Belmiro Duarte | Experimental Design | Best Researcher Award

Belmiro Duarte | Experimental Design | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr Belmiro Duarte, Belmiro Duarte, Portugal

Prof. Dr. Belmiro P.M. Duarte is a distinguished Coordinator Professor at the Coimbra Institute of Engineering, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, specializing in Chemical Engineering, Process Design, and Modeling. With a strong foundation in Process Dynamics & Control, Clinical Trials Design, and Optimization, he integrates phenomenological and data-driven modeling into engineering solutions. An integrated researcher at INESC Coimbra, he has significantly contributed to product and process innovation. His academic excellence is reflected in 75+ peer-reviewed publications, 30+ conference contributions, and 9 course books. Over the years, he has combined teaching, research, and consultancy, providing expert guidance in chemical industries and R&D initiatives. His leadership in EC-funded projects and industrial consultancy has driven advancements in process optimization and experimental design. With a Habilitation in Chemical Engineering, Ph.D., and M.Sc., he continues to shape the future of chemical and industrial engineering. ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿ”ฌ

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education

Prof. Dr. Belmiro P.M. Duarte holds a Habilitation in Chemical Engineering from NOVA School of Engineering (2024), where he delivered a lecture on Model-Based Optimal Design of Experiments with applications in Chemical Engineering and Clinical Trial Design. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Coimbra (1995), focusing on Moving Finite Elements for solving PDAEs and moving front models. His M.Sc. in Information Management from the University of Coimbra (1998) explored Expected Utility in Decision-Making, particularly in biomass management for the pulp and paper industry. He completed his Graduation in Chemical Engineering at the University of Coimbra (1991) and a Baccalaureate in Chemical Engineering from Coimbra Institute of Engineering (1989). With deep expertise in process modeling, optimization, and quality management, Prof. Duarte’s academic journey has laid a strong foundation for his impactful contributions to both research and industry. ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ”ฌ

Experience

Prof. Dr. Belmiro P.M. Duarte has been a Professor at the Coimbra Institute of Engineering, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, since 1996, where he teaches Chemical and Industrial Engineering courses, specializing in Process and Product Design, Quality Management, and Process Modeling. His industrial experience includes serving as a Product Design Consultant at Bondalti Chemistry (2022โ€“2023), where he analyzed the market potential for CMC and synthesized technical information. As a Process Design Consultant for Specialty Minerals, Inc. (2002), he evaluated the feasibility of continuous PCC production and implemented SPC procedures. His role as an R&D Consultant at Companhia de Celulose do Caima, S.A. (1997) involved assessing the pulp market potential and providing technical process support. Previously, as Head of the R&D Department at the same company (1996โ€“1997), he managed EC-funded research projects and led research execution. His combined academic and industrial expertise bridges theoretical knowledge with practical applications, fostering process innovation and optimization. ๐Ÿ”โš›๏ธ

Awards & Honors

Prof. Dr. Belmiro P.M. Duarte is a distinguished nominee for the Best Researcher Award, recognized for his outstanding contributions to Chemical Engineering and Process Design. With over 75 peer-reviewed publications and nine authored course books, his research has significantly impacted both academia and industry. As a long-standing faculty member at the Coimbra Institute of Engineering since 1996, he has played a pivotal role in shaping engineering education and research. Currently an Integrated Researcher at INESC Coimbra (2024โ€“Present), he advances systems engineering and computational modeling. His expertise is further demonstrated through keynote presentations and contributions to over 30 international conferences. Additionally, as a leader in EC-funded research projects, he has pioneered innovative methodologies in process modeling and optimization. Prof. Duarteโ€™s dedication to research excellence, education, and industry-driven innovation solidifies his position as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Research Focus

Prof. Dr. Belmiro Duarteโ€™s research encompasses Chemical Engineering, Process Dynamics & Control, Product & Process Design, and Clinical Trials Optimization. His expertise in phenomenological and data-driven modeling, simulation, and optimization is applied across industrial and clinical settings. A key focus of his work is the integration of Model-Based Optimal Design of Experiments (MBoDE) to optimize chemical processes, pharmaceuticals, and clinical trials. He has also pioneered Process Analytical Technology (PAT) methods to enhance quality control and manufacturing efficiency. His contributions to Moving Finite Element Methods (MFEM) provide advanced solutions for partial differential-algebraic equations (PDAEs) and moving front models. With a strong emphasis on industrial process efficiency, sustainable engineering solutions, and experimental design methodologies, his cross-disciplinary research continues to drive innovation, benefiting both academia and industry. ๐Ÿญ๐Ÿ”ฌ

Publication Top Notes

Fentahun Admassu Yayeh | Social Impact of Scientific Discoveries | Best Researcher Award

Fentahun Admassu Yayeh | Social Impact of Scientific Discoveries | Best Researcher Award

Mr Fentahun Admassu Yayeh, Amhara Management Institute, Ethiopia

Fentahun Admassu Yayeh ๐ŸŽ“ is a seasoned professional dedicated to community-based development, aiming to enhance food security and livelihoods for vulnerable populations. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Bahir Dar University (2007), a Master’s in Development Economics from Civil Service University (2013), and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Political Economy and Governance at Amhara Leadership Academy. His extensive experience includes leadership roles at the Regional Cooperatives Promotion Agency, focusing on financial cooperatives development and rural financial intermediation. Proficient in advanced Microsoft applications and statistical software, Fentahun is also a published researcher in social capital and economic development. ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ’ผ

Publication profile

orcid

Education

He earned my Bachelor’s degree in Economics in 2007 from Bahir Dar University in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia ๐ŸŽ“. In 2013, I pursued a Master’s degree in Development Economics at Civil Service University in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ๐ŸŽ“. Currently, He a Ph.D. student in Political Economy and Governance at Amhara Leadership Academy in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia ๐ŸŽ“. He academic journey reflects my dedication to understanding and influencing economic and political structures in my country ๐ŸŒ.

Work Experience

From January 9, 2017, to February 24, 2020, I served as the Financial Cooperatives Development Directorate Director at the Regional Cooperatives Promotion Agency. My role involved providing strategic direction and technical oversight, assessing cooperatives’ needs, and developing a monitoring and evaluation framework ๐Ÿ“Š. I also prepared business plans, annual work, and budgets, and disbursed budgets to zones and woredas. Previously, from May 25, 2014, to January 8, 2017, I coordinated the Rural Financial Intermediation Programme ๐ŸŒฑ, establishing international partnerships, implementing MIS, and liaising with various organizations. My earlier roles included cooperatives promotion expert and RUFIP Monitoring and Evaluation Expert ๐Ÿ“ˆ.

Research Experience

Fentahun Admassu Yayeh and Wondaferahu Mulugeta Demissie (2024) examine the crucial role of social capital in poverty reduction in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia in their study published in the African Journal of Commercial Studies. They argue that strengthening community networks and mutual trust can significantly alleviate poverty. In another paper, Yayeh and Mulugeta, along with Wuhibegezer Ferede (2024), explore the complex relationship between social capital and economic development in Ethiopia, as detailed in the Forum for Social Economics. They discuss how social ties can influence economic growth. Furthermore, Yayeh and Mulugeta (2024) analyze the economic performance of financial cooperatives in the Amhara Region through the lens of social capital in Technium EconomiA. In an earlier work, Yayeh (2021) discusses the effectiveness of focus group discussions as a data collection method in economics in the Daagu International Journal of Basic & Applied Research. Finally, Yayeh addresses the significant impacts of COVID-19 on Ethiopia’s manufacturing and service sectors in a 2020 report, highlighting the pandemic’s disruptions and challenges. ๐Ÿ“‰๐Ÿญ๐ŸŒ

Professional Certification ๐Ÿ…

Fentahun holds several professional certifications, including strategic leadership, corporate governance, and rural financial cooperatives. His training as a master facilitator and a trainer of trainers underscores his commitment to capacity development and knowledge dissemination.

Research focus

Fentahun Admassu Yayeh’s research primarily focuses on economic development, social capital, and the impacts of socio-economic factors in Ethiopia. His studies include the relationship between social capital and economic performance, particularly in financial cooperatives in the Amhara region ๐ŸŒ, the broader economic development dynamics in Ethiopia ๐Ÿ’น, the effects of COVID-19 on various sectors of the Ethiopian economy ๐Ÿฆ ๐Ÿ“‰, and the influence of religion on household saving behavior ๐Ÿ’ฐ๐Ÿ™. Additionally, he explores methodologies in economic data collection, such as focus group discussions ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ๐Ÿ“Š. His work often intersects economics, social science, and development studies.

Publication top notes

Social Capital and Economic Performance of Financial Cooperatives: Evidence from the Amhara Region

Debating the Relationship Between Social Capital and Economic Development in Ethiopia

Focus Group Discussion as a data collection tool in Economics

The Impact of Religion on Household Saving Behavior

 

Frontier Hypothesis Award

Frontier Hypothesis Award

Introduction:

Welcome to the Frontier Hypothesis Awardโ€”a celebration of innovative thinking and daring hypotheses that drive scientific discovery and exploration to new frontiers.

About the Award:

The Frontier Hypothesis Award honors researchers who challenge conventional wisdom and propose novel hypotheses that have the potential to revolutionize their fields. This award highlights the importance of bold ideas in advancing human understanding and shaping the future of research.

Eligibility:

  • Age Limit: Open to researchers of all ages.
  • Qualification: Candidates should demonstrate a capacity for original thinking and hypothesis formulation.
  • Publications: Applicants may submit unpublished hypotheses or those supported by preliminary evidence.
  • Requirements: Nominees must adhere to submission guidelines and criteria outlined below.

Evaluation Criteria:

Submissions will be evaluated based on the novelty, significance, and potential impact of the proposed hypothesis. Additionally, feasibility, clarity of presentation, and potential for future research avenues may also be considered.

Submission Guidelines:

  • Submissions should include a clear and concise description of the hypothesis, along with any supporting evidence.
  • Nominees must adhere to the specified format and submission deadline.
  • Detailed guidelines are available on the official award website.

Recognition:

Recipients of the Frontier Hypothesis Award will receive recognition for their visionary thinking and potential to shape the future of their respective fields. This includes opportunities for collaboration, funding, and further exploration of their hypotheses.

Community Impact:

The award aims to inspire a culture of innovation and exploration within the research community. Recipients serve as ambassadors for bold thinking, encouraging others to push the boundaries of knowledge and pursue new frontiers in their own work.

Biography:

Applicants are encouraged to provide a brief biography highlighting their research interests, academic background, and previous contributions to their field. This contextualizes their submission and underscores their capacity for hypothesis generation.

Abstract and Supporting Files:

Each submission must include a clear and compelling abstract summarizing the proposed hypothesis and its potential implications. Any supporting files, such as preliminary data or references, should be included to provide additional context and evidence for the hypothesis.