Sónia Gomes graduated in Applied Biology (BSc) by UMINHO in 2002, acquired the Master in Molecular Genetic (MSc) by UMINHO in 2006, and holds a PhD in Genetics from UTAD since 2010. Her research has been focusing on differentially expressed genes in the context of host-pathogen interaction, with special emphasis on defense signalling pathways through genomics tools. She’s developing her research work at ICBAS-UP and CIIMAR (LANUCE) in the ATLANTIDA project. Her main scientific interests are focused on using molecular genetic approaches to improve both yield and quality in seafood, with sustainable aquaculture in mind.