Rafael António Oliveira Nunes has been contributing to the advancement of knowledge in environmental engineering, with a particular focus on air quality (both indoor and outdoor), atmospheric emissions, and health impact assessments. During his master’s studies at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), he explored the comparison of indoor air quality in urban and rural kindergartens. This work enhanced his expertise and led to collaborations with specialised teams, policymakers, and school communities.

After completing his master’s degree in 2014, Rafael joined the INAIRCHILD project as a research fellow. His contributions included characterising and monitoring atmospheric pollutants, data analysis, and health impact assessments, resulting in two first-author and five co-authored publications in indexed journals. During this time, he also collaborated on the European FP7 project "Future Cities," providing technical support for pollutant measurement campaigns and low-cost sensor calibration.

Subsequently, Rafael was hired as a research fellow for the EMISSHIP project, which focused on assessing atmospheric emissions from ships and their impacts. Rafael's work resulted in pioneering research, including the first quantification of international maritime transport emissions in Portugal, published under the title “Assessment of shipping emissions on four major ports of Portugal.”

In 2019, Rafael was awarded a doctoral fellowship by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) to investigate solutions for reducing atmospheric emissions from ships and their impacts on human health. During his doctoral studies, Rafael demonstrated proficiency in advanced modelling tools such as EMEP/MSC-W, WRF, and AERMOD, geographic information systems (GIS) tools, advanced data analysis techniques, as well as programming skills in R, Fortran, and Linux command-line environments. His research culminated in six first-author articles in high-impact journals, two book chapters, and several international presentations, showcasing his role as an emerging scientist in this field.

Throughout his career, Rafael has contributed to the growth and development of colleagues and students. He has supported young researchers, fostering career development and creating collaborative environments. He has been part of multidisciplinary teams, ensuring the achievement of shared goals while managing complex schedules. Rafael's ability to communicate effectively has enabled him to present complex research findings to diverse audiences, bridging gaps between experts, policymakers, and the general public. By establishing international collaborations with institutions such as the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences at the University of Cádiz, the University of São Paulo, and the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), Rafael has created opportunities for knowledge sharing and skill enhancement. His inclusive approach to mentoring and teamwork has been fundamental in cultivating a productive and collaborative research culture.

Rafael has been participate in editorial and review activities. As a guest reviewer for 13 indexed journals, he has contributed to maintaining the integrity and quality of scientific research. He has also been instrumental in organising community events, including the final seminars of the INAIRCHILD, EMISSHIP, and ARRISCO projects, which brought stakeholders together to discuss advancements and future directions in topics such as indoor air quality in schools, maritime emissions and their impacts on air quality and health, and the long-term effects of air pollution exposure on wildfire combatants, respectively.

Rafael’s research has had an impact beyond academia. His consultancy work on the designation of a North-East Atlantic Emission Control Area (NE Atlantic ECA) provided practical insights to policymakers aiming to reduce maritime emissions and their impacts on air quality and health. By characterising pollutants for industrial companies, Rafael has contributed to improving environmental compliance and public health. His outreach activities, such as participation in “Science and Technology Week” and various editions of the “UP Exhibition,” have engaged the general public in discussions about air pollution, promoting informed dialogue.

Rafael’s diverse career also includes significant achievements outside academia. As an athlete and coach in American football, representing the Portuguese National Team, he honed leadership, teamwork, perseverance, and strategic planning skills, which complement his professional efforts. These experiences highlight his ability to balance demanding academic activities with impactful extracurricular initiatives, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to personal and professional growth.