Idalina José Monteiro Gonçalves is a Junior Researcher at the University of Aveiro's Department of Materials and Ceramic Engineering. Her research focuses on sustainable materials, biodegradable polymers, and advanced food packaging solutions. She leads and collaborates on projects like NET4MAT (EU-funded) and FAIST (PRR Agenda), addressing microbial resistance and eco-friendly manufacturing. With extensive supervision experience, she has guided 32 bachelor students, 14 MSc graduates, and 9 PhD candidates. Current advisees include Ana Cerqueira (Post-Doc) and PhD students Carolina S. Martins, Elisângela Maria Tavares Gonçalves, and Gabriela de Jesus Campos. Her work emphasizes circular economy principles, developing bio-based composites from agricultural byproducts (e.g., potato, coffee cascara, locust bean gum). Key projects include PLASTICOLIGHT (low-density plastic additives) and POTATOPLASTIC (biodegradable bioplastics from potato waste). She contributes to CICECO, the Aveiro Institute of Materials, advancing innovations in renewable materials and 4D printing technologies. Publications highlight advancements in nano-reinforced food packaging, antioxidant bioplastics, and organocatalytic methods for sustainable material synthesis. Her research bridges academic and industrial needs, promoting Portugal’s footwear and food packaging sectors through FAIST’s smart factory initiatives.












