About PNEV

Associação PNEV - Portuguese Network on Extracellular Vesicles

The concept of the Portuguese Network Extracellular Vesicles (PNEV) was initiated by three Portuguese researchers: M. Helena Vasconcelos (i3S/IPATIMUP/FFUP), Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva (i3S/IBMC/FFUP) and Susana Santos (i3S/INEB). Recognizing the absence of a formal organization in Portugal dedicated to uniting researchers in the field of Extracellular Vesicles (EVs), they organized the inaugural meeting in July 2019 (i3S, Porto) which brought together groups working on EV-related research across the country. This gathering led to the formation of  PNEV as an unofficial network, aiming to unify the Portuguese EV community and represent it internationally.

After two highly successful PNEV scientific meetings and additional events, the PNEV was officially established as a non-profit research association in July 2024. The association aims to foster collaborations and promote synergies among the Portuguese scientific community working on EVs, both within in Portugal and internationally.

PNEV is dedicated to advancing EV research in Portugal through several key initiatives: 

1. Enhancing portuguese EV research: PNEV strives to elevate the quality and impact of EV research conducted by Portuguese scientists.

2. Promoting student exchange: The network facilitates the exchange of students between laboratories to foster skill development, collaborative learning and networking.

3. Share resources: PNEV encourages the sharing of resources among members to optimize research efficiency and outcomes.

4. Organizing educational events: The association organizes online courses, practical courses, conferences, meetings, workshops and seminars to disseminate knowledge and promote professional development.

5. Facilitating international dissemination: PNEV actively works to showcase portuguese EV research at international platforms such as ISEV, GEIVEX, MOVE and other international organizations and meetings.

6. Establishing specialized working groups: The network creates focused “working/interest groups” aimed at collaborative efforts, including joint grant applications, to advance specific areas within EV research.​

Through these initiatives, PNEV aims to foster a collaborative and innovative environment for EV research, both nationally and internationally.