Prof. Raul Fangueiro is a Full Professor and Vice-Dean at the School of Engineering, University of Minho, Portugal. As a Senior Researcher, he leads FIBRENAMICS – Institute of Innovation on Fiber-Based Materials and Composites. His work spans advanced materials (nano, smart, composites) and structures (3D, auxetic, multiscale) with applications in defense, healthcare, construction, and automotive sectors. Supervised over 20 PhD and Post-Doc researchers Scientific coordinator of 20+ national/international research projects Author of 200+ journal papers (H-index: 47), 500+ conference publications, 36 books, 40 patents Research focuses on nanotechnology , electrospinning , and sustainable material systems : Auxetic composites for personal protection Biodegradable nanofibers for medical use Smart textiles for biological/chemical resistance Recycled mineral/wood-based composites Graphene-reinforced green materials Multiscale fiber architectures Scientific recognition includes: Top 2% most influential scientist (Elsevier/Stanford 2020) Founder of AUXDEFENSE and ICNF conferences Editorial board member of leading composite journals Advisor to European Defense Agency/NATO working groups Active in industry-academia partnerships through spin-offs (Sciencentris, B4Logic, Beyond Composites, Givaware, Pixartidea) and collaborative projects with institutions like Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Aveiro, and international universities.
Dr. Carla Vilela is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Aveiro and Principal Researcher at CICECO. She coordinates the Sustainable Materials research line and leads projects on cellulose-based materials and circular economy. Her research focuses on sustainable materials from cellulose and renewable resources for applications in water remediation, food packaging, and textiles. Education includes a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Aveiro and postdoctoral work at CICECO and ISIS Neutron and Muon Source (UK). Research interests include: Development of cellulose-based functional materials Nanocomposites for biomedical applications Sustainable packaging solutions Biopolymer modification and characterization Publications demonstrate strong focus on cellulose nanocomposites, bioprinting bioinks, and active packaging. Recent articles frequently involve nanocellulose modifications, drug delivery systems, and sustainable material design. Awards include being named among World's Top 2% Scientists annually since 2020. Funding includes national projects (Cell4Janus) and EU collaborations (PRIMA Im-Pack). Leads the BioPol4Fun research group and supervises 6 PhD students. Current projects explore cellulose-based microrobots, resin valorization, and marine biopolymers.
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
Dr. Su Ryon Shin is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Engineering in Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) in Cambridge, MA. She leads an active research laboratory focused on bioengineering, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, with particular expertise in 3D bioprinting, biomaterials, and organ-on-a-chip technology. Her research interests span biohybrid robotics, decellularized extracellular matrix, stem cell-based tissue engineering, and volumetric muscle regeneration . Dr. Shin's work integrates advanced biomaterials with cellular systems to create innovative solutions for tissue regeneration and disease modeling. She has pioneered approaches using human stem cell-derived materials for volumetric tissue regeneration and developed biohybrid neuromuscular robots powered by living cardiac muscle cells. Her publication record demonstrates consistent productivity with over 180 publications, including numerous first/senior author papers in high-impact journals like Science Robotics, Advanced Materials, and Nature Reviews Bioengineering . Her work shows a clear progression from fundamental biomaterials development to increasingly complex tissue engineering applications and translational research. Dr. Shin has received significant recognition including being named a 2025 BWH Health & Technology Innovation Awardee , Highly Cited Researcher 2024 by Web of Science, and multiple Stepping Strong Innovator Awards (2015, 2018, 2020). Her research has been featured in Nature Reviews Bioengineering for breakthrough work on biohybrid robots. She actively mentors students and postdocs, with former lab members accepted to prestigious programs like MIT's PhD program in Chemical Engineering. Her collaborative approach is evident through numerous interdisciplinary projects with researchers across Harvard Medical School, BWH, and international institutions.
Institute of Hygiene and Tropical MedicinePortugal
Professor Mark Petticrew is Professor of Public Health Evaluation at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), where he is based in the Faculty of Public Health and Policy within the Public Health - Environments and Society department. He serves as Director of the NIHR Public Health Policy Research Unit and is an active member of the Commercial Determinants Research Group (CDRG) at LSHTM, which conducts research on the products and strategies of tobacco, alcohol, gambling, food, opioid and other industries. His work is also affiliated with the Centre for Evaluation and the Centre for Maternal Adolescent Reproductive & Child Health. Professor Petticrew's research primarily focuses on the Commercial Determinants of Health (CDOH), examining how corporate practices influence public health outcomes and policy. His work explores evidence-based policymaking approaches and public health evaluation methodologies, with particular emphasis on how unhealthy commodity industries shape scientific research and policy development. He investigates industry tactics including misinformation campaigns, marketing strategies, and political influence operations that affect population health. His research often employs systems perspectives to understand the complex interactions between commercial interests and public health outcomes. His extensive publication record demonstrates a strong focus on analyzing industry influence across multiple sectors. Recent work examines alcohol industry marketing tactics, tobacco industry narratives around e-cigarettes, gambling industry practices, and food industry strategies. He has developed frameworks for understanding corporate political activity and has contributed to methodological approaches for evaluating complex public health interventions. His research frequently appears in high-impact public health journals and informs policy development at national and international levels. Professor Petticrew has secured significant research funding from major organizations including the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Wellcome Trust, and Medical Research Council. His current projects include "Countermarketing against the products and activities of unhealthy commodity industries: effectiveness mechanisms and inequalities" and the "NIHR PRP Public Health Research Policy Unit 2024-2029." He has led or contributed to numerous completed research grants examining population interventions, complex interventions, mental health, and policy research units. As Director of the NIHR Public Health Policy Research Unit, Professor Petticrew plays a key leadership role in translating research into policy. He has contributed to important policy discussions around alcohol marketing restrictions, as evidenced by his co-authorship of the influential 2024 BMJ Global Health commentary "Normative value of 'best buys' and the case of bans on alcohol marketing," which argued for comprehensive bans on alcohol marketing as an effective public health intervention. His work supports evidence-based policymaking in contested areas where commercial interests may conflict with public health goals.
Helder Carvalho is an Associate Professor at the University of Minho's School of Engineering, Campus de Azurém, where he also serves as Director of the Department of Textile Engineering and Director of the Master's program in Textile and Accessories Product Design and Innovation. His academic career spans over three decades, with a focus on textile engineering and its intersection with electronics and automation systems. His educational background includes: PhD in Textile Engineering (2004) from University of Minho, School of Engineering MSc in Textile Engineering (1998) from University of Minho, School of Engineering BSc in Electrotechnical and Computer Engineering (1992) from University of Porto, Faculty of Engineering Professor Carvalho's research primarily focuses on smart textiles, textile sensors, and instrumentation systems for industrial sewing machines. His work bridges the gap between traditional textile manufacturing and modern electronics, creating innovative solutions for interactive textiles and wearable technology. He has particular expertise in developing flexible sensors that can be integrated into fabrics for applications ranging from sports performance monitoring to healthcare. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward sports applications of smart textiles, with numerous papers on fencing apparel, karate body protectors, and general athletic performance monitoring. The research spans material science, sensor development, and user experience design, showing a comprehensive approach to creating functional and attractive smart textile products. Professor Carvalho has received recognition through research funding from major institutions: BE@T Bioeconomy Textile and Clothing (current) Greenauto - Green Innovation for the Automotive Industry (current) Factor ST+ (2021-2023) FAMEST (2017-2020) TSSIPRO (2016-2019) He has directed multiple academic programs including the Master's in Textile and Accessories Product Design and Innovation, and coordinated educational initiatives like the CET 'Fashion Commerce' program. His work at the Textile Science and Technology Centre demonstrates a commitment to translating research into practical applications across sports, healthcare, and industrial manufacturing sectors.
Armando J. D. Silvestre is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro. He holds academic degrees including a Licenciatura in Chemistry (1990), PhD in Chemistry (1994), and Agregação in Chemistry (2008) from the University of Aveiro. His research focuses on renewable materials, circular economy, and functional biomaterials. Research interests include: Development of biopolymer-based functional materials Valorization of biological residues for value-added chemicals Novel polymeric materials from renewable resources Sustainable nanocomposites and coatings Professor Silvestre has supervised 18 MSc and 11 PhD students to completion and currently mentors 3 PhD and 3 MSc candidates. Research projects include EU-funded initiatives like AFORE (Forest Biorefineries) and national projects on membrane technology and biomass valorization. Scientific contributions include over 180 SCI journal publications and patents on extraction methods. He serves on editorial boards for Industrial Crops and Products and actively participates in academic activities including Erasmus coordination and Bologna process implementation.
Higher Institute of Education and SciencesPortugal
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.
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).
Ana Paula Mora Tavares is an Assistant Researcher at CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Portugal. She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Aveiro (2006), preceded by a MSc from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2000) and a BSc from Estadual University of Rio de Janeiro (1997). Her academic career includes postdoctoral research at LSRE/FEUP (2006–2009) and a Ciência 2008-funded independent position (2009–present). She teaches laboratory classes in Microbial Biotechnology at the University of Aveiro and has been involved in COHITEC’s technology commercialization training. Research Interests: Her work focuses on biomolecules purification (e.g., enzymes, antibodies), ionic liquids, aqueous biphasic systems, nanomaterials, and biocatalysis for organic synthesis. She pioneers applications in enzyme immobilization, anticancer drug development (e.g., L-asparaginase), and eco-friendly bioremediation strategies. Current projects include the InsectERA initiative for circular economy innovation. Awards: 2007 Honourable Mention from Companhia União Fabril for PhD thesis Supervision: 3 PhD students (Ana Filipa Soares Pereira, Ana Isabel Bastos Valente, Ana Sofia Correia Marques) Key Projects: InsectERA (circular economy), COHITEC (technology valorization) Labs/Teams: PATh G5 - Biomimetic Materials Group and L3 Sustainability Unit at CICECO. Her research leverages interdisciplinary approaches, combining chemical engineering with nanotechnology for biomedical and environmental applications.
João Ferreira is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Biotechnology, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, and a Researcher at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF). He coordinates the ERASMUS+ program and previously led the MSc program in Biomedical Engineering. His research focuses on biotechnological engineering applications in health and food sectors, including hydrocolloids, micro/nanoemulsions, and dairy technology. Education: PhD in Biological and Medical Sciences (1998). Research interests span bio/macromolecule interactions, controlled-release systems, and industrial process energetics. He leads projects like VIIAFOOD (food innovation) and BioShoes4All (bioeconomy). Recent publications emphasize hemodialysis applications of chitosan and fluid dynamics studies. His work bridges academic research with industrial collaboration.
René Bohnsack is a Full Professor of Strategy and Innovation at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP), Lisbon. He serves as Academic Director of the Lisbon MBA and Director of the Digital+Sustainable Innovation Lab (DSI-Lab), leading European R&D projects in energy, eHealth, and deep tech. His research focuses on digital transformation, sustainable innovation, and AI-driven business models, with over 30 peer-reviewed publications in journals like Research Policy and Journal of Management Studies . Recognized as a Top 2% Global Scientist (2023), he advises companies on AI adoption, digital ecosystems, and business model innovation. Education: PhD in Strategy and Innovation (not explicitly stated, inferred from academic role). Research Interests: Digital transformation dynamics, generative AI applications, sustainable business models, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Key Venture Experience: Co-founder of fitbase.de (sold to PE 2020), scoocs.co, and co-mind.ai. His work emphasizes balancing speed and intentionality in AI adoption, advocating for strategic acceleration across three horizons: tactical implementation, workforce evolution, and systemic business model innovation. He frequently speaks at global conferences and is a TEDx speaker. Awards: Gold Award for Smart Business Modeler, Stanford University ranking recognition. Labs/Teams: DSI-Lab collaborates with over 40 European companies, focusing on AI-driven business modeling and sustainable tech. Bohnsack’s recent articles explore AI’s role in strategy, NFT business models, and the ‘Death of the Founder Team Trinity’ framework for AI-native startups.
Institute of Experimental Biology and TechnologyPortugal
Patrícia Gomes-Alves serves as Head of the Sanofi Satellite Laboratory and dual Coordinator of iBET's Analytical Services Unit and Mass Spectrometry Unit within the Health & Pharma Division. She has been instrumental at iBET since 2011, initially joining as a Senior Scientist in the Cell Bioprocesses Lab before assuming leadership of the Mass Spectrometry Unit in 2013 and the Sanofi Satellite Lab in 2018. Her expertise centers on advancing biopharmaceutical manufacturing through bioprocessing and bioanalytics, leveraging omics tools and mass spectrometry for process optimization. Dr. Gomes-Alves earned her PhD in Biology in 2009 from ITQB-NOVA (Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa), conducted in collaboration with Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge. Her doctoral research pioneered proteomics and mass spectrometry applications for cystic fibrosis biomarker discovery, with international collaborations at the University of Edinburgh and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Her research program focuses on developing integrated workflows to characterize bioprocesses for biologics, cell therapies, and gene therapies, emphasizing analytical innovation to enhance product quality and manufacturing efficiency. Current projects bridge fundamental science with industrial applications through omics-driven process understanding and mass spectrometry-based characterization. She has secured significant funding as Principal Investigator and team member in FCT (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology) and European Commission projects, while coordinating multiple industry R&D collaborations. Dr. Gomes-Alves actively mentors graduate students and contributes to biopharmaceutical innovation through her leadership in analytical services. Leading the Sanofi Satellite Laboratory within the Animal Cell Technology Unit, she directs strategic initiatives across iBET's Mass Spectrometry Unit (UniMS) and Analytical Services Unit, driving cutting-edge solutions for biopharmaceutical development and quality control.
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.
Pedro Ferreira is a Professor at Iscte Business School, ISCTE - IUL, Lisbon, Portugal. His academic work spans multiple disciplines including business model innovation, cultural management, digital display systems, and consumer behavior. Key research areas: Business Model Innovation, Cultural Management, Digital Display Systems Interdisciplinary work: Healthcare Management, Energy Efficiency, Sensory Marketing Notable collaborations: Rock in Rio, Ferreira's de Castro Cultural Complex His publications demonstrate ecosystem-based approaches to cultural economics, with applications in virtual reality exhibitions and sustainable business practices. Recent work focuses on technology integration in perfume exhibitions and energy efficiency strategies. Earlier research includes pharmacological studies on P2X7 receptors in colitis and foundational financial accounting textbooks. He has analyzed group buying systems in Portugal and explored intersections between management theory and art. Academic contributions span 45 years, with a 2024 patent on digital display systems and a 1979 report on tomato industry economics. Current affiliations include: Iscte Business School ExecED at ISCTE INDEG-ISCTE Edifício INDEG-ISCTE, Lisbon
