Interview with Dr. Exequiel O. J. Porta—Winner of the TropicalMed Young Investigator Award
Name: Dr. Exequiel O. J. Porta
Affiliation: School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
Research interests: parasitology; neglected tropical diseases; infectious diseases; drug discovery; medicinal chemistry; chemical biology; bioinformatics; proteomics
We are pleased to share our interview with him.
1. Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a little bit about your fields of interest?
My name is Exequiel Porta, and I am currently a Medical Research Council (MRC) Research Fellow at University College London (UCL), based in the School of Pharmacy, and Coordinator of the Health and Biological Sciences Area at the Network of Argentine Researchers in the UK (RCARU - RAICES). My work lies at the intersection of parasitology, infectious diseases, and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), with a strong focus on medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, bioinformatics, and proteomics. My research is deeply committed to advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving these diseases and to identifying novel therapeutic targets and new chemical entities. Ultimately, my ambition is to develop effective treatments that can significantly improve the health and quality of life of underserved and vulnerable populations globally.
2. How did you become interested in your current research field?
From the earliest days of my undergraduate studies in biotechnology at the National University of Rosario, Argentina, I was driven by a belief that chemistry could be a catalyst for transformative change in global health. This conviction guided me into medicinal chemistry and chemical biology, where I sought to harness chemical innovation to address neglected medical challenges. During my Ph.D., awarded the “Argentine Society of Research in Organic Chemistry Prize” for the best doctoral thesis of the 2015–2016 period, I delved deep into prenylated compounds, pioneering strategies to confront neglected tropical diseases. Building on this foundation, my postdoctoral research in Argentina and subsequent fellowships in the United Kingdom at Durham University (COFUND Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, European Union) and UCL (MRC Research Fellow) propelled the growth of both my expertise and broader scientific vision. Today, my work remains fueled by a commitment to push the boundaries of drug discovery, leveraging the power of interdisciplinary science to combat infectious diseases and bring hope to underserved populations worldwide.
3. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?
The research landscape is entering an era of unprecedented innovation. I believe transformative fields such as targeted protein degradation technologies (including PROTACs), RNA-targeted therapeutics, and next-generation chemoproteomic strategies will redefine drug discovery. Simultaneously, the convergence of genomics, proteomics, and artificial intelligence is accelerating the rise in personalized medicine, ushering in a future where therapies are precisely tailored to the molecular blueprint of each patient. Together, these advancements promise to expand the boundaries of what is possible, fundamentally reshaping how we understand and treat diseases.
4. Can you briefly describe the key to a happy scientific life?
A happy scientific life is built upon an enduring sense of wonder, a deep curiosity about the unknown, and a passion for discovery. It requires resilience to navigate challenges with perseverance and openness to learning from every experience, whether it is a success or failure. Yet, science is never a solitary endeavor—true fulfilment comes from belonging to a collaborative and supportive community, where mentorship, teamwork, and shared purpose thrive. Celebrating each step forward, however small, reinforces the joy of the journey. Above all, anchoring one's research in personal passion and a broader commitment to advancing human well-being transforms science into not merely a career but a profoundly rewarding way of life.
5. What is your opinion of the open access model of publishing?
I am a strong advocate for the open access publishing model, as it plays a crucial role in democratizing scientific knowledge, making research accessible to all, regardless of institutional affiliation or geographic location. Open access fosters greater collaboration, accelerates scientific discovery, and amplifies the visibility and impact of researchers’ work. Importantly, it empowers scientists in developing regions, who might otherwise face significant barriers to accessing essential information, to fully participate in and contribute to the global research community. By breaking down traditional barriers, open access drives a more inclusive, dynamic, and interconnected scientific ecosystem.
6. As the winner of this award, is there something you want to express or someone you wish to thank?
I am incredibly honored to receive the TropicalMed Young Investigator Award. This recognition is a testament not only to individual effort but to the unwavering support of the mentors, colleagues, and teams who have accompanied me throughout my journey. I am especially grateful to my early mentors at the National University of Rosario and Durham University, particularly Professors Guillermo Labadie and Patrick Steel, whose guidance was instrumental in shaping my scientific path. Profound gratitude also goes to my current mentors at UCL, Professors Geoffrey Wells and Frank Kozielski, for their invaluable support, encouragement, and mentorship. My sincere thanks go as well to Professors Patrick Steel and Paul Denny for nominating me for this award. I am equally indebted to my collaborators and students, whose passion and dedication continue to inspire and motivate me every day. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases, of which I am a proud member, and with whom we were honored to receive the prestigious 2023 MRC Impact Prize for Outstanding Team Impact. Finally, my deepest appreciation goes to my family (Estella, Carlos, Elián, Hernán, Andrés, and Sofía), friends (impossible to mention them all), and my partner (Marianna), whose unwavering support has been my greatest source of strength throughout this journey.
Dr. Exequiel O. J. Porta’s reflections and future directions:
The most inspiring moments of my career have arisen through vibrant exchanges with mentors, colleagues, and students, moments that underscore the collaborative nature of science. Progress rarely occurs in isolation; it flourishes in environments where curiosity is nurtured, ideas are constructively challenged, and diverse perspectives are valued. One of our greatest challenges in combating neglected diseases is the persistent scarcity of resources and attention devoted to these conditions. Addressing these demands has renewed global commitment from research institutions, pharmaceutical industries, and public health policymakers. Looking forward, my team and I are particularly excited about harnessing emerging technologies such as PROTACs and further advancing activity-based protein profiling to explore parasite–host interactions and develop patient-centered therapies. To young researchers, my advice is to remain endlessly curious, embrace teamwork, and allow bold questions to guide your scientific journey. Ultimately, my aspiration is to contribute to a future where neglected tropical diseases no longer pose a burden, a future where scientific innovation translates into sustained, equitable improvements in global health. Finally, I am deeply grateful to TropicalMed not only for this prestigious award but also for providing a platform to share my journey, ideas, and aspirations with the broader scientific community.