CBMA and Department of Biology host ERASMUS+ BIP on Cell Death and Autophagy

The Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA) and the Department of Biology (DB) hosted, from 4 to 8 May, the in-person week of the ERASMUS+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “Mechanisms and Regulation of Cell Death and Autophagy”, coordinated by Professor Maria João Sousa and funded by the European Union’s ERASMUS+ programme.

The programme brought together 16 master’s students from higher education institutions in France, Italy, and Poland, alongside 11 students from the Department of Biology, for an intensive training experience combining advanced theoretical and practical learning in cellular and molecular biology.

Teaching activities were led by DB faculty members Maria João Sousa, Ana Preto, António Rego, and Susana Chaves, with contributions from invited specialists Stéphen Manon (University of Bordeaux, France), Clara Pereira (RISE-Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto), and Cristina Xavier (i3S, University of Porto).

Participants explored key topics in regulated cell death and autophagy, including apoptosis mechanisms, distinctions between regulated and accidental cell death, apoptosis evasion in cancer and drug resistance, and the use of yeast as a model system to study cell death and autophagy.

In addition to the on-site activities, the programme included an online component held from 20 to 24 April, fostering international collaboration and scientific exchange beyond the classroom.

This ERASMUS+ BIP reinforces CBMA and the Department of Biology’s commitment to internationalisation, scientific excellence, and advanced training in biomedical and biotechnological research.