The specialization of Maria Cristina das Neves Oliveira is in the field of synthetic organic chemistry and radiochemistry. In the last years the main focus of her scientific activity lies on the synthesis and characterization of halogen-based compounds with potential application in molecular imaging and systemic radiotherapy of oncological diseases. In this field emphasis has been placed on the study of novel routes to the synthesis and characterization of small molecules (eg. steroids, tyrosine kinase inhibitors) with potential application in the clinical care of cancer patients and the establishment of chemical structure-biological activity relationships based on the determination of their biological behaviour. Her main research interests include radiolabelling (123/125I,18F) of biomolecules with high affinity and selectivity for estrogen receptors, found mainly in breast and uterine tissues, as well as on EGFR/VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors that can be potential SPECT/PET imaging agents for monitoring EGFR overexpressing tissues and angiogenesis, respectively. Scientific activities were also extended to the radiosynthesis and characterization of thyroid hormones, peptides, proteins, nanoparticles and other small molecules with potential clinical application. The present research interests are focused on the synthesis and characterization of novel biomolecules for therapy of cancer, based on Auger-emitting radionuclides.