Simão Pedro Fagundes de Pinho obtained a BSc degree in Bioengineering with a specialization in Biomedical Engineering in 2021 and an MSc degree in Biomedical Engineering from Escola Superior de Biotecnologia - Universidade Católica Portuguesa (ESB-UCP) in January 2024. In his master’s dissertation (evaluated at 19/20), he successfully produced environmentally friendly polymeric nanoparticles, able to be taken up by soybean plants and provide bioavailable iron. He previously contributed to the characterization of various bean varieties within the European project INCREASE, which aimed to evaluate how environmental and genetic interactions influence the nutritional quality of bean collections. The project involved partners engaged in active breeding efforts, and the results were integrated into ongoing programs, supporting the selection of nutritionally superior varieties. He is currently working as a Research Assistant on the national project VIIAFOOD, focusing on the characterization of Portuguese legumes to assess their functional potential in the context of health and nutrition. The project aims to valorise local legume varieties within national value chains and contribute to reducing dependency on imports. Conducted in collaboration with the food processing company Germen, the project also offers direct engagement with key stakeholders in the Portuguese legume sector. During his scientific career, he has worked with cell culture procedures, molecular biology techniques, such as RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and qPCR, nanoparticle synthesis (through nanoprecipitation and sonication), nutritional analysis (e.g. protein quantification, total polyphenolic content quantification and mineral analysis), cell culture techniques and methodologies such as dynamic light scattering (DLS) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). He has attended five workshops and conferences, presenting three posters and performing two oral presentations. Additionally, he has two published articles in peer-reviewed journals, as well as a third article that is currently accepted and awaiting publication in the "Plant and Soil" Journal.