January 7, 2025

Interview with Marta Nunes: “Portugal has immense potential in areas such as biotechnology”

Portuguese people who are making a name for themselves abroad are helping to find out where business opportunities are and what kind of companies and activities the country can attract. An initiative that brings together Negócios and the Portuguese Diaspora Council.

1- What led you to leave Portugal?

I left Portugal for the first time when I was still at university to do an Erasmus placement in Norway during my final year of a degree in Biochemistry. This experience was transformative and awakened in me the desire to live and work in different cultures and academic systems. I then went on to do my PhD in Biomedical Sciences (Neuroscience) at Cornell Medical School in New York. The experience of living in Manhattan in my early 20s was unique, not only because of the cultural intensity of the city, but also because of the contact with a more open and flexible mentality, where academic background doesn’t limit professional opportunities.

Since then, I’ve lived in various places, such as Paris, where I did my post-doctorate at the Institut Pasteur, South Africa and, more recently, Lyon, France. In South Africa, I worked for more than 13 years in a research unit located at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, just outside Johannesburg. This hospital is considered to be the third largest in the world and a fascinating place with many possibilities for carrying out biomedical research. It was an enriching experience both professionally and personally, allowing me to lead projects with a major impact on public health.

2- What advantages or disadvantages did being Portuguese bring you?

I’m not sure if it just comes from our Portuguese nature, but I have a great capacity for adaptation and ease in establishing cultural and interpersonal connections. Portugal has a strong tradition of intercultural dialogue, something that has helped me navigate very different contexts. On the other hand, when I entered very structured systems such as France, I realised that my international background is not always immediately recognised, which brings additional challenges in leadership positions. Despite this, I still value the fact that our culture teaches us to be resilient and to find solutions even in adverse scenarios.

3- What obstacles did you have to overcome and how did you do it?

Living and working in different countries brought challenges specific to each context. In the United States, the biggest difficulty was adjusting to the intense pace and competitiveness, but I found inspiration in the meritocracy and focus on results. In France, the highly bureaucratic system and the lack of adaptation for foreign professionals in senior positions have been major obstacles. Despite this, as well as trying to do things in the traditional French way, I endeavour to bring new ideas and innovate within this system, which is often quite rigid. This approach allows me to adapt to the local rules, but also to introduce improvements and different perspectives.

In South Africa, the challenges included adapting to the pace of life in Johannesburg, a vibrant city but with specificities that require flexibility, and attracting highly qualified people to work in science, in a context often characterised by limited resources. To overcome funding difficulties, I have focussed on attracting international resources and establishing collaborations with researchers from other countries.

In addition, I attend and present my work at many international conferences, which gives me a global view and access to the latest innovations. My participation in international advisory boards has also been fundamental, not only to express my opinion on important issues, but also because it allows me to be constantly updated and to build a network of contacts that enriches both my work and the impact of my research.

4- What do you admire most about the country you’re in?

I admire France’s strong commitment to research and development. In addition, the French have an excellent approach to work-life balance. Although they take their work very seriously, they also deeply value their free time, which creates a healthier environment. Lyon’s quality of life and cultural richness are also sources of inspiration.

5- What do you admire most about the company or organisation you work for?

I work for the Hospices Civils de Lyon and the Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, institutions that are benchmarks in medical and fundamental research. As well as their commitment to scientific excellence and their impact on public health, I admire the way these organisations establish partnerships with the private sector. Lyon benefits from a large ecosystem of pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and the French system is particularly open to this type of collaboration between the public and private sectors, which accelerates innovation. Another point I would emphasise is the environment of integration between hospitals and universities in France. In addition to their clinical duties, many doctors also hold positions as researchers, which makes it easier to carry out clinical studies. In addition, medical training in France includes research, encouraging future doctors to develop a scientific outlook from the outset. This direct link between hospitals and universities creates a rich and dynamic ecosystem for biomedical research. However, what motivates me most is running the Centre of Excellence in Respiratory Pathogens, where I lead a team focused on infectious diseases and vaccines.

6- What recommendations would you give to Portugal and its entrepreneurs and managers?

Portugal has immense potential to excel in highly specialised areas such as biotechnology and public health. To achieve this, it is essential to invest more in the internationalisation of science and in collaboration between the public and private sectors. This collaboration is especially important in a globalised world, where innovation often arises from the convergence of different sectors.

At a time when information is key, it would be strategic for Portugal to invest in the use of real-world data to carry out epidemiological studies. Data collected systematically in hospitals can be valuable tools for addressing relevant scientific questions and supporting evidence-based health policies.

Portugal should also exploit its historical and cultural links with African countries, promoting co-operation in the field of science and, in particular, public health. Establishing scientific collaboration networks with these countries can bring mutual benefits and position Portugal as a strategic partner in global initiatives.

In addition, creating structures that facilitate the return of highly qualified professionals to the country would be a strategic step towards maximising the talent of the diaspora, while strengthening critical areas such as education and science.

7- In which sectors of the country where you live could Portuguese companies find clients?

In France, I see great potential for Portuguese companies in the biotechnology and health sectors, and even in the food industry, where Portuguese quality is recognised. Portugal’s reputation for quality and innovation can be an advantage in scientific and commercial partnerships. In addition, the French market values authenticity and excellence, characteristics that Portugal offers.

8- In which sectors in Portugal might companies from the country where you live want to invest?

With increasing digitalisation and the quality of Portuguese universities, there are opportunities for French companies to invest in research centres, technological innovation and sustainability-related initiatives. In addition, Portugal could increase its participation in clinical trials by international companies, taking advantage of its hospital infrastructure and highly trained professionals. This would strengthen the country’s position as a scientific hub in Europe and attract significant investment to the health sector.

Although the question does not focus on this aspect, it is important to emphasise that Portugal is a success story in vaccination, achieving very high vaccination coverage. This is an example that other countries could follow, learning from Portuguese vaccination strategies.

9- What is the competitive advantage of the country you live in that could be replicated in Portugal?

A major competitive factor in France is the existence of a structured research career. Early on in your career, you can obtain a permanent position in the system, which provides great stability and allows you to focus on long-term research. Replicating this model in Portugal would help attract and retain talent, creating a more favourable environment for innovation and scientific development.

10- Are you thinking of returning to Portugal? Why do you think so?

Portugal is and always will be my home, and I often think about returning, especially because of my emotional attachment to the country. However, my current job allows me to make a significant contribution to the country, even from a distance. The decision to return will always be linked to the opportunity to continue making a difference, whether in Portugal or internationally.