Apresentação Pessoal

I established and lead the Advanced Joining Processes Unit (AJPU) of INEGI, a research group of 35 members studying joining processes. We design and test high-performance joints, creating new concepts and numerical and analytical models that can predict damage and failure under varied conditions, based on experimental data. This has led to the creation of JointDesigner and SLJdesigner, easy-to-use applications used by the industry and academy alike, supporting practical classes at FEUP.

I have coordinated 35 national and international research projects. Our research accounts for the effect of temperature, moisture, creep and fatigue. In particular, we have led disruptive work on fatigue, using fracture mechanics for lifetime prediction. We developed multiple composite joint solutions, increasing strength through surface toughening, fibre metal laminates and thin plies. We have also developed novel defect detection processes based on the response of defective joints to mechanical wave propagation. Using machine learning, we detected weak adhesion, which is practically invisible to state-of-the-art processes and thus a “holy grail” in the field. Process control is another hot topic, as we are now working in partnership with Sabic to model adhesive flow, another industrial game changer. We also target sustainability, designing joints with bio-based materials such as densified wood, cork and bio-adhesives. More recently, we established several industrial consortia, including one seeking to develop easier to recycle batteries, exploring new debonding methods.

In the last five years, the group has evolved beyond bonding and now covers other advanced joining processes, including welding and joining by plastic deformation, following a structure adopted by other leading research groups. This is especially relevant as the transition to cleaner mobility requires extensive joining of multimaterial structures. Accordingly, we are developing new processes, such as a highly efficient hole hemming joining technique for metals and polymers, and a buttering method for friction stir welding of dissimilar metals.

Crucially, much of the equipment we use is developed in-house, and I have set up the Journal of Machine Design and Automation Intelligence to increase our impact and commitment to the field.

Our key philosophy is that scientific output is essential to increase visibility and enable the establishment of industrial and academic interactions. We aim for high quality, consistent and impactful publication, demonstrated by 703 SCOPUS papers (70% in Q1 journals), approximately 23000 citations and an h-index of 74 (Scopus, 23/7/2025). For example, the Handbook of Adhesion Technology, a comprehensive reference book which I authored and edited, is consistently the most cited publication in this field, according to Google Scholar.

Our expertise led to extensive transfer of technology to the automotive, aerospace and railway sectors, key areas for the Portuguese and European economy. I led 70 consulting works for major industrial players such as Aston Martin, Bosch, John Deere, General Motors, Dupont, Embraer, Alstom, Sika, Volvo, Honda and Petrobras, resulting in 15 patent requests.

I received the FEUP Scientific Excellence Award in 2013 and 2018 and I am Editor-in-Chief of six journals: The Journal of Adhesion (Q1), Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part L: Journal of Materials: Design and Applications (Q1) and International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education (Q2). I founded the UPorto Journal of Engineering, a highly visible channel for scientific publication within the University of Porto. More recently I was invited to be Editor-in-Chief of the new journal Discover Mechanical Engineering. I am very active organizing international scientific conferences on adhesive bonding, industrial applications of adhesives, advanced joining processes, materials design and applications, engineering manufacture, machine design and education. I am also honoured to serve as evaluator of major European funding programmes (European Research Council, Pathfinder and Horizon) and as a NATO consultant for repair issues. 

I have a passion for the pedagogical aspects of my role as an academic and strive to provide the best conditions possible for my students, nurturing an inclusive and diverse environment. I supervised the youngest ever PhD recipient at FEUP and the first East-Timorese candidate to conclude its PhD at FEUP. I received the FEUP Pedagogical Excellence Award in 2023 and established a research group on pedagogical matters, researching themes such as gender discrimination in mechanical and industrial engineering roles, motivation and integration of foreign students, factors behind student performance and innovative teaching methodologies. I am particularly sensible to gender issues and played a critical role in the foundation of Associação Beatriz Angelo, an association dedicated to empowering women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.

In 2024, I have carried out a yearlong project to create high quality videos (over 130 videos) of all my classes and made them available for free in Youtube, allowing students to study at their own pace and enabling me to teach more engaging classes, with less theoretical exposition, packed with demonstrations and interaction with industry leaders.