EVENTS | UPCOMING

VI OPORTO BIOMEDICAL SUMMIT | 20-22 March 2026 | ICBAS-UPorto

WORKSHOP: Experience-Dependent Neuroplasticity in Childhood: Insights from Reading and Music

Saturday, March 21, 11-12h30

This workshop, that will be led by Dr. Marta Martins, addresses experience-dependent neuroplasticity in childhood, focusing on behavioral and neural changes associated with reading acquisition and musical training. Evidence from neurodevelopmental research, cognitive neuroscience, and clinical studies will be discussed in relation to auditory-motor processing, language, executive functioning, and emotional networks. Emphasis is placed on the translational relevance of these findings for clinical and educational practices.

18th Congress of the European Federation of Sexology

28-30 May 2026  |  Lisbon, Portugal

ORAL COMMUNICATION: When Voice and Self Diverge: Voice Incongruence as a Marker of Expressive Writing Dynamics

Speaker: Manuela Moura (PhD, student)

This study shows that voice incongruence is a key dimension shaping voice experience across transgender and cisgender individuals. Transgender women emerged as a distinct group, reporting the highest levels of voice incongruence and dysphoria. Crucially, greater voice incongruence was reflected in expressive writing behavior, with longer pauses and writing time—capturing subjective voice experience beyond identity or gender labels.

MEDIA

Nov 25, 2025 | This research highlight, published by CIS-Iscte, features contributions from B.Sound Lab, with Principal Investigator Marta Martins discussing new research projects that investigate the links between musical rhythm and literacy acquisition. The piece introduces the scientific rationale and goals of these studies and their potential relevance for education. Read the full article to learn more about the projects and their implications.

Dec 18, 2024 | Marta Martins took part in the 15th episode of Caixa de Pandora on Canal S+ (T07 E015), dedicated to the question "Are women more emotional?". She discussed her research in cognitive neuroscience and studies on emotion processing in the human voice. Watch the full episode here.

Sept 01 2024 | In an article published in the issue no. 317 of Superinteressante, Marta Martins discusses her work exploring the relationship between reading fluency deficits, IQ, and the socioeconomic contexts in which children develop. Read the full article through the magazine's subscription or digital edition.

May 11, 2022 | Marta Martins featured on RTP2's "Sociedade Civil", where she discussed how music may influence behavior and brain, exploring its emotional and neural effects. Drawing on her expertise in cognitive neuroscience, she offered insights into why music is such a powerful and pleasurable part of human experience. Watch the full episode here.

Upcoming 2026 | Dr. Marta Martins will join Native Scientists to return to her primary school, leading an activity on how music can improve learning and boost brain function—bringing neuroscience back to its roots.

May 27, 2021 | Dr. Marta Martins took part in a webinar organized by the Maia Municipality as part of the webinars ESCOLA XXI EM 61 MINUTOS. In this session, she explored how musical training may support educational skills, such as reading, and promote brain plasticity, bringing neuroscience closer to educators and the wider community.