Isabel Maria Dias Cabral

Isabel Maria Dias Cabral is a Contracted Researcher at the Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T) at Universidade do Minho, Portugal. She holds a Doctorate in Textile Engineering (2018) and has academic background in Industrial Design (2004) and multiple Masters in Textile and Design fields (2009, 2011). Her research focuses on smart materials applied to textile design, particularly color change materials, shape memory textiles, and sustainable practices.

• Doctorate in Textile Engineering (2018)
• Master in Space, Product and Communication Design (2009)
• Licenciatura in Industrial Design (2004)

Her work explores intersections between Humanities (Arts, Architectural Design) and Engineering (Materials, Textiles). Key research areas include smart textiles, interactive materials, and ecological coloration, with a focus on thermochromic, photochromic, and hydrochromic textile systems.

Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate expertise in natural dyes (eucalyptus, weld, madder), colorimetry in design education, and functionalization of materials for specific applications. She co-supervises PhD and MSc students in projects related to sustainable fashion, smart printed textiles, and ecological coloration.

Scientific recognition includes:

• CEECIND award (2022)
• Post-Doc grant (2018)
• FCT PhD grant (2012)

Active in project coordination (Bioeconomia Têxtil e Vestuário_BE@T), educational outreach through workshops, and international collaboration with institutions in Sweden, Spain, and Belgium. Her work bridges art, science, and technology in textile innovation.