The Ordem dos Farmacêuticos has awarded Jorge Gonçalves, leader of the Mechanistic Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy Research Lab at UCIBIO-FFUP, with the Medal of Honour, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the advancement of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the promotion of the pharmaceutical profession in society.
The distinction was conferred during the Solemn Session of the National Pharmacist Day celebrations, held on September 26 in Tomar.
The Medal of Honour distinguishes pharmacists who have demonstrated “extraordinary commitment to the defence and enhancement of the prestige of the pharmaceutical profession, for their high merit, and for their exceptional contribution to the recognition of pharmaceutical activity in society.”
In his words of appreciation, Jorge Gonçalves, Full Professor at Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP) highlighted the prestige and ambition of the pharmaceutical profession, underlining how these have inspired the academic community and consolidated the field of Pharmaceutical Sciences as one of excellence. He expressed his gratitude to both the professional community and academia for allowing him to take part in this collective growth and expressed hope that this collaboration will deepen with future generations of pharmacists.
About Professor Jorge Gonçalves
Jorge Gonçalves holds a degree and a PhD in Pharmacy from the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP), where he has been Full Professor since 2004.
Between 2002 and 2006, he served as Dean of FFUP, and from 2006 to 2014, as Vice-Rector of the University of Porto for Research and Development, during which he played a key role in creating the U.Porto Entrepreneurship Club (CEdUP). He currently serves as Director of the Department of Drug Sciences and Head of the Pharmacology Laboratory at FFUP.
As a researcher, his work focuses on cellular communication mechanisms and their pharmacological modulation. Initially centred on neuronal communication, his research has evolved to explore cell communication in cancer, particularly the mechanisms underlying tumour transformation and the interplay between cancer cells and non-tumour cells and tissues, with special emphasis on their role in immunosuppression within the tumour microenvironment.
Jorge Gonçalves is the author of over 70 scientific publications, has supervised numerous master’s and doctoral theses, and is an active member of the UCIBIO research unit and the i4HB- Institute for Health and Bioeconomy associate laboratory.
His contribution extends beyond research: he has served on national and international scientific evaluation panels, participated in pedagogical innovation initiatives, and has been a driving force in the modernization of pharmacy education in Portugal.
In 2015, he was awarded the title of Commander of the Order of Public Instruction by the President of Portuguese Republic, further acknowledging his academic and societal impact.