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3 June 2026

6 Days of Sunshine at SOLEIL for the Computational Spectroscopy Group

6 Days of Sunshine at SOLEIL for the Computational Spectroscopy Group

The Computational Spectroscopy Group at CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials has once again secured highly competitive synchrotron beamtime, this time at the prestigious Synchrotron SOLEIL in France. The successful proposal was awarded six days of beamtime on the SMIS Beamline, one of Europe’s leading facilities for infrared spectromicroscopy and nanoscale chemical imaging.

The project, entitled “Synchrotron-Based Spectrochemical Mapping of EMT-Driven Cellular Plasticity in Pancreatic Cancer”, aims to advance the understanding of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. By investigating how cellular phenotype, metabolic reprogramming, and microenvironmental adaptations contribute to tumor aggressiveness, the team seeks to uncover new insights into cancer progression and cellular plasticity.

The proposal was led by Mariela Nolasco and brings together complementary expertise in cancer biology and cell culture from Luísa Helguero (IBIMED), vibrational spectroscopy from Mariela Nolasco and Ana Gil (CICECO), and advanced data analysis capabilities within the Computational Spectroscopy Group. The project also benefits from the participation of early-career researchers, reinforcing the group's commitment to scientific training and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Building on previous synchrotron nano- and micro-FTIR studies conducted at the Diamond Light Source, the awarded beamtime will enable detailed spectrochemical mapping of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and metabolites. These analyses will provide valuable information on the biochemical remodeling associated with EMT and cancer progression.

This achievement further strengthens the group's track record of successful access to major European Large Scale Research Facilities, including ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, the Institut Laue-Langevin, the Diamond Light Source, and now Synchrotron SOLEIL. Such accomplishments reflect the scientific excellence of the team, its strong international collaborations, and its ability to develop highly competitive interdisciplinary research proposals.

Congratulations to Principal Investigator Mariela Nolasco and all team members involved in the proposal: Ana Gil, Luísa Helguero, João A. Rodrigues, and João Martins.

A remarkable example of teamwork, scientific excellence, and international impact.

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