Stephanie A. Fernandes selected for the Minerva Fast Track Programme
Opportunity for exceptional female scientists to plan their long-term careers and start their own research group
Stephanie A. Fernandes, Postdoctoral Researcher in the Demetriades Lab, was selected by the Max Planck Society for the Minerva fast track program. The program gives her funding for up to four years, with the goal of subsequently applying for a Max Planck research group with an open topic. Fernandes will start her own research group as part of the Antebi Lab and is one of two selected researchers in the biomedical section of the Max Planck Society.

Fernandes will study the control of anabolism and catabolism in skeletal muscle. The balance between these two processes – the build-up of molecules through biosynthesis and their breakdown – is crucial for cell health and function. This balance is controlled by a central protein complex in cells called the mTOR complex, which Fernandes has previously investigated during her PhD and postdoctoral research. She will also study how this regulation changes with age. “Everyone is going to experience muscle loss, regardless of disease. Understanding skeletal muscle physiology is therefore very important, as this will help us to understand how it changes over time,” says Fernandes.
“I am very grateful for this funding because it is enabling me to conduct my research in the best possible environment. While moving between institutes is often valued in academic research, I have found that the supportive and highly collaborative atmosphere here has enabled me to grow and innovate in ways that are just as impactful. Hence, I would like to thank all the research group leaders, especially Adam Antebi and Constantinos Demetriades, for their fantastic support,” says Fernandes.
About Stephanie A. Fernandes
Stephanie A. Fernandes is a Brazilian researcher who completed her Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the University of São Paulo in Brazil. She came to the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing to undertake her PhD at the Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research in the Demetriades Lab, subsequently remaining there as a postdoctoral researcher.
The Minerva Fast Track Programme
The Minerva Fast Track Programme focuses on outstanding young female scientists and is a building block for increasing the proportion of women in scientific leadership roles while maintaining the highest quality standards. Candidates are nominated by scientific members of the Max Planck Society, who also mentor them. Selection is conducted through a competitive, multi-stage process that assesses candidates' scientific and leadership qualifications. The successful applicant will receive funding for their group leader as well as for a postdoctoral and a doctoral position, and necessary material resources.