Cecília Rodrigues, a Full Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy University of Lisbon since 2009, graduated in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 1992 and earned her PhD in Pharmacy (Biochemistry) from the same university in 1996, following training at the University of Cincinnati, USA. She completed her postdoctoral work at the University of Minnesota, USA. Since 2021, she has been the Vice-Rector of Research and Innovation at the University of Lisbon.

Rodrigues research focuses on the identification of novel molecular targets for therapeutic interventions and diagnostics, particularly on signalling pathways involved in cell death, differentiation and proliferation. With her multidisciplinary approach that integrates experimental models, patient data and biospecimens, together with advanced omics and imaging technologies, Rodrigues seeks to unravel the fundamental biological properties and vulnerabilities of these pathways and translate the findings into new diagnostics and treatments. She has published around 300 articles (h-index 70, >25,000 citations), obtained 6 global patents and contributed to the development of small molecule modulators of cell death that are currently in phase III clinical trials. Rodrigues has secured independent funding and led national and international consortia totalling around €20 million. Rodrigues has received several awards, including the Sheila Sherlock Award from the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), the Sir Hans Krebs Medal from the Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS) and the Science Prize from the University of Lisbon.

Rodrigues established and directed the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, the Research Institute for Medicines and several PhD and MSc programs at the University of Lisbon. She has supervised over 150 PhD students and early career researchers. She serves on editorial boards, grant review panels, and medical societies and is involved in technology transfer and commercialization of scientific discoveries. In collaboration with the pharma industry, she has developed small molecule screening technologies, leading to new academia-industry spin-off projects. In governing boards, editorial boards, grant review panels and advisory committees, she has contributed to advance scientific knowledge and promote quality in research practice. She is associate editor in Hepatology, reviewer board member in Journal of Hepatology and executive editor in Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry. She has also been part of international grant and institutional review panels, where she advocates for more effective and comprehensive evaluation of research that focuses on the quality and impact of individual contributions. Rodrigues is a past governing board member of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and was responsible for the Scientific Committee. She has been part of organizing and scientific committees of large international congresses (e.g. International Liver Congress by EASL). She has also been a regular invited speaker, session chair and organiser of symposia.

Rodrigues actively disseminates scientific knowledge and translates research knowledge by organizing events and collaborating with industry partners. She engages in science outreach activities with schools and the general public promoting science and health awareness.