A new junior research group called Catalytic Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules is being formed at IOCB Prague by Paulo Paioti, who joined the institute in April. A native of Brazil, the young scientist has relocated to Prague from Strasbourg where he helped establish a branch of the laboratory of Professor Amir H. Hoveyda. Before his scientific journey in Europe, Paulo received his bachelor's and master's education at the University of Campinas with Professor Fernando Coelho, his doctoral degree at the University of Florida with Professor Aaron Aponick, and spend two years as a postdoctoral fellow in the Hoveyda group at Boston College.
During his postgraduate and postdoctoral career, Paulo has developed methods and substances for synthesis of complex bioactive molecules. At IOCB Prague, he and his group will pursue the development of an effective catalytic synthesis for novel drug discovery and development.
“My goal is to develop molecules that can be used in pharmacy and medicine, for instance,” says Paulo. He adds: “It’s also important that they be manufactured in the most efficient way possible, one that doesn’t harm the planet.”
Paulo says he chose IOCB Prague because it is a world-class research institute. He was particularly impressed with the advanced infrastructure and the possibilities for collaboration with other research groups, factors that will help the development and exploitation of synthesized molecules move quickly forward.
“We welcome Paulo to IOCB. He prevailed before the IOCB International Advisory Board in a very demanding competition with a number of extraordinary Czech and foreign chemists. He persuaded us not only with his previous results but mainly with his very ambitious and well-founded plans for the future. We’re excited for him and the institute,” says IOCB director Prof. Jan Konvalinka.
