and enjoy the cultural experience. Most importantly, remember that we are never alone—in life or in science.
Dr. Maria Beatriz Seabra de Brito: Take full advantage of what I couldn’t: in-person contact with different academic environments. And approach your research proposal seriously—it’s a great opportunity to build something meaningful.
Thank you, Ana and Maria Beatriz!
These two stories highlight the importance of research mobility, and underscore the enduring value of the YERUN Research Mobility Awards in shaping research careers. Dr. Furtado’s story shows how mobility can lead to deep-rooted collaboration, and, in her case, a new position within the host university, turning short-term exchange into long-term opportunity. Dr Seabra’s experience reminds us that even in challenging times, meaningful academic engagement is still possible, and that connections built today can evolve into future collaborations.
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Bios:
Dr. Ana I. Furtado holds a Master’s degree in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering from the Nova School of Science and Technology – NOVA University Lisbon (NOVA FCT), and a PhD in Sustainable Chemistry. Her doctoral research focused on the development of affinity materials using green technologies, such as supercritical fluids and mechanochemistry, for biopurification applications, including biosensors, catalysis, and separation devices. The project was carried out in close collaboration between NOVA FCT and the Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (iBB) at Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon (IST/UL), both in Portugal. She is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Sensor Engineering Department at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University (The Netherlands), where she is developing novel sensing devices for biopharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Her work is driven by a strong commitment to expanding scientific knowledge and fostering innovation with real-world impact.
Dr. Maria Beatriz Seabra de Brito is a Guest Professor at Nova School of Law since 2022 and currently serves as Legal Advisor to the Vice President of the Constitutional Court, Justice Gonçalo Almeida Ribeiro. Her academic work focuses on criminal law theory, comparative criminal law, and criminal procedure. In addition, she has substantial experience in administrative sanctions proceedings, having worked as a lawyer at both the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM) and the Bank of Portugal. She began her legal career at PLMJ. Beatriz was a visiting researcher at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and is currently a researcher at CEDIS – Nova School of Law’s R&D center.
