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Rita Paiva Chaves

Rita Paiva Chaves graduated in Biotechnological Engineering from the Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias in 2002, where she also completed a postgraduate degree in Quality Management and Food Safety. Subsequently, she earned degrees in Health Management from the Universidade Católica Portuguesa and Sustainability from the Universidade Nova SBE. She began her career in the fields of molecular biology and bioinformatics at STAB Vida, where she stood out in the development and optimization of rapid pathogen detection methods (PCR). Simultaneously, she co-founded a company specializing in food hygiene and safety consulting, where she applied her expertise in quality management systems, assisting various organizations in implementing best practices in food safety.

From 2014 to 2023, she served as the Director of the Quality and Innovation Department at Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa (SCML), leading multidisciplinary teams and overseeing high-impact projects, such as the creation of SCML's first Clinical Studies and Trials Office and the implementation of sustainability and social responsibility policies. Under her initiative and leadership, several significant scientific initiatives were developed on a national level, including the Santa Casa Neurosciences Awards, which allocated over 4 million euros to health-related scientific research. These initiatives, part of a broader research support program, were developed in close collaboration with four prominent figures of clinical and scientific merit: João Lobo Antunes, Catarina Resende Oliveira, José Ferro, and George Perry.

She also played a crucial role at SCML in implementing the first Legionella risk management and control program, covering nearly 200 services within the institution, including hospitals, day centers, nursing homes, and health units. Between 2017 and 2021, she served on the jury for the Gilead Génese program, an initiative that supports research and community projects of high social and scientific merit, further solidifying her role as a promoter of science in Portugal.

In 2024, she joined SCML's Strategic Planning team, where she continues to apply her expertise in the formulation and execution of strategic policies for the institution, particularly in the area of Digital Transformation. This field, along with Artificial Intelligence, has become one of her main areas of interest and dedication, with her continuously developing and deepening her skills throughout her career. #ritapaivachaves Linked in.