The International Society for Biofabrication (ISBF) Early Career Investigator Award recognizes exceptional early-career scientists who demonstrate remarkable creativity and scientific excellence in biofabrication, driving innovation and creating meaningful impact in this rapidly evolving field. Rita Sobreiro-Almeida's selection for this prestigious honor places her among the most promising researchers globally in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
 
The ISBF is the leading global organization dedicated to advancing the field of biofabrication through research, education, and collaboration among scientists, engineers, and clinicians worldwide.

We spoke with the CICECO researcher following her recent recognition, exploring her journey, research vision, and what this international honor means for her career.

"Receiving this award is both humbling and motivating,” begins when we ask about the significance of this international recognition. "It represents recognition not only of my individual work but also of the collaborative efforts with partners, students, and mentors who have supported me. The award reinforces that I am moving in the right direction and gives me confidence to continue building my independent research path."

This achievement extends beyond personal validation. "Beyond personal achievement, it encourages me to contribute actively to the biofabrication community and to advance ideas that can make a difference," she explains, reflecting her commitment to the broader scientific community.

Envisioning the Future of Biofabrication

When discussing her research aims, her vision is both ambitious and applied. "I aim to develop more automated and scalable biofabrication approaches that can bridge the gap between laboratory models and clinical applications," she shares. This translational focus reflects her understanding that the ultimate measure of scientific success lies in real-world impact.

Her commitment to the next generation of scientists is equally strong. "Additionally, I plan to continue mentoring young researchers and fostering collaborations across disciplines, as meaningful progress in our field requires diverse perspectives," highlighting the collaborative nature that has shaped her own success.

A Global Perspective on Research Excellence
Currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Aveiro (COMPASS Research Group), Dr. Sobreiro-Almeida brings extensive international experience to CICECO. Her academic foundation was built through a Ph.D. in Tissue Engineering, Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells, completed in 2021 at the University of Minho through a collaborative program with Università degli Studi di Firenze in Italy.

Her research perspective has been enriched by strategic international collaborations, including research stays at CBIT, Universitat Politècnica de València in Spain, and the prestigious MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. This diverse international exposure has shaped her unique approach to biofabrication challenges.

Focusing on designing and engineering extracellular matrix (ECM)-rich and patient-derived biomaterials with tissue-matching properties, her work employs cutting-edge biofabrication strategies to create materials that could revolutionize how we approach tissue repair and regeneration.

"My focus has always been on developing solutions that can truly make a difference for patients," explains when discussing her research philosophy. This patient-centered approach drives her innovation in creating biomaterials that not only function effectively but also integrate seamlessly with human tissue.

Scientific Impact and Innovation

The scientific contributions are reflected in an impressive portfolio: over 22 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals such as Advanced Science, Aggregate, Small, and Biofabrication. Her work has also secured intellectual property protection through a patent on blood-derived bioinks, demonstrating the translational potential of her research.

Her ability to secure independent funding underscores the quality and relevance of her work. During her research years, she has been awarded a Scientific Employment Stimulus (CEECIND) contract and served as Principal Investigator of the FCT-funded LEGO project, an ambitious initiative aimed at developing bioinks using high-throughput methodologies.

The ISBF award joins an impressive collection of recent recognitions, including the 2025 TERMIS SYIS-EU Impact Award and the CICECO Young Scientist Award 2024, establishing her as one of the most promising researchers in the field.

CICECO's Commitment to Excellence

Her international recognition reflects CICECO's ability to attract and nurture world-class talent. Her success demonstrates the CICECO’s collaborative environment and strategic focus on addressing global challenges through innovative materials science.

"The support from CICECO has been instrumental in allowing me to pursue ambitious research questions," acknowledges. "The interdisciplinary environment here creates unique opportunities for collaboration and innovation."

As Dr. Sobreiro-Almeida continues to push the boundaries of biofabrication, her work promises to contribute significantly to the development of next-generation therapeutic approaches. This international recognition positions the researcher and CICECO at the forefront of biofabrication, a field poised to transform how we treat tissue damage and disease.