Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology Strategies for Drug Discovery

Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology are fundamental in the development and synthesis of biologically active tools to uncover new biology and combat potentially life-threatening diseases. These fields ultimately enable the discovery and optimization of new drug candidates, aiming to address unmet medical needs. Efficient strategies to identify and/or design small molecules—based on a wide range of structural biology, biophysical, and chemical data—are crucial for the development of effective medicines and for studying their mechanisms of action.

The proposed course covers key aspects and technologies for the discovery of probes and drugs, ranging from target identification to compound lead identification/optimization strategies, with contributions from experts in both academia and industry. Additionally, the course includes practical sessions using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry instrumentation for proteomics, as well as advanced molecular simulation software for drug discovery.

This course will feature contributions from renowned experts from various institutions, whose diverse backgrounds reflect a wide range of experiences and skills. Notably, professionals from prestigious pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis and Roche will participate, bringing a unique and applied perspective to the drug discovery process.

Aimed at PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, this course offers an opportunity to deepen knowledge and develop advanced skills in key areas of chemical probe design, which are essential for identifying new therapeutic targets and developing innovative medicines.

Coordination:

Rui Ferreira Alves Moreira, Full Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon,

Pedro Miguel Pimenta Góis, Associate Professor with Habilitation at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon,

Tiago Correia de Oliveira Rodrigues, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon.

Ana Sofia Marques da Ressurreição, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon

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Legislation:

Regulamento n.º 638/2016 – Regulamento dos Cursos Não Conferentes de Grau da Faculdade de Farmácia da ULisboa

The course will take place from June 30, 2025, to July 4, 2025, between 09:15 and 17:30 (GMT time), and will be held entirely in-person at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon.

The course consists of a total of 25 hours of training, equivalent to 6 ECTS.

The training hours are distributed as follows:

• Theoretical training hours: 15 hours
• Laboratory hours: 10 hours

The student will attend theoretical and laboratory classes during the first week and will engage in project discussions and presentations with tutorial support on the last day. During the second and third weeks, the student will develop their final written project proposal.

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COURSE PROGRAM: MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL BIOLOGY STRATEGIES FOR DRUG DISCOVERY

Teaching Methodology:

There will be 15 theoretical classes, taught by faculty members from FFUL and guest lecturers, and 10 hours of laboratory sessions. The course will implement active learning methodologies, including case discussions and “team-based learning” for preparing project discussions.

Learning Outcomes and Skills to be Acquired by the Student:

The skills acquired will include: 1) knowledge of medicinal chemistry strategies relevant for drug design, 2) development of critical thinking, 3) development of scientific writing, and 4) development of oral communication of science.

Assessment Methodology:

The course will have two assessment components: 1) an oral presentation and discussion of a research project proposal (groups of 2–3) on the last day of the course (50% of the grade), and 2) a written project (groups of 2–3) on the same proposal, with a maximum of 10,000 characters to be submitted within 10 days after the course (50% of the grade).

Application Period:From May 5, 2025, to June 25, 2025

Course start and end dates:From June 30, 2025, to July 5, 2025

Admission Requirements:

This course is intended for holders of a Master’s degree.

Selection and seriation criteria:

Academic degree and the candidate’s training relevance to the course’s objectives and content.

• Minimum number of trainees for operation: 10
• Maximum number of trainees for operation: 20

Required Documents for Application: Certificate of Qualifications and Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Application Fees and Tuition:

• Application fee: 10€ (Note: the application fee will not be refunded if the candidate is excluded or not selected).
• Course Tuition: 250€.
• School Insurance Fee: 2,10€

Note: FFUL PhD students who wish to take the course as part of their mandatory 1st-year curriculum are exempt from the registration fee.

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Application Process:

Applications for the course are made exclusively through the FenixEdu Platform of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon (FFUL).

Access to the FenixEdu Platform:

• If you have never been a student at FFUL you must pre-register on the FenixEdu Platform.
• If you are a former student of FFULisboa and have already had an account campus@ulisboa or @edu.ulisboa.pt you should access the FenixEdu Platform and authenticate yourself with your account data. If you have lost access to your account, you can recover your password in the ULisboa users area.
• If you are a former student of FFULisboa and have never had an account campus@ulisboa or @edu.ulisboa.pt you must send an email to cncg@ff.ulisboa.pt indicating your full name and ID document number.

Access the FenixEdu Platform.

• On the tab “Candidate”, choose the type of application: “Advanced Training Courses”, select the desired course.
• Fill out the online form and attach all the required documents in digital format. In the application process you can indicate whether you want the invoice to be issued in the name of another entity/company/institution.
• Select the “Submit” option.

Applications will only be validated by the Academic Services once the applicant has paid the Application Fee.

For information regarding the application process and the course organization, please contact the Academic Services: doutoramentos@ff.ulisboa.pt