Maria Paula Seabra

Maria Paula Seabra is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials and Ceramic Engineering at the University of Aveiro (UA) and a researcher at CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials. Her academic journey includes a BSc (1988), MSc (1992) in Ceramics and Materials Engineering from UA, followed by industrial R&D roles at Vitricer/Fritta and Revigrés. She completed a PhD (2000) and postdoctoral research in microwave materials and rehabilitation mortars before joining CICECO in 2008 and becoming an Assistant Professor in 2021.

Education:

• BSc in Ceramics and Glass Engineering (1988), University of Aveiro
• MSc in Materials and Science Engineering (1992), University of Aveiro
• PhD in Dielectric Materials for Microwave Applications (2000), University of Aveiro

Research Focus:
Her work centers on sustainable materials innovation, including inorganic pigment development from industrial waste, photocatalytic TiO₂ coatings for air/water purification, eco-mortars, and circular economy strategies. Key themes include recycling hazardous byproducts, functional ceramic tile design, and biomass-derived geopolymer applications.

Recent Trends in Publications:
Recent work emphasizes waste valorization (biomass fly ash, red mud, eggshell), photocatalytic material design for environmental remediation, and low-carbon construction materials. Over 138 journal articles reflect a multidisciplinary approach spanning materials science, environmental engineering, and biomedical applications.

Awards and Recognition:

• Project EGGSHELLENCE won the Go!ODS Awards
• ECOGRES 4.0 finalist in the RegioStars 2024 competition

Supervision and Collaboration:
Current PhD students include Inês Vieira and Rayyan Bou Karroum. She supervises over 20 MSc/PhD theses on topics like antimicrobial ceramics, anaerobic digestion pH regulation, and geopolymer foams. Key collaborators include João Labrincha, Robert Pullar, and international teams from Italy, Brazil, and the UK.

Labs and Projects:

• Lead researcher in ECOCERAMICA (3) – a national ceramics industry sustainability pact
• Develops EcoCerâmica products with industry partners like KERATEC and Revigrés
• Participates in EU-funded initiatives on bio-refinery and waste upcycling