Elisabete R. Silva is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, and head of the Bioactive and Multifunctional Materials Laboratory. She holds a degree in Chemical Engineering (2002, 5-year programme, specialization in Industrial Processes) from Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon (IST), and a PhD in Chemical Engineering (2009) from the same institution, IST. She began her professional career between 2002 and 2005, working across academia and industry, including UNITECA – União Industrial Têxtil e Química S.A. and Navigator (formerly Portucel-Soporcel) companies. Since completing her PhD in environmental catalysis, during which she developed metal zeolitic-based cellular foams for catalytic VOC degradation, she has been actively building synergies between fundamental science, applied research, and industrial valorisation, in line with the objectives of the EU Green Deal and the transition toward a circular economy. Her research focuses on the design and functionalization of multifunctional agents, including Nano-catalysts and natural and synthetic bioactive compounds, for environmental remediation, biofouling control, and microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) mitigation. By integrating chemistry, microbiology, and materials science, she develops non-toxic, durable materials that protect industrial and marine surfaces, addressing sustainability challenges and facilitating effective lab-to-field translation of biofouling and MIC management strategies. Her contributions have been recognized through several national and international distinctions in engineering and innovation, including awards from the Portuguese engineering community, recognition as a young researcher, innovation-to-business initiatives, and international media recognition for advances in engineering technologies. She is actively involved in scientific evaluation and knowledge transfer, serving on the editorial and review boards of international journals in materials science, environmental degradation, and microbiology. Elisabete is also the Portugal Representative for the International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation Society (IBBS), supporting the Society’s mission to encourage knowledge exchange, training, and the development of sustainable solutions for materials biodeterioration and biodegradation challenges.

Innovative non-toxic & sustainable anti-biofouling technologies ● Design multifunctional (nano)agents (e.g. bioactive, catalytic) ● Chemical immobilization of active agents in different matrices ● Water decontamination