Dr Mateus Webba Da Silva

Overview

Mateus Webba da Silva is Reader in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Ulster University.

He earned his PhD in Chemistry from Exeter University and subsequently held research positions at the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York in New York, and Duke University.

Research interests

His research programme investigates the structural complexity of nucleic acids, with a specialised focus on non-canonical architectures known as G-quadruplexes.

By integrating computational modelling, biophysics, and high-resolution spectroscopy, his group explores how nucleic acid sequence and environmental factors shape the folding pathways, energy landscapes, and structure–function relationships of these biomolecular systems.

The team applies advanced approaches such as enhanced-sampling molecular dynamics, NMR spectroscopy, synchrotron-radiation circular dichroism, and quantum-chemical methods to elucidate how structural features govern stability, folding behaviour, and biological activity.

This fundamental work underpins efforts to design and characterise G-quadruplex-based molecules with potential applications as therapeutic candidates, diagnostic aptamers, and molecular platforms for biotechnology and nanotechnology.

In parallel, Webba da Silva maintains an active research stream in health-data science. Collaborating widely across clinical and computational teams, using machine-learning and emerging generative-AI approaches to support predictive modelling in metabolic disease, medication adherence, and clinical decision-support systems.

As a mentor, Webba da Silva is committed to cultivating a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment, guiding trainees toward scientific independence, and preparing them for diverse careers in academia and beyond. He welcomes enquiries from prospective PhD students.

Research Opportunities