Rodrigo Ventura is an Associate Professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), University of Lisbon. He is also a senior researcher at the Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR-Lisbon), leading the Space and Aeronautics thematic line. His research focuses on the intersection of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing human-robot interaction, space robotics, and cognitive architectures. He coordinates the Minor in Space Sciences and Technologies at IST and the MBE on Space Systems for Tecnico+. As Adjoint Faculty at the International Space University (ISU), he contributes to global academic initiatives. His work includes experiments on the International Space Station and participation in analog space missions. Research interests span biologically inspired systems, machine learning, and teleoperation interfaces. Recent publications address reinforcement learning for UAVs, microgravity experiments, and pseudo-haptic feedback for robotic control. He teaches subjects like Artificial Intelligence and Decision Systems, Satellite Engineering, and Autonomous Systems.
David Lindlbauer is an Assistant Professor at the Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII) within Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science. He leads the Augmented Perception Lab and co-directs the CMU Extended Reality Technology Center (XRTC) . His research bridges Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Graphics, and Computer Vision to create adaptive interfaces that enhance human-digital interaction. Education : PhD (summa cum laude) from Technische Universität Berlin , MSc and BSc from University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria Previous Affiliation : Postdoctoral Researcher at ETH Zurich (2018-2020) David's research focuses on understanding human perception of digital information and developing computational approaches to optimize AR/VR interface usability. Key areas include: Context-aware adaptive interfaces Visual saliency and attention modeling Spatial audio-haptic systems Optimal placement algorithms Object manipulation in Remixed Reality Diminished/ambient MR interfaces His 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) span topics in adaptive XR interfaces, multimodal notifications, haptic systems, and spatial cognition. These works appear at venues like ACM CHI, ACM UIST, IEEE VR, and Frontiers in VR. Common themes include: Machine learning for interface adaptation Human factors in XR design Real-time environment analysis Privacy-aware display systems Collaborative MR interfaces Accessibility enhancements Scientific Recognition : Best Paper Honorable Mention Award (ACM CHI 2024) Best Paper Award (ACM ISS 2023) ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship Multiple best paper recognitions at CHI, UIST, and IEEE VR Teaching & Leadership : Course developer for CMU's "Interactive Extended Reality" Mentor for NASA SUITS Challenge team Co-chair roles at CHI and UIST Overseeing PhD students and research interns
Rui Pedro Figueiredo Marques is a Professor at the Higher Institute of Accounting and Administration, University of Aveiro, where he teaches Information Systems across technical, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. He serves as course director for the Professional Higher Technical Course in Organizational Informatics and Communication and holds a board position at the Institute of Accounting and Administration, University of Aveiro. As a Full Researcher at GOVCOPP's Competitiveness, Innovation and Sustainability (CIS) group, his work focuses on Information Systems for Business, with recent emphasis on AI, Blockchain, and Business Intelligence applications in auditing and accounting contexts. Marques' academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Computer Science (2014, Universities of Minho/Aveiro/Porto), a Master's degree (2008), and a Bachelor's in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering (2005, University of Aveiro). He has authored/co-authored over 50 publications, including journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters on topics ranging from ERP systems in auditing to digital transformation in low-density territories. He is editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Business Innovation and actively participates in funded research projects addressing governance, competitiveness, and public policies. His research explores intersections between technology and business practices, with notable contributions to AI in auditing, blockchain's role in financial transparency, and sustainable development frameworks for social economy entities. Notable projects include evaluations of ERP systems' impact on internal audit maturity and frameworks promoting accountability in private social solidarity institutions. Marques' work frequently emphasizes practical applications of technology in audit processes, education, and public sector modernization. He collaborates with institutions like the Portuguese Social Solidarity Sector and has advised on digital transformation strategies for tourism and hospitality industries.
Alberto Rodrigues da Silva is a Professor at the Institute Superior Técnico , part of the University of Lisbon . He teaches Fundamentals of Information Systems , primarily during the 1st Semester of the 2025/2026 academic year. His scientific interests revolve around Information Systems , Model-Driven Engineering (MDE), Requirements Engineering (RE), Social Computing , and Software Engineering . He has extensively contributed to the development of rigorous requirements specification languages like RSL (Requirements Specification Language) and its extensions (e.g., RSL-IL4Privacy for privacy policies). His collaborative work spans automated acceptance testing, GDPR compliance, and domain-specific languages (DSLs) for applications such as mobile development , digital twins , and legal contexts (e.g., LegalLanguage ). His research trends focus on integrating model-driven engineering with privacy policies , IoT applications , and low-code platforms . He has also explored tools like Maestro for data classification and usability testing, and RiverCure for flood simulation. Email: alberto.silva@tecnico.ulisboa.pt .
André Catarino is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Textile Engineering at the University of Minho, Portugal, and Deputy Director of the 2C2T – Center for Textile Science and Technology since 2022. He is an integrated researcher at the center, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of textiles, electronics, and materials science. Education: Postgraduate Specialization in Digital Business, University of Porto, Porto Business School (2020–2021) Ph.D. in Textile Engineering, University of Minho (2005) M.Sc. in Textile Engineering, University of Minho (1998) B.Sc. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Porto (1992) Research Interests: André Catarino's research spans a wide range of domains, including smart and electronic textiles , wearable sensor systems , materials engineering , and functional textiles for health and sports . His recent work also delves into digital marketing and the application of artificial intelligence in textile systems. His expertise encompasses electronics, instrumentation, programming, fabric manufacturing, and textile characterization. He has led or participated in over 25 national and international research projects , including EU-funded initiatives like BE@T, GreenAuto, and Fashion Alive. His work has resulted in 4 Portuguese patents and 1 European patent , alongside numerous prototypes and technology transfers. Publications and Impact: With over 115 scientific publications , including journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings, his research output is both broad and impactful. His recent publications focus on smart vests for posture monitoring, textile-based EMG electrodes, and consumer behavior in fashion marketing. Student Supervision: He has supervised or co-supervised more than 45 master’s and doctoral dissertations , covering topics from wearable health monitoring systems to sustainable fashion design and digital marketing strategies. Labs and Teams: As Deputy Director of the 2C2T – Center for Textile Science and Technology , he leads a multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers. The center is a hub for innovation in textile science, with a strong emphasis on integrating electronics, sustainability, and human-centered design into textile applications.
Nuno Miguel Fonseca Ferreira is a Full Professor at the Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Coimbra (ISEC), part of the Polytechnic of Coimbra, where he currently serves as President of the Scientific Council. His academic career spans over 25 years at ISEC, progressing from Assistant to Professor Coordenador Principal. He has held significant leadership positions including Vice-President of ISEC (2001-2005), Pro-President of the Polytechnic of Coimbra (2009-2010), President of ISEC (2010-2013), and Vice-President of the Polytechnic of Coimbra (2013-2017), where he was responsible for internationalization initiatives. His educational background includes a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Porto (1996), a Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (2006), and a Habilitation Title (Aggregation) from the same institution (2020). His research focuses on Robotic Systems, with specialization in cooperative robotic systems as evidenced by his Habilitation work. Professor Ferreira's research spans multiple domains of robotics and intelligent systems, with particular emphasis on multi-robot coordination, environmental applications, and medical robotics. His work bridges theoretical control systems with practical applications across diverse fields including forestry, healthcare, manufacturing, and education. He has developed innovative approaches to robotic manipulation, sensor integration, and human-robot interaction, often incorporating advanced techniques from artificial intelligence and machine learning. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward practical applications of robotics in real-world environments, particularly in forestry maintenance, industrial automation, and medical applications. The research shows progression from theoretical control systems to applied robotics in challenging environments, with increasing integration of computer vision, deep learning, and collaborative systems. His work spans both fundamental robotics research and immediate industrial applications, reflecting a balance between academic inquiry and practical implementation. Professor Ferreira has supervised two doctoral theses and participated in numerous research projects with substantial funding. His leadership extends to coordinating 15 of the 33 national and international R&D projects he has participated in, demonstrating significant grant acquisition and management capabilities. His international collaborations through Erasmus+ and other European programs highlight his role in fostering global research partnerships. He is an integrated member of GECAD (Research Group in Engineering and Intelligent Computing for Innovation and Advanced Development), a Portuguese R&D unit classified as Excellent by the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation. Additionally, he is a member of LASI (Associated Laboratory for Intelligent Systems), the Portuguese laboratory associated with Artificial Intelligence, connecting him to a broader national research ecosystem.
Adalberto Campos Fernandes is an Associate Professor at the National School of Public Health (NOVA-NSPH), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, and a researcher at the Centro de Investigação em Saúde Pública (CISP/PHRC) and Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC). He holds a PhD in Health Administration from Universidade de Lisboa. Previously, he served as Minister of Health of Portugal (2015–2018) and held leadership roles in major hospitals and healthcare institutions, including the Board of Directors of Hospital de Santa Maria and Hospital Pulido Valente. Education: PhD in Health Administration (Universidade de Lisboa), Master in Public Health (ENSP-NOVA), Specialist in Public Health, and Medical Degree (Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa). Research Focus: Health Administration, Health Management, Sustainability of Health Systems, and Public-Private Partnerships in Healthcare. His work emphasizes the integration of social and health sectors, policy analysis, and healthcare system sustainability. Recent research explores decentralized healthcare models, the impact of AI in clinical coding, and obesity management strategies. He has contributed to over 96 publications and actively participates in policy debates on healthcare accessibility and system resilience. Key roles beyond academia include serving on the Board of Directors of several hospitals and leading initiatives in public-private healthcare collaborations. His professional experience bridges academic research, policy-making, and clinical administration, shaping Portugal’s healthcare landscape.
Maria Leonilde Rocha Varela is an Associate Professor with Habilitation at the School of Engineering, University of Minho, Portugal, where she also serves as a Senior Researcher at the Algoritmi Research Centre. She has been an integrated member of the Algoritmi Research Centre since 2012 and works in the Department of Production and Systems. Dr. Varela earned her degree in Production Engineering from the University of Minho in 1994, completed a Master's in Computer Integrated Production at DPS-UMinho in 1999, and received her Ph.D. in Production and Systems from the University of Minho in 2007. Her primary research focuses on Manufacturing Management, particularly Production Planning, Control and Optimization, and Collaborative Paradigms, Networks and Decision Making Models. She maintains extensive international collaborations with institutions worldwide including the National Institute of Industrial Engineering, VSB-Technick Univerzita Ostrava, University of Belgrade, and others. Her research spans Web Applications and Services for supporting Engineering and Production Management, with increasing emphasis on Artificial Intelligence, Robotic Process Automation, and Industry 4.0/5.0 applications. She has made significant contributions to scheduling algorithms, optimization techniques, and decision support systems for manufacturing environments. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward integrating Artificial Intelligence with traditional manufacturing processes, particularly in Robotic Process Automation applications. Her research increasingly focuses on sustainable manufacturing practices, with numerous publications addressing energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and resource optimization. There is a clear emphasis on multi-objective optimization approaches to solve complex manufacturing problems, particularly in distributed job shop scheduling. Her work demonstrates an evolution from traditional production planning methods to more advanced AI-driven approaches for Industry 4.0 and 5.0 environments. Dr. Varela has held significant academic leadership roles, currently serving as the director of the master's course in Engineering and Quality Management at DPS-UMinho. She previously coordinated the industrial management and systems subgroup from 2012 to 2021 and was part of the steering committee for the master's course in systems engineering between 2016 and 2019. She has successfully supervised more than 70 MSc projects, with over 15 currently ongoing, focusing on Production and Systems Engineering. Her supervision encompasses collaborative management models, traditional decision approaches, and web-based platforms incorporating AI techniques. She coordinates research projects including 2 concluded Ph.D. projects and 6 ongoing ones. She collaborates as a research member in several R&D projects with national and international industrial enterprises and institutions, and in international Erasmus projects. Dr. Varela is an active participant in the academic community, serving on editorial boards of several international journals and as a member of organizing and scientific committees for numerous international conferences. She is a member of several prestigious research networks including the Euro Working Group of Decision Support Systems (EWG-DSS), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Industrial Engineering Network, and the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE).
Simo Hosio is an Academy Research Fellow (2022-2027) and Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at University of Oulu's Center for Ubiquitous Computing, where he leads the Crowd Computing Research Group. He also maintains a visiting position at University of Tokyo, Japan. Having graduated as the first Finnish scholar under Microsoft Research Cambridge's Ph.D. scholarship program, he has published over 150 peer-reviewed scientific articles spanning two decades of research. Hosio's research spans three primary domains: crowdsourcing methodologies, human-computer interaction, and digital health applications. His work pioneers novel approaches to online labor markets, investigates the suitability of crowdsourcing for diverse applications, and explores HCI aspects of digital health solutions for chronic conditions. His research group, founded in 2020, has secured nearly two million USD in funding, demonstrating significant research impact and recognition. Analysis of Hosio's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research at the intersection of crowdsourcing, healthcare technology, and emerging AI systems. His work increasingly focuses on practical applications of crowd computing in health contexts, with growing attention to mental health, women's health, and workplace well-being solutions. The integration of AI and machine learning techniques with traditional HCI approaches represents another significant trajectory in his recent scholarship. Distinguished Paper Award (2024) Best Paper Honourable Mention Award (2022) PMCJ Best Research Paper (awarded in 2024) Best Paper Award (2022) Best Full Paper Award (2015) Honorable Mention Award (2014) Best Paper Presentation award (2010) As an educator, Hosio has taught Human-Computer Interaction (2019-2025) to over 260 students in 2024, Social Computing (2018-2021) to approximately 60 students annually, and Applied Computing (2015-2018) to around 50 students each year. His research group's nearly two million USD in secured funding demonstrates significant grant acquisition success, supporting innovative work at the intersection of crowd computing, health technology, and human-centered AI systems. The Crowd Computing Research Group, founded by Hosio in 2020, represents a significant research infrastructure focused on advancing methodologies for crowd-powered systems. The group's work spans from fundamental research on crowd labor markets to applied projects in healthcare, workplace well-being, and social computing, demonstrating a strong commitment to both theoretical advancement and practical impact.
André M. Carvalho is an Assistant Professor of Quality Engineering and Management at the NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Portugal. He holds a PhD (2020) in Engineering Design and Advanced Manufacturing from the University of Minho/MIT Portugal Program. His career includes postdoctoral research at the Technical University of Denmark (2020) and visiting roles at MIT (2018–2020) and Northeastern University (2019). His research focuses on sociotechnical systems, quality management, organizational culture, agility, and sustainability. He explores how organizations adapt to global challenges through methodologies like Lean Six Sigma and Industry 4.0 frameworks. Education: PhD in Engineering Design and Advanced Manufacturing (2020) – University of Minho/MIT Portugal Program Research Interests: Carvalho’s work bridges quality management with organizational agility, emphasizing digital transformation, Industry 4.0/5.0, and sustainable practices. He investigates frameworks for operational excellence, such as the Quality 4.0 Roadmap and the QOE-SME model for small/medium enterprises. His studies address challenges like supply chain quality, data-driven decision-making, and organizational culture’s role in innovation. Article Trends: His recent publications (2022–2025) highlight themes like Lean Six Sigma applications in healthcare, AI-driven quality forecasting, and Industry 4.0 integration. He also explores ESG factors in performance optimization and the evolving profile of quality leaders in the digital era. Awards and Recognition: Acknowledged by the Industrial Engineering and Operations Management (IEOM) Society, International Academy for Quality (IAQ), and American Society for Quality (ASQ) for research contributions. Grants and Advising: While specific grants are not detailed, his postdoctoral and visiting roles suggest institutional support. Advising focuses on doctoral/master’s students (not listed explicitly in the text).
Jorge Louçã is a Full Professor in the Department of Information Science and Technology at ISCTE-IUL, where he has been a faculty member since 2000. He is also an Integrated Researcher at ISTAR-Iscte, the Research Center in Information Sciences, Technologies and Architecture, and leads the research group The Observatorium . He holds a PhD in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence from Université Paris Dauphine and the University of Lisbon, and completed his Aggregation in Complexity Sciences in 2019. PhD in Computing – University of Lisbon & Université Paris-Dauphine (2000) Master’s in Informatique: Intelligent Systems – Université Paris-Dauphine (1995) Aggregation in Complexity Sciences – ISCTE-IUL (2019) His research centers on computational modeling of social systems, focusing on data-intensive analysis of human communication, knowledge generation in large networks, and the dynamics of complex systems. He founded the Doctoral Program in Complexity Sciences and has been instrumental in advancing the field through international collaborations such as the UNESCO Unitwin network for the Complex Systems Digital Campus and participation in the Conference on Complex Systems (CCS/ECCS). The recent publications highlight a strong interdisciplinary focus, combining network science, data analysis, and social theory. Key themes include the modeling of malaria transmission, information diffusion in social media, structural inequality in education, and the dynamics of opinion and popularity. His work often employs agent-based models, temporal network analysis, and entropy-based measures, reflecting a deep integration of computational and theoretical approaches. Research Methods for Doctorate in Complexity Sciences Advanced Topics in Complexity Sciences Data Science Fundamentals Development for the Internet and Mobile Applications Web Interfaces for Data Management Advanced Network Analysis Jorge Louçã has supervised over a dozen doctoral and master’s students, with completed theses on topics such as malaria modeling, information diffusion, temporal networks, and social inequality. His research has been supported by projects like NESS (Non-Equilibrium Social Science in ICT and Economics), reflecting his leadership in interdisciplinary science. He has held significant academic management roles, including Director of the Department of Information Science and Technology and head of multiple degree programs. His work continues to bridge computer science, social science, and policy, positioning him as a key figure in the global complexity science community.
Rui Silva is an Associate Professor with Tenure at the Nova School of Business and Economics (Universidade Nova de Lisboa), holding the Haddad Chair in Entrepreneurship. He previously served as an Assistant Professor of Finance at the London Business School. His academic affiliations include a Research Affiliate role at the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR). **Education:** PhD in Economics, University of Chicago (2012) MA in Economics, University of Chicago (2008) Bachelor's in Economics, Nova University of Lisbon (2004) **Research Focus:** Rui’s work bridges corporate finance, labor economics, and organizational economics. Key themes include corporate governance, innovation dynamics, and the interplay between financial distress and labor markets. His recent studies explore mergers’ mental health impacts on employees, bankruptcy’s legal-economic implications, and institutional drivers of innovation. **Awards & Grants:** No explicit awards are mentioned, though his Haddad Chair indicates recognition in entrepreneurship. His research has been supported by institutions like CEPR and through collaborative projects. **Advising & Teams:** While no advisees are listed, his work involves interdisciplinary collaborations with scholars like Ramin Baghai (University of Chicago) and Viktor Thell (Lund University). **Labs & Platforms:** He contributes to the Finance Knowledge Center at Nova School, focusing on entrepreneurial finance and policy-relevant research. His work integrates methodologies from decision science and simulation modeling to address industrial and organizational challenges.
Pedro U. Lima is a Full Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), University of Lisbon, and President of the Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR/IST), coordinating the Intelligent Robots and Systems group (IRSg). He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1994). His research focuses on intelligent control systems, multi-robot coordination, and human-robot interaction, with contributions to robotics competitions like RoboCup and initiatives like the European Robotics League (E.R.L.). Lima has served as Vice President of the RoboCup Federation, Trustee of IEEE Portugal RAS Chapter, and Portuguese National Delegate to the European Space Agency’s Human Spaceflight Program Board. He led the Cátedra de Excelencia sabbatical at UC3M (2010), contributing decision-theoretic approaches to human-robot interaction. His work integrates robotics with societal impact, including outreach through the Pavilhão do Conhecimento and media appearances. He coordinates large projects like euROBIN (EU Horizon Europe) and CRAI (Portugal’s PRR), advancing robotics in domains like autonomous delivery and social robotics.
John Harrison Kurunathan is an Integrated PhD Researcher affiliated with the CISTER Research Centre at the University of Porto, Portugal. He holds a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering (2021), a Master's in Very Large-Scale Integration (2014), and a Bachelor's in Electronics and Communication (2012). Education: PhD (2021) - University of Porto, Portugal MSc (2014) - SSN College of Engineering, Anna University BSc (2012) - SRM University His research focuses on Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) , Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) , and Automotive Networks , with an emphasis on Quality-of-Service (QoS) optimization, secure communication, and vehicular platooning. Notable projects include SafeCOP for safety-related CO-CPS and work on IEEE 802.15.4e DSME networks. Recent publications (2023-2025) span areas like Visible Light Communication , Vehicular Security , and Machine Learning in UAV Operations , reflecting his interdisciplinary work bridging embedded systems and transportation technologies. Scientific Awards: Best oral communication Award (in ex aequo) at DCE 2019 Reviewing Roles: Conference: ICCPS, EWSN, MSN, RTN Journal: IEEE ACCESS, IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, ACM Sigbed Harrison is actively involved in workshops and conferences, including chairing roles at WIN-WIN-4S 2024 and technical demonstrations at WoWMoM 2023. His work appears in venues like IEEE Transactions on ITS, IEEE COMST, and PDP 2025.
Giorgio C. Buttazzo is a Full Professor of Computer Engineering at the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa, Italy, and founder/director of the RETIS Lab. His career includes roles at the University of Pavia and co-founding Evidence s.r.l. (a real-time embedded systems company). He holds an IEEE Fellowship (2012) and the IEEE TC RTS Outstanding Technical Contributions Award (2013). Education: Electronic Engineering (University of Pisa, 1985), Master in Computer Science (University of Pennsylvania, 1987), PhD in Computer Engineering (Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 1991). Affiliations: TeCIP Institute, RETIS Lab, and leadership roles in IEEE Technical Committees. Research focuses on real-time systems, robotics, and AI integration. He has authored 10 books, over 300 papers, and pioneered frameworks like the ERIKA/SHARK kernels. Current projects include RETICULATE, OPERAND, and NANCY (5G networks). Teaching includes Real-Time Systems, Neural Networks, and Jazz Guitar Improvisation. Advised over 150 master and PhD students. Active in conferences like ECRTS, RTSS, and RTAS.
