ACRI hosts University of Algarve's Dr Pedro Castelo-Branco for landmark research exchange

The Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI) welcomed Dr. Pedro Castelo-Branco, a leading cancer epigenetics researcher from the University of Algarve, Portugal, in early November 2025. Dr Castelo-Branco, who directs the Epigenetics in Human Disease laboratory and serves as President of the Algarve Clinical Academic Center, visited to explore collaborative research opportunities and establish frameworks for student and faculty exchanges between the two institutions.

The visit commenced on November 4 2025, with a strategic meeting at ASMPH attended by Dean Dr Cenon "Dodie" Alfonso, Associate Dean Dr Roberto "Obet" Tanchanco, ACRI Director Dr Lourdes "Tippy" Sumpaico-Tanchanco, and representatives from the Office of International Relations and ACRI's Innovation and Biotechnology Flagship Programs. Discussions centered on potential partnership models and areas of mutual research interest. Following the meeting, Dr Castelo-Branco toured the campus facilities and delivered a lecture on "Cancer Epigenetics and Its Clinical Applications" to Year Level 7 medical students.

On November 5, Dr Castelo-Branco participated in a roundtable discussion with ACRI research faculty, exploring synergies in aging and cancer epigenetics research. The session identified specific avenues for collaborative projects and joint grant applications that could advance both institutions' research portfolios and scientific impact.

The visit concluded on November 6 at the Ateneo de Manila University Loyola Heights Campus, where Dr Castelo-Branco met with faculty from the Biology Department and the Ateneo Research Institute of Science and Engineering (ARISE). He delivered a master class on non-mutational epigenetic reprogramming to undergraduate Biology students, exposing them to cutting-edge concepts in the field.

This inaugural visit establishes a foundation for sustained collaboration between ACRI and the University of Algarve, with anticipated benefits including enhanced research capacity, expanded international networks, and enriched educational experiences for students and faculty at both institutions.