José Carlos Tavares

Biography and Expertise of José Carlos Tavares

Professor José Carlos Tavares is a prominent scientific leader whose career is deeply rooted in exploring the immense biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest for pharmacological applications. His work embodies the 3rd WCTCIM’s motto, “Knowledge Diversity,” by bridging traditional ethnobotanical knowledge with rigorous scientific validation. Based at the Federal University of Amapá, in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, he has dedicated his research to identifying and characterizing new bioactive compounds from native flora, contributing to the development of innovative phytomedicines.

His expertise directly aligns with the congress’s thematic axis, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” Professor Tavares’s pharmacological studies provide the crucial scientific evidence required by the Gujarat Declaration to integrate traditional products into modern healthcare systems safely and effectively. Therefore, his research not only expands the therapeutic arsenal but also promotes the sustainable use of natural resources, a principle central to the concept of Planetary Health.

Furthermore, the work of José Carlos Tavares is a powerful example of South-South collaboration. His visiting professorship in Mexico and leadership in pan-Amazonian research networks foster scientific exchange across Latin America. This strengthens regional capacity to innovate and adds significant value to the global implementation of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034.

Professional and Leadership Career

The professional trajectory of Professor José Carlos Tavares is marked by high-level academic leadership and influential advisory roles shaping national policies on health and biodiversity. As Rector of the Federal University of Amapá (2006-2014), he championed research and innovation rooted in the Amazon region, leading to significant institutional growth. This leadership experience provided him with deep insights into the challenges of building scientific capacity.

Beyond university leadership, his career is defined by active participation in key national committees. These roles demonstrate a commitment to translating scientific knowledge into practical regulations and public health policies, particularly for herbal medicines and pharmacognosy. His contributions extend far beyond the laboratory, influencing how Brazil manages its natural pharmacy.

• Full Professor: Serves as a Full Professor at the Federal University of Amapá, leading research and mentoring the next generation of pharmacologists.
• Former Rector: Led the Federal University of Amapá (2006-2014), overseeing its strategic development and academic expansion.
• Advisory Committee Member: Member of the Pharmacy Advisory Committee at the National Council for Science, Research and Innovation (CNPq), helping guide research funding and strategy.
• Coordinator of Research Networks: Leads multiple collaborative networks, including the Amazon Network of Nanotechnology Applied to Drugs (RANAF) and the Amazonian Biopharmaceutical Research Network (RAPBioFar).
• Laboratory Coordinator: Heads the Pharmaceutical Research Laboratory at the Federal University of Amapá, a hub for drug discovery and development in the region.

Academic and Research Foundation

Professor José Carlos Tavares built his distinguished career upon a solid academic foundation from one of Latin America’s most prestigious institutions. He earned his doctorate in Pharmaceuticals and Medicines, with a specialization in Pharmacology, from the renowned University of São Paulo (USP). This rigorous training equipped him with the advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to conduct cutting-edge research in drug discovery and toxicology, setting the stage for his future contributions.

His commitment to lifelong learning and international collaboration is further evidenced by his postdoctoral activities. His senior internship as a visiting professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) was a pivotal experience. This engagement, supported by a CAPES scholarship, allowed him to collaborate with leading researchers in natural products pharmacology, thereby fostering valuable South-South scientific partnerships and enriching his own research perspectives.

• PhD in Pharmaceuticals and Medicines (Pharmacology): Awarded by the University of São Paulo (USP), a leading research university in Brazil and Latin America.
• Visiting Professor (Senior Internship): Completed a senior research stay at the Pharmacology Laboratory of Natural Products, Faculty of Chemistry, at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), enhancing his international research network.
• Postdoctoral Training: Engaged in continuous professional development through specialized research projects and collaborations following his doctoral studies.

Research Leadership and Innovation

The research program led by Professor José Carlos Tavares is centered on the systematic investigation of Amazonian biodiversity as a source for new therapeutic agents. His work is profoundly interdisciplinary, integrating ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, advanced pharmacology, and toxicology to create a comprehensive pipeline for drug discovery. A key focus is on validating the traditional uses of medicinal plants with modern scientific methods, thereby transforming ancestral knowledge into evidence-based health solutions.

As a coordinator of major research consortia, he has been instrumental in building collaborative platforms for innovation. The Amazon Network of Nanotechnology Applied to Drugs (RANAF), for instance, explores novel delivery systems to enhance the efficacy and safety of natural compounds. Similarly, the Amazonian Biopharmaceutical Research Network (RAPBioFar) and the North Northeast Phytoproduct Network (RENNORFITO) unite researchers across a vast geographical area to accelerate the development of phytomedicines. This collaborative approach is vital for tackling complex research questions.

Professor Tavares also employs innovative research models, including the use of zebrafish, as evidenced by his membership in the Zebrafish Disease Models Society (ZDMS). This allows for high-throughput screening of compounds for toxicity and efficacy, accelerating the preclinical development phase. Through these coordinated efforts, the research of José Carlos Tavares directly contributes to creating a robust scientific foundation for the integration of traditional and complementary medicine into public health systems.

Prestigious Recognitions and Honors

The scientific excellence and leadership of Professor José Carlos Tavares have been consistently recognized through prestigious fellowships and elections to esteemed academic bodies, both nationally and internationally. These honors reflect the high impact of his research and his influential role in the field of pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences. They are a testament to a career dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and its application for societal benefit.

Central to his recognitions is the Research Productivity Scholarship from Brazil’s National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). Being awarded Level 1B places him in the upper echelon of Brazilian researchers, a distinction granted based on a rigorous evaluation of scientific output, innovation, and mentorship. This continuous fellowship underscores his sustained contribution to science. Furthermore, his induction into national and international academies of pharmacy signifies recognition by his peers as a leader in his discipline.

• CNPq Research Productivity Scholarship – Level 1B: A prestigious fellowship awarded by the Brazilian government to senior researchers with an outstanding record of scientific productivity and impact.
• Titular Member of the National Academy of Pharmacy (Brazil): Elected to occupy seat number 47, one of the highest honors for a pharmacist or pharmaceutical scientist in Brazil.
• Full Member of the Royal National Academy of Pharmacy of Spain: Recognized as a foreign correspondent, highlighting his international stature and contributions to the pharmaceutical sciences.

Influence on National Health and Environmental Policy

Professor José Carlos Tavares impacts policy through active participation in national committees that regulate medicines and protect biodiversity. His service ensures policy decisions are informed by scientific evidence, crucial for integrating traditional and complementary medicine into the national healthcare framework safely and effectively.

His roles within the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) and the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia are significant. As a member of the Technical Chamber of Herbal Medicines (CATEF-Brasil), he directly influences regulatory standards for phytomedicines. This work is essential for guaranteeing the quality and safety of products for the population. His expertise helps build a regulatory environment that fosters innovation while prioritizing public health.

• Member of the Deliberative Council of the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia: Helps set official standards for pharmaceuticals and related substances in Brazil.
• Member of the Technical Chamber of Herbal Medicines of ANVISA (CATEF-Brasil): Advises on the regulation of herbal medicines for the Ministry of Health.
• Member of the Technical Chamber of Endangered Species, National Biodiversity Commission (CONABIO): Advises on policies to protect and sustainably use Brazil’s biodiversity.
• Coordinator of the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia Policy Support Committee: Leads efforts to support and update the national pharmacopoeia.
• Member of numerous Scientific Societies: Including the Brazilian Society of Pharmacognosy, the International Society for Ethnopharmacology, and the American Society of Pharmacognosy.

Connect with Professor Tavares

For a more detailed overview of the extensive research, publications, and academic activities of Professor José Carlos Tavares, you can consult his official scientific curricula and professional profiles. These platforms provide a comprehensive look at his contributions to pharmacology and the study of Amazonian biodiversity.

Lattes Curriculum (Brazil’s National Platform for Researchers): View Full Academic CV

ORCID Profile: View Publications and Profile