Welcome Message

Welcome to the official homepage of the Mitochondria Under Stress on-site workshop, hosted at the University of Aveiro on 8 July 2026.

This intensive, cutting-edge event brings together leading international researchers to explore the central role of mitochondrial bioenergetics, redox biology, and metabolic adaptation in health and disease. Moving beyond traditional biochemical paradigms, our program delves into mitochondria as dynamic cellular decision platforms by examining everything from the fine balance of ROS signaling and oxidative hormesis to mitochondrial proteome remodeling.

Through a rich lineup of expert lectures, rapid-fire flash talks, hands-on practical insights for assessing mitochondrial function, and a provocative debate on the future of metabolic medicine, this workshop offers an unparalleled platform to explore, discover, understand, and shape the future of life sciences.

Program

Check the Full Program HERE!

Thia in-person workshop is structured to take you from foundational biochemistry to hands-on laboratory application, with insights from international experts and emerging researchers.

Mitochondria in Health and Disease: Discover how mitochondrial bioenergetics, metabolic plasticity, and adaptive responses dictate cell survival and dictate broader metabolic health.
Systems Biology: Explore tissue-specific mitochondrial function, including the muscle during exercise, aging, and reproductive biology.
Omics and Functional Methodologies: Examine modern analytical approaches, from interpreting proteomic datasets to hands-on techniques like high-resolution respirometry and cellular flux analysis.
Antioxidants as Therapeutic Strategies: Engage with the complex realities of redox signaling, questioning whether antioxidants are overrated and investigating metabolism as a direct therapeutic target.

Registrations

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 30

Speakers

Erich Gnaiger, PhD

Dr. Erich Gnaiger is the founder and CEO of Oroboros Instruments, based in Innsbruck, Austria. Widely recognized as a global leader in high-resolution respirometry and bioenergetics, his career has shaped our understanding of mitochondrial respiratory control and biological thermodynamics. He is the initiator and Chair of the International Mitochondrial Physiology Society (MiP) and has organized over 160 international training workshops to advance mitochondrial research methodologies worldwide.

erich.gnaiger@oroboros.at

Mario Allegra, PhD

Dr. Mario Allegra is an Associate Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Palermo, Italy. After graduating in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technologies and completing research at Queen Mary University of London, he earned his PhD in Molecular Medicine. His core research explores the complex dynamics of oxidative stress, cellular redox signaling, and how bioactive phytochemicals and dietary antioxidants modulate inflammatory conditions and metabolic health.

mario.allegra@unipa.it

Rita Ferreira, PhD

Dr. Rita Ferreira is an Associate Professor with Habilitation in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Aveiro, Portugal. Holding a PhD in Biochemistry, her research focuses heavily on skeletal muscle plasticity and remodeling under pathophysiological conditions. Utilizing advanced mitochondrial proteomics and omics methodologies, her work explores the preventive and therapeutic effects of physical activity and exercise training against muscle wasting conditions.

ritaferreira@ua.pt

Marco G. Alves, PhD

Dr. Marco G. Alves is a Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Sciences and a Principal Investigator at the Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED) at the University of Aveiro. An expert in reproductive endocrinology and bioenergetics, his research group is dedicated to exploring the intersection of lifestyle and environmental stressors with male reproductive function, focusing on sperm and testicular metabolism, as well as the tracking of transgenerational epigenetic traits.

marcoalves@ua.pt