Category: FLASHGuard Project

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Prof. Pedro Assis featured by Observador in the “Brilliant Minds” segment with the FLASHGuard Project

FLASHGuard Project

In the “Brilliant Minds” segment of Observador, Professor Pedro Assis highlights how techniques and technologies originally developed in particle physics are being applied to improve cancer treatment, particularly in the context of FLASH Radiotherapy.

The interview explores the development of advanced particle counting and monitoring systems, which aim to make ultra high dose-rate radiotherapy treatments safer and more precise. This work, closely linked to the FLASHGuard Project, illustrates how fundamental research can translate into concrete clinical applications, with the potential to reduce side effects while maintaining treatment effectiveness.

Congratulations to Prof. Pedro Assis and the entire FLASHGuard team on this important scientific and societal contribution.

Full interview here

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Gonçalo Ribeiro awarded “Academic Excellence in MEFT” in recognition of the best MSc thesis in the scientific area of Particle and Nuclear Physics

FLASHGuard Project

On 13 December 2025, Gonçalo Ribeiro was awarded the “Academic Excellence in MEFT” distinction by the Physics Department, recognising the best MSc thesis in the scientific area of Particle and Nuclear Physics.

His MSc thesis was developed within the FLASHGuard Project, and the work was supervised by Professor Pedro Assis and Professor Patrícia Gonçalves. This distinction recognises the excellence and originality of the research carried out by Gonçalo Ribeiro and highlights the role of the FLASHGuard Project in fostering high-quality training and research in Particle and Nuclear Physics.

Congratulations to Gonçalo Ribeiro, Prof. Pedro Assis and Prof. Patrícia Gonçalves!

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Gonçalo Roriz, Prof. Pedro Assis and Prof. Bernardo Tomé present FLASHGuard at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

FLASHGuard Project

FLASHGuard Project

On 13 December 2025, Gonçalo Roriz presented his work in the first scientific retreat of the "Novos Talentos" program in the 25/26 edition. After receiving this competitive and prestigious grant, Gonçalo decided to work in the FLASHGuard Project. Prof. Pedro Assis and Prof. Bernardo Tomé, his two tutors, were also present and introduced the work Gonçalo is going to develop.

Congratulations to Gonçalo Roriz!

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FLASHGuard wins the Healthtech Lisboa Award in the 3rd edition of the Lispolis Ignite program

FLASHGuard Project

On 27 November 2025, FLASHGuard was awarded first place in the Lispolis Ignite program, winning the Healthtech Lisboa Award, worth €4,000.

FLASHGuard presents a novel real-time beam monitoring solution for Ultra-High Dose Rates, instrumental for the clinical implementation of FLASH Radiotherapy. The project is developed in the Particles4Health group, led by Prof. Pedro Assis, at LIP - Laboratório de Instrumentação e Física Experimental de Partículas.

Across 4 intensive workshop days, with lectures, quick sessions with experts in Healthtech and business development sessions, all participants presented their start-ups in the Demo Day, to a multidisciplinary panel of specialists.

Besides FLASHGuard's first place, the second prize was awarded to FLASH – Rapid Diagnostics, while Enterprise Bot received the third prize.

Congratulations to FLASHGuard and the team!

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Gonçalo Ribeiro wins Youth Start-Up Competition 2025 for innovation in cancer treatment

FLASHGuard Project

On November 2025, Gonçalo Ribeiro won the Youth Start-Up Competition (YSC) 2025 with his pioneering medical technology project FLASHGuard.

Presented at the SME Assembly 2025 in Copenhagen, FLASHGuard enables the safe clinical use of FLASH Radiotherapy, a cutting-edge cancer treatment that protects healthy tissue while maintaining tumor control. By bridging science, technology, and care, the project places Europe at the forefront of advanced health tech innovation.

Selected as one of three finalists by the expert jury from over 70 entries, Gonçalo’s project went on to win the audience vote at the SME Assembly, where participants chose the most promising start-up among this year’s finalists. FLASHGuard impressed with its potential to enhance Europe’s competitiveness in medical research and improve the quality of life for patients worldwide.

Gonçalo will now take FLASHGuard to the 2026 European Innovation Council Summit in Brussels, where he will gain greater visibility and connect with Europe’s leaders in innovation and healthcare.

Congratulations to Gonçalo and the FLASHGuard team on this achievement! A word of appreciation also to the other two finalists, Michael Strudler (Austria) and Jonas Kewenig (Germany).

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Gonçalo Roriz awarded Gulbenkian “Novos Talentos” Grant 2025

FLASHGuard Project

On November 2025, Gonçalo Roriz, a Master's student of Engineering Physics at Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), was awarded a prestigious Gulbenkian “Novos Talentos” Grant in the field of Physics.

This highly competitive grant, promoted by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, aims to support outstanding university students in Portugal who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and a strong motivation for scientific research. It provides financial support, advanced training opportunities, and mentoring activities that encourage the development of new scientific skills and innovation.

Within the scope of the grant, Gonçalo will carry out his research work at the Laboratório de Instrumentação e Física Experimental de Partículas (LIP), as part of the Particles4Health group led by Prof. Pedro Assis. His project will be developed within FLASHGuard, a project that focuses on developing ultra-fast monitoring devices for FLASH Radiotherapy — an emerging technology that promises more effective and less invasive cancer treatments through precise particle detection.

This recognition not only highlights Gonçalo’s academic excellence and research potential but also reinforces the importance of LIP and IST as institutions that foster young scientific talent and innovation at the intersection of physics and health.

Congratulations to Gonçalo on this amazing achievement!

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Gonçalo Ribeiro successfully defended his Master’s Thesis

FLASHGuard Project

On 3 November 2025, Gonçalo Ribeiro successfully defended his Master’s thesis at Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), obtaining the highest grade of 20/20.

The thesis was conducted at the Laboratório de Instrumentação e Física Experimental de Partículas (LIP), within the Particles4Health research group led by Prof. Pedro Assis. The work was supervised by Prof. Pedro Assis and Prof. Patrícia Gonçalves.

The jury was composed of Prof. Guilherme Milhano and Prof. Bernardo Tomé, whose evaluation and insightful discussion contributed to the successful defense.

This achievement reflects years of rigorous study and research, and acknowledges the formative role of both LIP and IST in Gonçalo’s academic development.

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Gonçalo Ribeiro selected 2025 YSC finalist with FLASHGuard Project

FLASHGuard Project

After an incredibly competitive selection process, the Youth Start-Up Competition jury praised the outstanding quality, creativity, and impact of this year’s submissions. The finalists stood out with their innovative solutions addressing some of today’s most pressing challenges — from renewable energy and disaster response to cutting-edge cancer treatment.

Among the three finalists is Gonçalo Ribeiro, a PhD Fast Track student at Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon, leading the FLASHGuard project — a pioneering medical technology enabling the safe clinical use of FLASH Radiotherapy. This innovation aims to transform cancer treatment by protecting healthy tissue while maintaining tumour control, positioning Europe at the forefront of advanced healthcare innovation.

In November 2025, Gonçalo Ribeiro will pitch FLASHGuard live at the SME Assembly 2025 in Copenhagen, Europe’s flagship event for entrepreneurs and policymakers. The winner will be crowned Youth Start-Up Champion 2025 and will go on to attend the EIC Summit 2026.

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Prof. Pedro Assis and Gonçalo Ribeiro represented the FLASHGuard Project in Barcelona at the official kick-off of the CaixaImpulse Health Innovation Grant

FLASHGuard Project

On September 16th and 17th, Prof. Pedro Assis and Gonçalo Ribeiro represented the FLASHGuard Project in Barcelona at the official kick-off of the CaixaImpulse Health Innovation Grant.
The event marked the beginning of the program and included the first week of business training, bringing together selected projects from across Portugal and Spain.

Being part of this highly competitive initiative, with a success rate of only 6.7%, is a major milestone for FLASHGuard and reinforces our mission to translate cutting-edge physics into medicine.

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FLASHGuard Project awarded CaixaImpulse Health Innovation Grant

FLASHGuard Project awarded CaixaImpulse Health Innovation Grant

FLASHGuard Project

We are proud to announce that the FLASHGuard Project has been awarded the CaixaImpulse Health Innovation Grant 2025 – Improve Cancer Treatments. This highly competitive program, with a success rate of just 6.7%, is open only to excellent research centers in Portugal and Spain, and supports the development of innovative medical technologies with the potential to transform patient care.

The grant includes an initial €50,000 and provides a pathway to securing up to €700,000 over five years, distributed across three stages. Beyond funding, it offers 5 hours of mentoring, 10 hours of expert advice with top specialists from the “la Caixa” Foundation network, and four weeks of business training.

Receiving this grant marks a major milestone for FLASHGuard and strengthens our mission to enable the safe clinical adoption of FLASH Radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) by developing a saturation-free, real-time beam monitoring device. This support will accelerate our path towards bringing cutting-edge physics into medicine and improving cancer treatment worldwide.

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