Bojan Kopilovic

Bojan Kopilovic is a bioengineer and postdoctoral research associate currently working at the School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom. His research focuses on the continuous and scaled-up production of ribonucleic acid (RNA) vaccines and therapeutics, with particular emphasis on manufacturing processes that are robust, automatable, transferable, and suitable for regional production sites. “I see this work as a continuation and expansion of the strong scientific foundations, values, and collaborative mindset developed during my doctoral studies”, begins Dr. Kopilovic to share his story.

Studies at CICECO

After completing my master’s thesis in Aveiro through the Erasmus+ programme, I began my PhD in 2020 and defended it in 2025. During this period, I had the privilege of working under the supervision of Professor Chantal Pichon, Professor João Coutinho, and Dr Mara G. Freire, mentors with strong and complementary backgrounds in immunology, chemical engineering, and biotechnology.

My research was developed at the interface of materials science and biotechnology, with a particular focus on nucleic-acid-based therapeutics, namely the nasal delivery of messenger RNA (mRNA) using lipid-based systems and gellable aqueous biphasic systems. Beyond the scientific training, my time at CICECO was marked by an exceptionally supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. The quality of the culture of collaboration and the trust placed in young researchers were truly noteworthy. I will always cherish the lessons learned, the friendships formed, and the motivating mentors who fueled both my scientific development and my personal growth during this period.

Experience at CICECO and life in Aveiro

CICECO fostered a highly collaborative and international environment in which chemical engineers, chemists, biochemists, and biotechnologists work closely together. My experience at CICECO was scientifically profound, multidisciplinary, and deeply formative. This exposure strongly shaped my way of thinking, encouraging me to approach research questions from multiple perspectives.

One of the most valuable aspects of this experience was learning how to translate fundamental scientific knowledge into biologically relevant and clinically oriented applications, particularly in the field of RNA therapeutics. 

Living in Aveiro for over five years was equally impactful on both my professional and personal life. The city offered an excellent balance between a lively academic environment and a high quality of life outside the laboratory. The strong international atmosphere and proximity to the ocean made Aveiro an exceptional place for both scientific and personal growth. Some of my most loved memories and closest friendships were formed during this time. Alongside these personal highlights, key achievements included presenting my work at international conferences, publishing my first research articles, participating in international collaborations, and mentoring younger students.

Career path after CICECO

After completing my PhD at CICECO, I moved to the United Kingdom to start a postdoctoral research associate position at the University of Sheffield. I am currently working on a project funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), where my research focuses on the optimisation of manufacturing and purification processes for RNA medicines and their lipid nanoparticle delivery systems.

A central aim of this work is to overcome the limitations associated with traditional, centralised, batch-based RNA manufacturing. In this context, our team is developing the RNAbox™, a compact, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant manufacturing platform designed for on-site, continuous RNA production. Unlike conventional large-scale GMP facilities, the RNAbox™ is conceived as a self-contained and modular system, enabling rapid, flexible, and distributed production of RNA medicines across diverse geographical and infrastructural settings. Beyond addressing challenges related to cost, scalability, and automation, the RNAbox™ represents a major step forward in global preparedness and rapid response to emerging infectious diseases.

My main responsibilities include the development and optimisation of manufacturing and purification workflows, the evaluation of key performance indicators related to process performance. It is a powerful milestone in a professional and personal levels that the equipment we"re currently developing at UoS will produce vaccines for clinical trials.

Skills and knowledge gained at CICECO

As a large and highly diverse institute, CICECO encourages close collaboration between research groups, with teams frequently relying on one another’s expertise. This environment allowed me to refine my ability to think as a chemist while naturally bridging materials science and engineering with biological function, a perspective that has been central to my professional development.

In addition to interdisciplinary thinking, I was given the freedom and responsibility to develop as an independent researcher. I also acquired solid expertise in nucleic acid technologies, lipid-based delivery systems, fields that have proven essential in my current work in biomanufacturing and translational research.

Another key point was my 6-month research stay in Orléans, France, which was made possible by CICECO’s focus on international mobility and collaborations (focused on the development of platforms for the nasal delivery of RNA).

Furthermore, CICECO and the Commission of PhD Students of CICECO (CAD) played a decisive role in strengthening my scientific communication skills, particularly in writing and presenting to diverse and multidisciplinary audiences. Overall, these skills form a foundation that continues to guide my work and professional growth.

Advice to current and future CICECO researchers

Given the highly multidisciplinary nature of the Institute, I would encourage researchers to think early about the broader impact, applicability, and potential patentability or commercialisation of their work, even when it is fundamentally driven. Actively seeking industrial and international collaborations is equally crucial, not only to broaden scientific perspectives and possibilities but also to build a strong professional network, which can have a lasting and transformative impact on one’s career.

Equally important is investing time in the development of transferable skills alongside technical expertise, as these abilities, together with strong mentoring, are essential for long-term career progression in any sector.

Finally, at CICECO, every challenge is an opportunity to grow and every connection can last a lifetime. While research is undoubtedly demanding, it is also a unique and rewarding opportunity for professional and personal growth. Making the most of this period, both inside and outside the laboratory, can be truly transformative.