Joana Duarte

Joana Duarte is a highly accomplished professional with a PhD in immunology from the prestigious Instituto de Medicina Molecular in Lisboa.

Her research focus during her PhD revolved around therapeutic approaches to modulate the immune system, particularly targeting T cells using monoclonal antibodies to address immune-mediated diseases like allergy and autoimmunity.

Joana's academic journey includes internships at the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência and the Insitut Pasteur in Paris, nurturing her knowledge and expertise by learning from world-renowned scientists.

Following her passion for academia and research, she further pursued a post-doctoral position at faculdade de farmácia, where she worked on a novel anti-HIV vaccine approach while teaching immunology at ISCSEM.

Her extensive experience and diverse skill set have led her to excel in various roles, starting from academia to her current position at Novartis as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) in the field of rheumatology, a domain close to her heart.

Joana Duarte's journey has not only enriched her professionally but also personally, helping her develop a strong team spirit, problem-solving abilities, adaptability to new technologies, and a positive and committed attitude.

Her transition to the pharmaceutical industry, initially at a startup and later at Novartis, has given her valuable insights into multidisciplinary interactions with regulatory, marketing, and sales departments, shaping her into a dynamic and continuously evolving professional.

Throughout her career, Joana has held roles such as Senior Medical Advisor at MSD Portugal, Medical Advisor at Novartis focusing on immunology, hepatology, and dermatology, and MSL in rheumatology, showcasing her broad expertise and adaptability across different therapeutic areas.