CISM researcher completes scientific residency at Nova University Lisbon

CISM researcher, Dr. Inácio Mandomando, together with IHMT Assistant Professor Sofia Santos Costa during a training session.

Senior researcher at the Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM), Dr. Inácio Mandomando, from the Bacterial, Viral and Other Neglected Tropical Diseases Research Area, recently completed an approximately seven-week scientific residency at the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine of NOVA University Lisbon (IHMT NOVA), Portugal, under the FCT Mobility programme. The initiative aims to promote the international mobility of researchers, strengthen scientific collaboration between research institutions, and enhance knowledge and skills transfer in strategic areas of health research.

During his stay, the researcher carried out laboratory activities focused on studying the virulence of bacteria belonging to the Klebsiella genus, using Galleria mellonella larvae as an experimental infection model. The work sought to deepen understanding of the mechanisms associated with the ability of these microorganisms to cause disease, contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the field of infectious diseases.

“The purpose of my visit was purely scientific. I had the opportunity to resume laboratory activities to study the virulence of bacterial pathogens, particularly Klebsiella, using Galleria mellonella larvae as an infection model. This type of experiment involves infecting the larvae with known quantities of bacteria and monitoring the progression of the infection by assessing their health, mobility, and immune response throughout the residency period,” explained the researcher.

In addition to the experimental work, the residency provided an opportunity to further analyse data related to Escherichia coli studies and to advance the preparation of a scientific manuscript that is expected to be submitted for publication in the coming weeks.

“I also took the opportunity to discuss the Escherichia data and make progress on drafting the manuscript, which we hope to submit for publication within the next six to eight weeks,” he added.

The researcher also participated in the IHMT Scientific Days

Dr. Inácio Mandomando during the IHMT Scientific Days.

During the visit, the researcher also participated in the IHMT Scientific Days, where he presented research findings developed by CISM in the field of bacterial diseases. His participation provided an opportunity to increase the international visibility of the institution’s work, promote the exchange of experiences, and strengthen scientific partnerships with Portuguese researchers and institutions.

For Dr. Inácio Mandomando, the experience may have lasting impacts on strengthening CISM’s scientific capacity. “I believe this stay served as a catalyst to promote the implementation of this type of research at CISM and, perhaps, make our long-standing dream of establishing a local bacterial pathogenesis research line a reality,” he said.

Scientific residencies are an important tool for professional and institutional development. They consist of structured periods of immersion in research centres, during which researchers carry out scientific activities in collaboration with local teams, deepen technical skills, strengthen scientific output, and promote knowledge exchange between institutions. These experiences combine practical work, advanced training, and integration into ongoing research projects, providing applied learning in a real-world setting.

In the case of CISM, these initiatives are part of its ongoing commitment to training and human resource development, a strategic priority since its establishment and one of the main areas of work of its Training Unit. Capacity-building activities aimed at young researchers and technical staff are essential to ensuring the Centre’s sustainability, strengthening national health research capacity, and contributing to the development of the public health sector in Mozambique.

For Dr. Inácio Mandomando, the experience may have a significant impact on strengthening CISM’s scientific capacity. “I believe this stay served as a catalyst to promote the implementation of this type of research at CISM and, perhaps, make our long-standing dream of establishing a local bacterial pathogenesis research line a reality,” he stated.

In addition to promoting the mobility of its researchers to international centres of excellence, CISM also plays an active role as a host institution for interns, resident physicians, and health professionals, who have the opportunity to join multidisciplinary teams and participate in research projects and healthcare service activities.