Sandra Alves,

has a degree in Biology (1995), a master in Applied Human Genetics (1997) and a PhD in Biology (2002) from the Faculty of Sciences - University of Porto.
Currently, she is Principal Investigator at the Research Unit - Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA) and leader of the Lysosomal Storage Disorders Research Group. Presently her group integrates the FCT Research Unit, Center for the Study of Animal Science (CECA) - University of Porto being Sandra Alves also responsible for the thematic line - Inherited metabolic diseases in human and animals: mechanisms and therapies.

She is the INSA's representative in the Portuguese Commission for the Treatment of Lysosomal Storage Diseases and in the European Rare Diseases Research Alliance (ERDERA) and coordinator of the National Mirror Group of this Programme in Portugal.

Her research focuses on LSDs, with an emphasis on the development of innovative therapies, including RNA-based approaches. With over 50 publications and over 150 peer-reviewed presentations, she has contributed to the study of these rare diseases, as well as to the training of several specialists in the field.