Maria da Graça Pinto Ribeiro Guedes

Maria da Graça Pinto Ribeiro Guedes is an active Assistant Professor at the University of Minho's School of Engineering, Department of Textile Engineering, where she has been working since 1998. She is also affiliated with the University of Minho Center for Textile Science and Technology, contributing to various research projects focused on textile and fashion innovation.

Her educational background includes a PhD in Textile Engineering from the University of Minho School of Engineering (1998), a Master's Degree in European Studies - Economic Development Branch from the University of Minho School of Economics and Management (1990), and Bachelor's Degrees in Geography and Philosophy from the University of Porto Faculty of Arts (1985 and 1979 respectively).

Dr. Guedes specializes in fashion design, sustainable fashion practices, brand communication strategies, and social design approaches. Her research explores the intersection of textile engineering with contemporary fashion challenges, particularly focusing on circular economy principles, inclusive design, and consumer behavior in the fashion industry. She has developed innovative methodologies for fashion education, including collaborative online learning models that incorporate heutagogical principles for self-directed learning in fashion design contexts.

Her publication record demonstrates a strong focus on Portuguese fashion and textile industries, with particular attention to the knitwear and footwear sectors. Her recent work shows increasing emphasis on sustainability, gender equality, and social impact within fashion systems, reflecting broader industry shifts toward responsible practices.

• 2019 Best Presentation - Education Section (SGEM World Science GmbH, Austria)
• 2006 Honorable Mention (Coram International BV, Netherlands)
• 2009 Professional Recognition as Designer (Portuguese Designers Association, Portugal)

Dr. Guedes has supervised numerous Master's and PhD students in fashion communication, textile product design, and sustainable fashion innovation. She has served as principal investigator and coordinator for multiple research projects funded by QREN (National Strategic Reference Framework) and FCT (Foundation for Science and Technology), focusing on brand development, sustainable practices, and innovative textile applications. Currently, she is involved in research on eco-packaging for food derived from textile industry creative processes within circular economy frameworks. She actively participates in international fashion and design conferences as both organizer and scientific reviewer, contributing to the global academic discourse in her field.