Seminars

More than 50 researchers and healthcare professionals from Portugal and Belgium gathered at the University of Minho to discuss fungal infections, antifungal resistance and new approaches to understanding host–microbe interactions.

How do environmental fungi adapt to the human host? What role can the microbiome play in the outcome of fungal infections? And how can new technologies help researchers investigate pathogens and identify potential treatment strategies?

These questions were at the heart of the GastroFungi Scientific Meeting – Advances in Fungal Research, held on 8 October at the Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho. The meeting brought together more than 50 researchers and healthcare professionals from Portugal and Belgium, promoting scientific exchange across disciplines and strengthening connections between fundamental research and clinical practice.

The event was organised by Rosana Alves, Principal Investigator of the GastroFungi project and researcher at the Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), School of Sciences, University of Minho.

The opening session featured Rosana Alves, António Salgado, Vice-Rector for Research and Science Policy at the University of Minho, Cláudia Pascoal, Director of CBMA and IB-S, and Andreia Gomes, Director of the Department of Biology. Their contributions highlighted the importance of scientific meetings in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and connecting fundamental discoveries with applied research.

From antifungal resistance to host–microbe interactions

The programme brought together complementary perspectives on fungal biology, microbial interactions, infection and clinical practice, showcasing research that addresses some of the major challenges in contemporary fungal research.

Rosana Alves introduced the GastroFungi project, presenting progress and data across its three strategic dimensions: Research, Training and Dissemination.

Patrick Van Dijck (KU Leuven, Belgium) presented new findings on Candida auris, a fungal pathogen identified as a critical priority because of its global health impact and high levels of antifungal resistance. His laboratory’s research contributes to understanding the mechanisms underlying resistance and exploring potential treatment options.

The role of the microbiome in fungal infections was explored by Joana Rocha (ICVS – Life and Health Sciences Research Institute), who presented research investigating the bacterial communities living in the lungs and their relationship with Aspergillus infections. By identifying microbiome signatures associated with patient outcomes, this work aims to improve understanding of the factors that may influence survival following invasive fungal infections.

Bringing the clinical perspective to the meeting, Ana Cláudia Carvalho (Hospital de Braga) presented a challenging clinical case, highlighting the difficulties of diagnosing and treating fungal infections, including in young individuals who appear otherwise healthy. Her presentation reinforced the need for continued research and investment in this field.

Rui Manuel Reis (ICVS – Life and Health Sciences Research Institute) explored research on Fusobacterium nucleatum, a bacterial pathogen with an intriguing connection to Candida albicans, and its association with colorectal cancer. This contribution highlighted the complexity of interactions between microorganisms and their potential relevance to human disease.

New models and technologies for fungal research

The meeting also showcased innovative tools and experimental approaches that can advance the study of host–microbe interactions.

Clarisse Nobre (Centre of Biological Engineering, CEB) presented in vitro gastrointestinal models designed to investigate interactions between hosts and microorganisms. These models offer promising alternatives for preliminary screening studies, with the potential to reduce experimental costs and reliance on animal experimentation.

Meanwhile, Greetje Vande Velde (KU Leuven, Belgium) introduced advanced imaging technologies for studying Cryptococcus and Aspergillus. Using bioluminescence and other imaging approaches, researchers can follow pathogens in real time, opening new opportunities to investigate infection dynamics and complement conventional methods based on counting colony-forming units (CFUs).

Together, these contributions demonstrated how advances in microbiology, imaging, experimental models and clinical research can provide complementary approaches to understanding fungal infections and the challenges associated with their management.

Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration

Beyond the scientific programme, the GastroFungi Scientific Meeting provided an opportunity for researchers and healthcare professionals from different backgrounds to exchange ideas, establish connections and explore new avenues for collaboration.

In a context of climate change and increasing pressure on ecosystems, understanding the relationships between environmental microorganisms, human hosts and disease is becoming increasingly important. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration across disciplines and closer links between fundamental research and clinical practice.

Organised within the framework of the GastroFungi project, funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), the meeting contributed to this effort by bringing together expertise from the University of Minho and KU Leuven.

The event was supported by the University of Minho, CBMA, IB-S, Município de Braga and Município de Ponte de Lima.