With profound sadness at the passing of Professor Jorge Cruz, we pay tribute to our colleague and our friend. He will be remembered not only as a surgeon but also for his enduring legacy as a teacher, mentor, and guide. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

This year’s event carried an added significance, as it marked the 15th anniversary of the inauguration of the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, as well as the 385th year of Portugal’s Independence Restoration. These celebrations gave the day an even more symbolic and festive atmosphere, reinforcing the strong connection between the Foundation, the city of Lisbon, and Portugal's cultural heritage.

Even though he still contemplates the universe with awe – and confesses that one of his favourite podcasts is Sean Carroll’s Mindscape – his curiosity for systems engineering, robotics, and electronics unexpectedly steered him towards neuroscience. 

Juan Alvaro Gallego, an Associate Professor at Imperial College London, has very recently joined the Champalimaud Foundation’s new Centre for Restorative Neuroscience, is set to continue exploring how the brain controls movement, blending fundamental research with cutting-edge technologies.

The meeting brought together over 200 specialists from 25 countries, representing a truly international effort to advance research and clinical practice in the field of kidney diseases associated with monoclonal gammopathies.

The scientific programme featured a rich series of sessions addressing key areas in the field, including new pathophysiological insights into monoclonal gammopathies and kidney disease, innovations in diagnostic tools and biomarkers, emerging therapeutic strategies, and the latest updates from ongoing clinical trials.

It’s easy to read emotions on people’s faces — each one has its clear, unmistakable signature. But what about thoughts? A study published in Nature Neuroscience shows that mice’s problem-solving strategies can be deciphered from subtle facial movements. According to the authors, this is a proof of concept that the contents of the mind can be read out from video recordings, potentially offering powerful new research and diagnostic tools.   

The Cell Centre is looking to expand efforts in the GMP production of cell products with a specific focus on immune-monitoring. 

The successful applicant is expected to be pivotal co-worker in the development and improvement of immune cell-based therapies for malignant diseases and the preparation of GMP compliant production of cellular products including gene-modified immune cells and monitoring of anti-cancer directed vaccination.