Prof. Maria A. Reis is a Full Professor in Environmental/Industrial Biotechnology at FCT-NOVA, where she earned her PhD and Habilitation in Biochemical Engineering. Her research focuses on sustainable bioprocesses for pollutant removal from water and wastewater and the valorization of industrial wastes into biopolymers and bulk chemicals. She has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles, co-authored 18 book chapters, holds multiple national and international patents, and has coordinated 20 national and international projects, including 12 European projects. Prof. Reis has co-supervised more than 20 PhD students and currently supervises 11, and her work has been recognized with awards including the Solvay & Hovione Ideas Challenge SHIC’08 Prize, election to the Portuguese Academy of Engineering, and designation as an IWA Fellow. She also serves as an editor for Water Research (Elsevier) and has held numerous academic leadership roles at FCT-NOVA.