Inês Bento 
PDG, PhD Student (since Oct. 2007)
In 2005, before I finished my degree in Biology – Scientific area, I did a 6-month traineeship at the Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto. There I was part of UnIGENe, where I developed my first scientific project based on molecular biological studies. After finishing my degree I worked for two years in the Cancer Biology Group at Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (IPATIMUP) where I strengthened my knowledge in oncobiology.
In October 2007 I started as a research assistant at the Cell Cycle Regulation group, at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC). In October 2008 I entered the ‘Programa Gulbenkian de Doutoramento 2008’ (PGD). My project is mainly focused on the mechanisms of centrosome number regulation, particularly on the understanding of how de novo is regulated and on the mechanisms behind centrosome disappearance, using Drosophila oogenesis as an experimental system. I find this to be an amazing question, particularly regarding the implications that these processes had and have in the evolution of animal sexual vs asexual reproduction. As a CCR member, I have had the opportunity to discuss my project with important and well known researchers in our field. This experience has been, scientifically and personally, very challenging. Also, because Mónica is an EMBO Young Investigator, I had the great opportunity to participate in the YIP PhD course, 2009. During an intensive week I developed important skills, and more importantly, I had the chance to discuss science with PhD students from different countries and with different scientific interests.
Since the beginning of my scientific carrier I have had the great opportunity to participate in science communication events, including speed dating with journalists for OPTIMUS Alive 2008, Researchers Scientific night 2008, and ‘Mundo Mix 2009’. I consider these to be essential exercises for scientists to be able to discuss science with the general public, as well as for the general public to understand the significance of our work. In this way both communities will be closer.
Educational Background: In 2000 I finished my secondary school in Lourinhã (my home town). After that I went to Science Faculty, Porto University, where in 2005 I finished my degree in Biology - Scientific area.
Other Interests: My passion is animals, that‘s why I have so many stray dogs and a cat. I love travelling and I have a goal to go to a different city abroad every year.
Publications
Cunha-Ferreira I, Rodrigues-Martins A, Bento I, Riparbelli M, Zhang W, Laue E, Callaini G, Glover DM, Bettencourt-Dias M. (2009) The SCF/Slimb ubiquitin ligase limits centrosome amplification through degradation of SAK/PLK4. Curr Biol. 19(1):43-9. more
Cunha-Ferreira I, Bento I, Bettencourt-Dias M. (2009)
From zero to many: control of centriole number in development and disease. Traffic. 10(5):482-98. more
Máximo V, Lima J, Soares P, Silva A, Bento I, Sobrinho-Simões M (2008). GRIM-19 in health and disease. Advances in Anatomic Pathology 15(1):46-53. more
Rocha AS, Marques R, Bento I, Soares R, Magalhães J, Vieira de Castro I, Soares P (2007). Thyroid hormone receptor beta mutations in the 'hot-spot region' are rare events in thyroid carcinomas. Journal of Endocrinology 192:83-86. more
