Frederico Carvalho

Biography and Expertise of Frederico Carvalho

Frederico Carvalho has carved a unique and influential niche at the crossroads of educational technology, regulatory science, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). His work directly addresses one of the most significant challenges facing the global integration of TCIM: navigating the intricate web of regulatory requirements in major markets like the European Union. By designing sophisticated digital education ecosystems, he transforms complex compliance mandates into accessible, actionable knowledge for international producers and exporters.

This expertise strongly aligns with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “TCIM Education and Training.” Frederico Carvalho operationalizes this theme by creating practical tools that build competencies and leadership among stakeholders in the TCIM supply chain. Furthermore, his co-leadership of the Macau-Portugal-Brazil initiative is a tangible example of the South-South collaboration that the congress champions. This project not only facilitates trade but also fosters a deeper, evidence-based understanding of TCM, which resonates with the principles of the Gujarat Declaration. Therefore, his work embodies the congress motto pillar of “Knowledge Diversity” by using technology to translate and preserve traditional knowledge within a modern scientific context.

Professional Career

The professional journey of Frederico Carvalho is characterized by a strategic focus on building sustainable bridges between distinct but interconnected worlds: corporate training, academic research, and international trade in traditional medicines. His career demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that leverages technology to solve long-standing regulatory and educational hurdles, thereby creating new pathways for market access and global collaboration.

His dual roles at a leading EdTech firm and a prestigious university laboratory create a powerful synergy. This combination allows him to merge scalable educational infrastructure with high-level scientific validation, a model that is both innovative and essential for the future of integrative medicine. His professional path is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration.

• EdTech Director at DOT Vantagem+: In this role, Frederico Carvalho leads the development of digital education strategies for a company that has trained over 17 million professionals. He applies this vast experience to the specialized field of TCIM, creating targeted learning platforms for regulatory compliance.
• Strategic Partner & Digital Lead at FFUL Pharmacognosy Lab: At the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Universidade de Lisboa, he connects academic excellence with real-world application. He leads the digital translation of scientific knowledge, ensuring that educational content is precise, credible, and aligned with the latest research in pharmacognosy.

Academic Foundations and Scientific Partnership

While a traditional academic trajectory often involves a linear progression of degrees, Frederico Carvalho’s intellectual foundation is best understood through his deep and sustained integration with one of Europe’s leading academic institutions. His role as a Strategic Partner with the Pharmacognosy Laboratory at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa (FFUL), places him at the heart of scientific inquiry into natural medicinal products. This is not a passive affiliation but an active collaboration that informs the very core of his work.

The field of pharmacognosy—the study of medicines derived from natural sources—is fundamental to validating the safety, efficacy, and quality of traditional herbal products. Consequently, his immersion in this environment provides him with a robust scientific grounding that is arguably more relevant to his specialized work than a conventional degree path. This partnership allows Frederico Carvalho to ensure that the educational ecosystems he builds are not only technologically advanced but also scientifically rigorous and evidence-based, directly supporting the principles of the Gujarat Declaration.

Shaping Global Dialogue and Standardization

Frederico Carvalho‘s contributions to the field are disseminated not through traditional academic publications but through his influential role as a thought leader and speaker on the international stage. He is a sought-after expert at high-level forums and congresses dedicated to the regulation, standardization, and globalization of traditional medicine. His presentations provide critical insights and pragmatic solutions to an audience of policymakers, industry leaders, and academics.

This form of knowledge-sharing is vital for shaping global policy and industry standards. By engaging directly with key decision-makers, Frederico Carvalho helps to build consensus and drive progress on a global scale. His participation in these events underscores his position as a key voice in the international TCIM community.

• ISO TC249 Summit: As a delegate, he contributes to the development of international standards for Traditional Chinese Medicine, a critical process for ensuring safety, quality, and global interoperability.
• World Traditional Medicine Forum: He has presented on the specifics of TCM regulation in Portugal, offering his country’s experience as a case study for others.
• 15th World Congress of Chinese Medicine: Spoke on the broader theme of the globalization of Chinese medicine, addressing the challenges and opportunities for international expansion.
• Traditional Medicine International Forum (Macau): Addressed strategies for international cooperation at the influential GMTCM Park, a key hub for TCM trade.

Global Leadership in TCIM Standardization and Education

The leadership and expertise of Frederico Carvalho are formally recognized through his appointments to several prestigious international and national organizations. These roles are a testament to the trust and respect he has earned within the global TCIM community. Beyond mere affiliations, these positions grant him a formal platform to influence policy, shape educational standards, and advocate for the evidence-based integration of traditional medicine.

His involvement in these committees is particularly significant as it allows him to contribute directly to the harmonization of standards and practices worldwide. This work is essential for building a globally recognized and respected framework for TCIM, which in turn facilitates greater integration into mainstream healthcare systems.

• Delegate for ISO Technical Committee 249: Since 2018, he has represented Portugal in the International Organization for Standardization’s committee for TCM, playing a direct role in shaping the global standards that govern the industry.
• Education Executive Committee Member, World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS): In this capacity, he helps guide the educational agenda of the world’s largest TCM organization, influencing training programs and curriculum development on a global scale. This directly connects to the 3rd WCTCIM’s focus on education.

European and Lusophone Regulatory Influence

Beyond his global roles, Frederico Carvalho exerts significant influence at the regional and national levels, particularly within Europe and the Portuguese-speaking world. His work in these capacities ensures that broad international standards are effectively translated into practical, regional-specific regulatory and educational frameworks. This ground-level engagement is crucial for achieving meaningful policy change and fostering robust national TCIM ecosystems.

His activities demonstrate a deep commitment to building institutional capacity, from coordinating policy advocacy in Brussels to advising academic consortia in Brazil. This multifaceted engagement reinforces the theme of South-South and North-South collaboration that is central to the 3rd WCTCIM.

• Regulation Working Group Coordinator for EUROCAM: He coordinates efforts to influence European policy on traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine, advocating for balanced and evidence-informed regulations.
• Advisor to the Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health: This role allows him to support the development of integrative health in a key Latin American nation, fostering Lusophone collaboration.
• Secretary of CT212 at the Portuguese Institute for Quality (IPQ): He helps manage the national mirror committee to ISO TC249, shaping Portugal’s official stance on TCM standardization.
• Founding Member of the Portuguese Federation of TCM Schools: He played a foundational role in organizing and professionalizing TCM education within his home country.

Connect with Frederico Carvalho

To gain further insight into the work of Frederico Carvalho and his initiatives at the intersection of educational technology and regulatory science for traditional medicine, you can connect with him through his professional digital presence. These platforms offer a more detailed view of his projects, collaborations, and contributions to the field.

LinkedIn Profile: View Frederico Carvalho’s Professional Profile

Institutional Context: Learn more about the FFUL Pharmacognosy Laboratory