Rui Miguel Marques Brás is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Sports Sciences, University of Beira Interior (UBI), and a researcher at the Sports, Health and Human Development Research Center (CIDESD). His academic activities include teaching courses such as Exercise and Aging , Nutrition and Food in Sports , and Biochemistry Applied to Sports . Research Focus Brás specializes in promoting exercise and physical activity, with a focus on multimodal exercise programs and the assessment of determinants in physical activity practice among young people and adults. His work intersects health sciences, exercise physiology, and public health domains. Publication Trends His recent publications (2015–2023) examine topics like ankle biomechanics, physical activity determinants, and cross-cultural health comparisons. These studies span disciplines including Sports Science , Public Health , and Health Communication , emphasizing practical applications for diverse populations. Laboratory Affiliation Brás contributes to CIDESD, a multidisciplinary research center advancing knowledge in sports sciences, health sciences, and human development through collaborative projects and innovative methodologies.
Pedro Hugo De Queirós Alves is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Engineering at Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon, Portugal. He is also a researcher at COPELABS, focusing on software engineering, programming education, and context-aware systems. He previously served as Director of the first-cycle Computer Engineering program. PhD in Computer Engineering and Computers, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa (2014) Licenciatura in Computer Engineering and Computers, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa (1999) Postgraduate: PAEGI - Advanced Program in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management His research focuses on automated assessment tools for programming education , integration of large language models in software development , and smartphone-based structural health monitoring . He explores how AI can support, but not replace, student learning in programming, advocating for hybrid human-AI approaches. His work in human-computer interaction includes privacy-preserving social network tools and efficient context-aware messaging systems. His recent publications show a strong trend toward leveraging AI and LLMs in educational technology, particularly in detecting limitations of models like GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 in handling object-oriented programming tasks. He also investigates multimodal learning (diagrams, videos) to reduce student dependency on AI. Earlier work includes context-aware distributed systems and anonymous feedback mechanisms in social networks. Scientific Awards: No awards listed in the provided text. He has advised students in programming education and software development, though specific names are not listed. He developed the Drop Project , an automatic assessment tool for programming assignments. While no grants are explicitly mentioned, his sustained research output suggests active project involvement. His work bridges academia and practical software tools, with applications in education and infrastructure monitoring. He is affiliated with COPELABS, a research lab focused on cognitive and people-centric computing, where he contributes to projects integrating AI, education, and mobile technologies. His future work appears to center on the evolving role of AI in software engineering and education, particularly in fostering responsible and effective human-AI collaboration.
Alberto Cavaleiro is an Adjunct Professor at Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra (Coimbra Higher School of Nursing) under the Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra . His career spans clinical nursing and academic roles, focusing on geriatric and rehabilitation nursing. He holds a PhD in Nursing from Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar and a master's degree in Sociopsicologia da Saúde from Instituto Superior Miguel Torga . Research Interests Geriatric nursing Rehabilitation interventions Self-care and oral hygiene Cognitive stimulation for elderly Pandemic impact on chronic disease Cross-cultural healthcare tools Recent Publications explore physical-exercise combined with reminiscence therapy, oral hygiene self-care models, and pandemic-related challenges in elderly care. His work emphasizes non-pharmacological interventions and evidence-based nursing practices.
Teresa Romão is an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (FCT/UNL), Portugal, a position she has held since October 2007. She is also an integrated researcher at the NOVA Laboratory for Computer Science and Informatics (NOVA LINCS), contributing to cutting-edge research in human-computer interaction and related fields. Romão earned her PhD with a dissertation titled 'Multidimensional Visualisation of Spatial Information - Improving Data Accessibility and Perception,' with part of her research conducted at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. Prior to her current position, she served as Assistant Professor at the Universidade de Évora, where she taught in the Computer Science Department. Her research spans Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), multimedia systems, augmented reality, mobile storytelling, ubiquitous computing, and persuasive technology. Romão's work consistently explores how technology can enhance user experiences across diverse domains including education, sports, healthcare, and cultural heritage. She has made significant contributions to understanding how interactive systems can influence behavior change, particularly in environmental awareness and physical activity contexts. Her research often involves developing innovative frameworks that integrate multiple technologies to create seamless, engaging user experiences that address real-world challenges. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on immersive technologies, particularly virtual and augmented reality applications for education, sports, and healthcare. Her work demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward more sophisticated integration of visual aesthetics with persuasive technology, especially in health and wellness contexts. The research shows increasing collaboration across disciplines, with publications spanning computer science, design, psychology, and domain-specific fields like sports science and cultural heritage. BEST POSTER AWARD at Persuasive Technology 2017 for 'Does Beauty Matter in Behavior Change?' Editorial board member of Frontiers in ICT – Human-Media Interaction since 2014 Extensive publication record in top venues including CHI, UIST, MobileHCI, INTERACT, and ACE Romão has supervised 4 PhD and 25 MSc students to completion while currently guiding 5 PhD and 5 MSc students. Her research has been supported by numerous national and European funding agencies including FCT/MCTES and Horizon 2020, with projects spanning environmental awareness systems (DEAP), urban regeneration through culture (T-Factor), augmented reality for emergency response (AudaCidade), and medieval manuscript color analysis (COLOUR IN MEDIEVAL ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPTS). She serves on the Digital Media Ph.D. Scientific Committee for the UT/Austin-Portugal Program and the MIEI Scientific Committee at FCT/UNL. As a member of NOVA LINCS, Romão contributes to a vibrant research ecosystem focused on advancing computer science and informatics. Her work frequently involves interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together researchers from diverse fields to tackle complex challenges in human-technology interaction. She has been instrumental in establishing research networks through her extensive conference organization activities, including serving on the Steering Committee of the International Conference on Advances in Computer Entertainment (ACE) from 2012-2017 and chairing numerous program committees for major HCI conferences.
Fernanda Bonacho serves as an Adjunct Professor and Coordinator of the Master's Degree in Journalism at the School of Social Communication, Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, within the Department of Media and Journalism. Her research centers on: Media literacy as resistance to disinformation Critical citizenship through communication education Transmedia narrative frameworks for journalism Youth media literacy interventions UNESCO Chair initiatives for democratic engagement Innovative educational tools like board games and MOOCs Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate leadership in Portugal's media literacy ecosystem through the UNESCO Chair and Informal Group on Media Literacy (GILM). Key projects include the "Fala Barato" board game for critical information evaluation, "Revista Narrativas" multimedia platform for journalism education, and Gulbenkian Knowledge Academy initiatives across six Portuguese cities. Bonacho co-founded GILM, Portugal's leading media literacy organization, implementing a multistakeholder model engaging educators, media professionals, and policymakers. Her Gulbenkian Academy projects empower high school students through media production labs focused on critical reading of digital environments, with documented impact on media consumption habits in cities including Lisbon, Portalegre, and Faro.
António Palmeira is an Associate Professor at Universidade Lusófona, where he directs the CIDEFES research group and the PhD program in Physical Education and Sports. He holds a PhD in health and physical activity from the Technical University of Lisbon (2009) and a Habilitation from Lusófona University (2021). As Executive Director of the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA), he leads global initiatives in behavioral health. His research focuses on physical activity, obesity, exercise motivation, and public health interventions, with over 100 peer-reviewed articles and four books. Collaborating with 116 researchers, he has advised over 100 theses in health and social sciences. Key projects include the INDEEP (2024–2028) and YoPA (2022–2027) initiatives promoting physical activity in youth and workplace interventions like SUFHA (2024). He has organized conferences such as the 2024 International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Annual Meeting. His work contributes to UN SDGs related to health and well-being, education, and sustainable communities. Education: Habilitation in Movement (Lusófona University, 2021) PhD in Health and Physical Activity (Technical University of Lisbon, 2009) Research interests span psychosocial variables in health behaviors, weight management strategies, and interventions targeting adolescents and women. His work bridges behavioral science with public health policy, emphasizing environmental and participatory approaches. Media engagements include podcast discussions on exercise and nutrition (e.g., Let's SPIC About... ). He has received five scientific awards and advises the ERA4Health Strategic Board. Labs/Teams: Leads CIDEFES and collaborates with international teams on projects such as MOVE24 (WHO guidelines dissemination) and Home-COMBO (breast cancer exercise interventions).
Rita Noélia Silva Fernandes is an Associate Professor at the Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal (IPS), specifically within the School of Health (ESS). She holds a PhD in Human Kinetics (Biomechanics) from the University of Lisbon, a Master's in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy from Universidade Nova de Lisboa and IPS, and a BSc in Physiotherapy from IPS. Her roles include Musculoskeletal Master's Degree Coordinator, Ethics Committee Vice-President, and member of the Scientific-Technical Council at ESS. She is also a researcher at the Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC) and the Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Human Performance (CIPER). Education: PhD in Human Kinetics, Specialization in Biomechanics (University of Lisbon, 2016) Master's in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (2011, Universidade Nova de Lisboa/IPS) BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (2005, IPS) Research Interests: Her work focuses on musculoskeletal health, rehabilitation strategies for chronic pain (particularly low back pain), biomechanical analysis of movement, and the effectiveness of education/exercise programs. She has pioneered programs like RehMove for fibromyalgia and low back pain patients, emphasizing patient-centered approaches. Recent Articles Trends: Her publications (22+ articles) concentrate on gait analysis reliability, stratified care models for low back pain, and interdisciplinary pain management. Key themes include biomechanical validation studies, clinical outcome measurements, and implementation science in primary care settings. Awards: Four unspecified honors/awards related to her academic contributions. Advising & Grants: Supervised 1 PhD, co-supervised 2, and guided 25 MSc theses. Led or co-led 4 research projects, including the SPLIT program for stratified low back pain care and MyBack recurrence prevention initiative. Funded by FCT, Santander, and IPS. Labs/Teams: Active in CHRC and CIPER research centers, collaborating on projects like markerless motion capture for injury risk screening in football players.
