Dr. Rafael Radi is a distinguished Uruguayan scientist and leading authority in redox biology at the Universidad de la República. He currently serves as Full Professor and Director of the Department of Biochemistry at the Faculty of Medicine, while also directing the Center for Biomedical Research (CEINBIO) and coordinating the Basic Oncology and Molecular Biology Laboratory. After earning dual doctorates in Medicine (1988) and Biological Sciences (1991) from the Universidad de la República, he established himself as a central figure in Latin American biomedical research. His leadership extends beyond the university as President of the National Academy of Sciences of Uruguay and as a recently appointed member of the prestigious Pontifical Academy of Sciences at the Vatican.
Dr. Radi's groundbreaking research on reactive oxygen species, free radicals, nitric oxide, and peroxynitrite has fundamentally advanced our understanding of redox signaling in cellular homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. His laboratory made seminal contributions demonstrating the central roles of peroxynitrite and L-arginine metabolism in cellular immune responses to pathogens, particularly in Chagas disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. He pioneered the development of advanced methodologies for detecting short-lived reactive species and their oxidative damage products, establishing critical national research infrastructure including Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Stopped Flow Spectrometry facilities in Uruguay. These contributions have provided essential insights into mitochondrial redox dysfunction and its contribution to neurodegeneration, aging processes, and infectious diseases across multiple institutions in the region.
Beyond his research achievements, Dr. Radi has been instrumental in building Uruguay's scientific capacity through training numerous doctoral students and developing infrastructure for biomedical research. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic as coordinator of Uruguay's scientific advisory group demonstrated the critical role of scientific expertise in public health policy, strengthening science-policy interfaces throughout Latin America. As the recipient of the National Science Award of Uruguay in 2021 and the first Uruguayan honored by the US National Academy of Sciences, he continues to shape national research policies and international scientific collaborations. Dr. Radi remains actively engaged in advancing the understanding of cellular degeneration mechanisms while mentoring the next generation of scientists and developing interventions to promote healthier aging trajectories.
