The Portuguese Chemical Society (SPQ) rannounced the results of its awards to honour the best young researchers and the best doctoral and master's theses in organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry for theses discussed in 2022 and 2023.

Catarina Maria, who holds a Master's degree in Bioorganic Chemistry from NOVA FCT, is among the winners of the "Best Thesis in Medicinal Chemistry" award.

The winning thesis, entitled "Exploring synthetic approaches of purine nucleosides as potential copper chelators and cholinesterase inhibitors", was dedicated to the synthesis of new nucleosides with a view to contributing to research into innovative treatments for Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative disease that affects millions of people and lacks an effective treatment.

"I was grateful to receive this award, and it has reinforced my interest in the field of carbohydrate chemistry and medicinal chemistry, areas that I believe could play a crucial role in our society," explains the student.

Catarina Maria is currently a PhD student, with a scholarship awarded by the Foundation for Science and Technology, and her research is centred on the synthesis and application of new antibacterial drugs and prodrugs.