Perfil

Aníbal Gil Lopes, born in Araraquara, São Paulo, is a Brazilian physician and academic renowned for his contributions to renal physiology and bioethics. He earned his medical degree from the University of São Paulo (USP) in 1973, where he also completed a Ph.D. in Organ Systems Physiology in 1976. From 1981 to 1984, he conducted postdoctoral research at Yale University. Alongside his scientific training, he pursued theological training at the Archdiocesan Seminary of São Paulo and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1973. 

Lopes began teaching at USP in 1978 and became a Full Professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) in 1993, where he established a leading laboratory in renal physiology. He also held key administrative roles at UFRJ, including Director of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Pro-Rector of Undergraduate Education.

His scientific work focuses on molecular mechanisms of ion transport in the nephron, with around 80 publications in international journals. He is also deeply involved in bioethics, having served on several ethics’ committees, including Brazil’s National Committee for Ethics in Research.

Lopes has received major recognitions, such as the Scientist of Our State Award (2003, 2005) and the Michel Jamra Award (2006). He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine, the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, and the Pontifical Academy for Life. Bridging science and theology, his career reflects a unique commitment to both medical science and ethical discourse. His work has significantly influenced the fields of renal physiology and bioethics in Brazil and internationally.