Bernardo Albuquerque Nogueira, PhD

Molecular Spectroscopy | Functional Nanomaterials | SERS & Molecular Sensing

Biography

Bernardo Albuquerque Nogueira was born in Coimbra, Portugal, in 1992 and grew up in Braga. He also lived in Itu, Brazil, for three years during his childhood. At the age of 18, he returned to Coimbra to pursue his university studies at the University of Coimbra.

Outside science, Bernardo has a broad range of interests, including music and live concerts, sports (particularly handball, football, and cycling), literature, and travelling. Among his favourite authors are Carl Sagan, Gonçalo M. Tavares, Mia Couto, Carlo Rovelli, and Jack London.

Alongside his academic career, Bernardo has been actively involved in student representation, scientific associations, entrepreneurship, and science communication. He served as President of the Chemistry Students' Association at the University of Coimbra (2013–2014), as a board member of the Coimbra Academic Association (2015–2016), and was a co-founder and the first elected President of the Portuguese Chemistry Students' Association (2014–2015). More recently, he served on the INL Staff Council during the 2025–2026 term, where he represented staff interests and contributed to institutional dialogue.

In 2017, he also co-founded Molecular JE, Portugal’s first science-focused Junior Enterprise dedicated to science communication, and served as its first CEO until 2021. Through these initiatives, he developed a longstanding interest in scientific leadership, collaborative projects, and bringing science closer to society.

Academic Background

Bernardo obtained a BSc in Medicinal Chemistry in 2013, followed by a BSc in Chemistry in 2014 and an MSc in Chemistry in 2016, all from the University of Coimbra.

In 2017, he began his PhD in Chemistry, specializing in Molecular Spectroscopy, at the University of Coimbra. As part of his doctoral training, he spent 14 months as a Visiting PhD Researcher at the Laboratory of Organic Functional and Nanostructured Materials, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Italy.

Bernardo completed his PhD on 21 July 2022 with the thesis “Generation and Characterization of Novel Materials exhibiting Color Polymorphism”, supervised by Prof. Rui Fausto (University of Coimbra) and Prof. Chiara Castiglioni (Politecnico di Milano). The degree was awarded with Distinction and Honours by unanimous decision, the highest possible classification.

Research

Bernardo’s research lies at the interface of molecular spectroscopy, functional materials, computational chemistry, and nanotechnology. His work combines spectroscopic and structural characterization with the design of advanced materials to investigate molecular structure–property relationships and develop new approaches for molecular detection.

His doctoral research focused on colour polymorphism in molecular materials, integrating organic synthesis, Raman and infrared spectroscopy, electronic spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This work explored how molecular conformation and crystal packing determine the vibrational and optical properties of organic materials.

Following his PhD, Bernardo continued his research at the University of Coimbra, expanding his work towards broader applications of Raman spectroscopy, computational chemistry, and materials characterization, including molecular materials, metal complexes, cultural heritage, and industry-oriented research. From 2023 to 2026, at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), his research focused on the development of plasmonic nanocomposites and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) platforms for molecular sensing, particularly for the detection of water contaminants and marine biotoxins. This work also involved the integration of SERS substrates into microfluidic systems for on-site detection.

His current research interests focus on combining molecular recognition and functional porous materials with plasmonic nanostructures, Raman spectroscopy, and SERS for the detection and identification of small molecules in complex environments. Particular areas of interest include environmental sensing, astrobiology, prebiotic chemistry, and the detection of molecular signatures relevant to the origin of life and the search for molecular biosignatures beyond Earth.

Selected Publications

Zhou, T.; Nogueira, B. A.; Rodríguez-Lorenzo, L.; Rivera-Gil, P. Topology-Controlled Plasmonic Nanocapsules Enable More Sensitive Quantitative SERS Detection of Zinc. Sens. Actuators Rep. 2026, 11, 100479. DOI: 10.1016/j.snr.2026.100479.
Nogueira, B. A.; Lopes, S. M. M.; Rodrigues, A. C. B.; Eusébio, M. E. S.; André, V.; Duarte, M. T.; Paixão, J. A.; Pinho e Melo, T. M. V. D.; Fausto, R. Unveiling the Red and Brownish-Green Polymorphs of a Novel ROY Derivative: 2-(4-((3-Cyanothiophen-2-yl)amino)-3-nitrophenyl)acetic Acid. Cryst. Growth Des. 2024, 24, 947–962. DOI: 10.1021/acs.cgd.3c00941.
Papineau, D.; Devine, K.; Nogueira, B. A. Self-Similar Patterns from Abiotic Decarboxylation Metabolism through Chemically Oscillating Reactions: A Prebiotic Model for the Origin of Life. Life 2023, 13, 551. DOI: 10.3390/life13020551.
Nogueira, B. A.; Rérat, M.; Fausto, R.; Castiglioni, C.; Dovesi, R. Raman Activity of the Longitudinal Optical Phonons of the LiNbO₃ Crystal: Experimental Determination and Quantum Mechanical Simulation. J. Raman Spectrosc. 2022, 53, 1904–1921. DOI: 10.1002/jrs.6426.
Nogueira, B. A.; Lopes, S. M. M.; Milani, A.; André, V.; Paixão, J. A.; Eusébio, M. E. S.; Pinho e Melo, T. M. V. D.; Duarte, M. T.; Castiglioni, C.; Fausto, R. Color Polymorphs of ROY-ol. Cryst. Growth Des. 2022, 22, 5375–5389. DOI: 10.1021/acs.cgd.2c00462.
Nogueira, B. A.; Castiglioni, C.; Fausto, R. Color Polymorphism in Organic Crystals. Commun. Chem. 2020, 3, 34. DOI: 10.1038/s42004-020-0279-0.
Ünsalan, O.; Jenniskens, P.; Yin, Q.-Z.; [...] Fausto, R.; Nogueira, B. A.; [...] The Sariçiçek Howardite Fall in Turkey: Source Crater of HED Meteorites on Vesta and Impact Risk of Vestoids. Meteorit. Planet. Sci. 2019, 54, 953–1008. DOI: 10.1111/maps.13258.

See full CV.

Popular Science Book — A Ciência das Coisas

In 2023, Bernardo published A Ciência das Coisas (The Science of Things), a popular science book for young readers aged 7 and above. Illustrated by Carlo Giovani and featuring a preface by physicist and science communicator Carlos Fiolhais, the book introduces fundamental concepts of chemistry, physics, and the Universe through accessible explanations and everyday questions.

Through the character of Maria, a curious young girl who dreams of becoming a scientist, readers are encouraged to explore the science behind the world around them: from atoms and molecules to light, space, and environmental sustainability. The book also features 18 simple experiments that can be carried out at home using everyday materials, providing step-by-step protocols together with clear scientific explanations of the phenomena involved.

Since its publication, A Ciência das Coisas has sold more than 2,500 copies and has served as the basis for numerous science communication activities in schools, libraries, bookstores, science centres, and science festivals across Portugal.

Published by Suricata Editora | September 2023

Illustrations: Carlo Giovani | Preface: Carlos Fiolhais

Available from major Portuguese booksellers and selected independent bookstores.

Science Communication & Outreach

Bernardo has developed several original science communication activities aimed at bringing scientific concepts closer to students and the general public. These talks and workshops can be presented at schools, universities, libraries, science centres, festivals, and other educational or cultural institutions.

“How the Universe Works” — Talk

Target audience: 11th–12th grade students
Duration: 90 minutes
Approximate audience reached: 500 participants

This talk explores how the Universe works (or, more precisely, what science currently understands about it) from both physical and chemical perspectives. Using accessible analogies, it introduces fundamental concepts from General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics and discusses the challenge of reconciling them within a theory of quantum gravity. These concepts are then connected to the atomic and molecular behaviour of matter and, ultimately, to their relevance in modern chemistry and scientific research.

Places and events where the activity has been presented: 2020: Escola Molecular, University of Coimbra, Coimbra; 2021: Externato Cooperativo da Benedita, Benedita; 2022: Escola Molecular, University of Coimbra, Coimbra; 2023: Escola Molecular, University of Coimbra, Coimbra; Externato Cooperativo da Benedita, Benedita; Escola Secundária Dr. Augusto César da Silva Ferreira, Rio Maior; 2024: Agrupamento de Escolas de Lordelo, Paredes; 2026: Biblioteca Municipal de Barcelos, Barcelos.

“5 Discoveries That Changed the World” — Talk

Target audience: 7th–10th grade students
Duration: 60 minutes
Approximate audience reached: 500 participants

Starting from the history of life on Earth and the perspective provided by the cosmic calendar, this talk highlights how recent human civilization and modern science are on a planetary timescale. It then explores five discoveries and inventions that profoundly changed society: matches, the World Wide Web (WWW), penicillin, tetraethyl lead, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Through both their benefits and unintended consequences, the talk illustrates how scientific discoveries can transform society and how science itself plays a central role in addressing the environmental and societal challenges that may arise from technological development.

Places and events where the activity has been presented: 2019: Summer University, University of Coimbra, Coimbra; 2021: Escola Secundária de Pombal, Pombal; 2022: Escola Secundária D. Duarte, Coimbra; Escola Básica 2,3 de Taveiro, Coimbra; Escola Secundária Lima-de-Faria, Cantanhede; Escola Básica 2,3 Dr. Pedrosa Veríssimo, Figueira da Foz; Science and Technology Week, University of Coimbra, Coimbra; 2023: Biblioteca Municipal de Barcelos, Barcelos; Escola Básica 2,3 de Lamaçães, Braga; Agrupamento de Escolas Marinha Grande Poente, Marinha Grande.

“The Science of Things” — Book Presentation & Experimental Workshop

Target audience: 3rd–6th grade students
Duration: 45 minutes
Approximate audience reached: 4,000 participants

Inspired by Bernardo’s popular science book A Ciência das Coisas (The Science of Things), this interactive workshop introduces young audiences to chemistry and physics through simple experiments and everyday phenomena. Activities are selected and adapted according to the participants’ ages, encouraging them to take an active role in the experiments while understanding the scientific principles behind what they observe.
The workshop can also be adapted for teachers and educators interested in using simple experimental activities to communicate scientific concepts to young audiences.

Places and events where the activity has been presented: 2023: Centésima Página, Braga; Almedina Estádio, Coimbra; Biblioteca Municipal de Guimarães, Guimarães; Faz de Conto, Coimbra; Agrupamento de Escolas Alexandre Herculano, Porto; X Encontro da Divisão de Ensino e Divulgação da Química, Lisbon; Livros no Mercado, Coimbra; 2024: EB de Barqueiros, Barcelos; EB de Alheira, Barcelos; EB de Aldão, Barcelos; EB Rosa Ramalho, Barcelos; EB de Fragoso, Barcelos; EB de Macieira de Rates, Barcelos; EB de Negreiros, Barcelos; EB de Silveiros, Barcelos; EBS de Viatodos, Barcelos; EB de Cambeses, Barcelos; EB S. Miguel de Nevogilde, Porto; EB de São João da Foz, Porto; EB Paulo da Gama, Porto; Colégio Dom João de Aboim, Vila Verde; Agrupamento de Escolas de Rates, Póvoa de Varzim; Fnac MAR Shopping, Matosinhos; Colégio Efanor, Matosinhos; EB 2,3 + S Tenente-Coronel Adão Carrapatoso, Vila Nova de Foz Côa; EB1 Dr. Francisco Campos Henriques, Vila Nova de Foz Côa; Fnac GaiaShopping, Vila Nova de Gaia; Fnac NorteShopping, Matosinhos; Fnac Braga Parque, Braga; Lisbon Book Fair, Lisbon; Fnac Guimarães Shopping, Guimarães; Barcelos Book Fair, Barcelos; Maia Book Fair, Maia; Colégio de Gaia, Vila Nova de Gaia; Porto Book Fair, Porto; Belém Book Fair, Lisbon; Fnac Alameda Shop & Spot, Porto; EB de Perelhal, Barcelos; 2025: EB Major David Neto, Portimão; EB Prof. José Buísel, Portimão; Lagos Science Centre, Lagos; Biblioteca Municipal Manuel Teixeira Gomes, Portimão; EB de São João da Foz, Porto; EB Paulo da Gama, Porto; EB S. Miguel de Nevogilde, Porto; St. Paul’s School, Coimbra; EB das Machuqueiras, Póvoa de Varzim; Fundação Livraria Lello, Matosinhos.

Invitations & Contact

These activities are available for schools, universities, libraries, science centres, associations, festivals, and other educational and cultural events.
Contact: bernardoalbuquerquenogueira@gmail.com
Book-related enquiries: suricataeditora@gmail.com

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