Neural Stem Cell Regulation in Brain Plasticity

Sara Xapelli graduated in Biology from the Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, and earned her PhD by studying the neuroprotective and antiepileptic role of neuropeptide Y at CNC, Universidade de Coimbra, the University of Southern Denmark, and the University of Alberta. She conducted her first postdoc at CNC, with an internship at the University of Southern Denmark, and a second at iMM, where she pioneered research on neural stem cells. Since 2018, Sara has been an Assistant Professor at FMUL, where she serves on the Pedagogical Council. She is vice-president of the Portuguese Society for Neuroscience, a member of the Mind-Brain College Executive Committee, and a member of the General Meeting Board of the Portuguese Society of Stem Cells. Her research focuses on modulators of neural stem cells to promote neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis as therapeutic strategies for conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy, and Depression. Sara has received numerous awards, including the ISN Career Development Grant (2021) and the IBRO Early Career Award (2022).