Filipa Lopes is a specialist in Bioethics, with a background in Biology and Applied Microbiology. She’s currently pursuing her PhD as part of the Ethics team within REPO4EU, where she’s conducting rigorous ethical analysis to ensure all the activities carried by the partners in the project adhere to the highest ethical standards — from animal welfare to patient data protection. In this interview, Filipa shares her journey as a young bioethicist and reflects on the importance of conducting research responsibly.
The role of Bioethics in scientific research
Hi Filipa! Let’s start with the beginning of your scientific journey. What inspired you to pursue a career in science?
My journey started with a Bachelor's in Biology at the University of Porto, followed by a Master's in Applied Microbiology at the Catholic University of Portugal. It was during my master's thesis, where I explored the bioethics of genome editing, that I discovered my passion for bioethics. That interest led me to pursue further specialisation, including a post-graduate degree in animal welfare. Professionally, I worked in evidence-based veterinary medicine before joining REPO4EU as a research fellow focused on ethics. I've also taken courses in clinical and research ethics, which further shaped my perspective.
For those unfamiliar with the term, can you explain what bioethics is and why it's important?
Bioethics is, in short, the way to do science with rules and values. It provides researchers with principles and guidelines that help ensure their work is done responsibly. In the rush to publish or innovate, some might overlook ethical considerations, and that’s where bioethics steps in — to define boundaries, safeguard participants and protect the integrity of research.
And when it comes to powerful technologies like genome editing or AI, what are the key ethical concerns?
Technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 are revolutionary but also raise serious ethical questions. While they offer incredible opportunities, they can also be misused, even for things like bioterrorism. We must apply a precautionary principle — thinking through consequences, risks and societal implications before using such tools, especially in humans.
In the case of Artificial Intelligence, this is still a new world for many of us, and its ethical implications are vast. Issues like bias, transparency, and accountability need careful attention. We're still learning how to navigate this space, but our goal as bioethicists is to ensure that new tools are used responsibly.
You mentioned you did a post-graduate course in animal welfare. What attracted you about this area specifically?
Animal welfare is essential in clinical research. In Europe we have to follow very strict rules and adhere to the 3Rs: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement. This means we always strive to minimise animal use, improve their living conditions and replace them when alternatives exist. I’m very passionate about this subject because I do understand that, in some instances, it is necessary to use animals for research because it’s for a huge end — for example, for clinical trials for cancer — but we must do so respectfully and ethically, always.
Developing an ethics-by-design framework for REPO4EU
Let’s talk about your work in the REPO4EU project. What is your role within this European consortium?
I’m currently pursuing my PhD within the ethics team at REPO4EU. We take an ethics-by-design approach to create tools like ethics self-assessment templates for all work packages, helping researchers in the project identify and address ethical issues from the start. We also develop information sheets and consent forms tailored for clinical trials, organise training on research ethics and open science, and ensure compliance across sensitive topics such as data privacy, use of human tissue, animal welfare and the integration of AI.
You mentioned open science and research integrity, how do these two fit in?
Research integrity deals with values and norms that distinguish acceptable from unacceptable scientific behavior, while research ethics applies foundational principles to protect participants and ensure transparency. Open science, in turn, promotes inclusiveness and democratic access to knowledge. Together, they create a framework for ethical, responsible and impactful research.
Have you encountered any challenges in getting researchers to adhere to this ethical framework?
Thankfully, no. Most researchers involved in REPO4EU already had a strong understanding of the importance of ethics. The biggest challenge we face is staying updated with everything happening across such a large, multidisciplinary project; it takes time to connect with all work packages and ensure alignment, but it's essential for applying our ethics-by-design framework effectively.
And what has it been like working with such a diverse, transdisciplinary team?
It’s both exciting and complex. Each REPO4EU partner brings a different expertise and degree of knowledge across AI, clinical trials, legal frameworks… as bioethicists, we need to understand enough of each field to offer meaningful ethical guidance; this means constantly learning and adapting. But I really enjoy this aspect of my work, it's one of the most enriching parts of the project.
Advice for young scientists and future researchers
What’s one key message you’d like other researchers to take from our conversation?
Be a responsible researcher. Embrace integrity, curiosity, honesty and resilience — and above all, respect science and the people involved in it. It's not just about the results, but about how we get there. Ethics, values and norms should guide everything we do.
And, drawing from your own journey and experiences, what advice would you give to a young person thinking of pursuing a scientific career?
Follow what makes you happy. Science isn’t easy, especially in countries like Portugal where funding is limited, but if it’s your passion, go for it! Be aware of the challenges, but don’t let them stop you. Resilience and love for what you do will carry you forward.
REPO4EU: The Podcast
Our podcast brings listeners closer to the latest innovations, research and developments happening in drug repurposing across the globe. The first season, ‘Drug Repurposing Next-Gen’, spotlights the work of PhD researchers, post-docs and young investigators involved in REPO4EU, exploring their role in the project as well as their career journeys. New episodes will be released monthly. Stay tuned for the next one!