On 7 May 2026, the University of Aveiro hosted the seminar “Therapeutic Effect and Toxicological Risk: Analysis Methods in Pre-clinical Studies”, bringing together students, researchers and academics for a session focused on advanced toxicological assessment and translational biomedical science.

Delivered by Professor Ana Paula Girol, Pro-Rector and faculty member at UNIFIPA (Brazil), the seminar explored innovative analytical approaches for evaluating both therapeutic potential and toxicological risk in pre-clinical contexts. With a PhD in Genetics and postdoctoral specialization in Immunomorphology, Professor Girol is internationally recognized for her scientific work in Cellular Biology, Histology, Embryology, and inflammatory, regenerative, and tumour-related processes.

Grounded in the 3Rs principle in animal experimentation (Reduction, Replacement and Refinement), the lecture presented several models for assessing the toxicity of diverse substances, including alternative methodologies such as haemolysis testing and the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, alongside systemic rodent-based evaluations. These complementary strategies highlighted ethically informed and scientifically robust approaches to pre-clinical investigation.

Beyond its scientific relevance, the seminar also reinforced ongoing research collaboration between UNIFIPA (Brazil) and the University of Aveiro, with support from CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials, Medical training office, CESAM, UA Library, and Pedagogical innovation office, contributing to the consolidation of shared international scientific and educational initiatives.

According to Professor Maria de Lourdes Pereira, who organized the seminar with Prof. Miguel Oliveira (DBio, CESAM) “This initiative reflects the importance of building bridges between institutions, disciplines and countries. By bringing together international expertise, the University of Aveiro, UNIFIPA, CICECO, Department of Medical Sciences and CESAM are creating new opportunities for collaborative research, innovation and advanced training in biomedical sciences.”

Professor Girol has maintained a strong academic connection with the University of Aveiro through her contributions to Biomedical Sciences undergraduate curricular units, particularly in reproduction and embryonic development. She is also actively involved in the international COIL–Collaborative Online International Learning project, further strengthening transnational educational cooperation.

Widely recognized for her multidisciplinary and innovative teaching approach, Professor Girol combines scientific rigor with drawing and painting as pedagogical tools, promoting educational methodologies that integrate technical knowledge, creativity and socio-emotional skill development in medical education. During her stay at UA, Professor Girol was honored by the Department of Medical Sciences, and World Union Herbal Drug Discovery (WUheDD) for the excellence of her work.