Nelson Martins | Circularity | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Mr. Nelson Martins | Circularity | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Nelson Martins | Circularity – Technical at Apicer – Portuguese Ceramic Industry Association, Portugal

Nelson Correia Martins is an accomplished process engineer, industrial leader, and researcher with a distinguished career in manufacturing optimization, lean management, and data-driven production processes. With over two decades of experience in engineering and production management, he has played a pivotal role in enhancing industrial efficiency, sustainability, and digital transformation across multiple sectors, including ceramics, chemicals, and advanced manufacturing. His expertise lies in integrating process innovation, industrial automation, and sustainability-driven strategies to optimize production workflows and resource utilization.

His extensive background in process engineering, coupled with his research contributions in DataOps frameworks and secondary raw material tracking, demonstrates his commitment to advancing industry 4.0 solutions and environmental sustainability. His professional journey has been marked by leadership in production management, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring operational excellence and quality enhancement. A forward-thinking professional, Nelson continues to drive research and innovation in industrial digitalization and lean manufacturing, reinforcing his standing as a leading figure in the field.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Nelson Martins holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Aveiro, where he specialized in process optimization and industrial automation. He further pursued postgraduate studies in Lean Management from Comunidade Lean Thinking, equipping him with advanced methodologies in continuous improvement, Six Sigma, and operational excellence. His academic journey includes an Erasmus program at Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, where he gained international exposure to advanced chemical processes and industrial research methodologies. Recognized for his exceptional academic achievements, he was awarded the Eng. António Pascoal Prize for being the best engineering student at the University of Aveiro.

Experience

With a career spanning across multiple leadership roles in engineering and production management, Nelson Martins has made transformational contributions to the industries he has served. He has led large-scale manufacturing operations, optimized industrial workflows, and implemented data-driven strategies to improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability.

In his role as Director of Production at NG- Oficina de Porcelanas, he successfully enhanced productivity, quality control, and process efficiency, ensuring optimal resource utilization. As a Process Engineer at The Navigator Company, he played a crucial role in standardizing tissue paper rewinding processes, demonstrating his ability to drive technical excellence and process improvement. His tenure at Sanitana (Roca Group), Mesa Ceramics, and Riastone (Vista Alegre Group) saw him spearheading lean manufacturing initiatives, KPI tracking, and Toyota Kata methodologies, reinforcing his expertise in continuous improvement and industrial analytics.

Additionally, his research-driven role at Bresfor (Finsa Group) involved innovation in materials science, chemical engineering, and quality control, while his experience at Hovione (Lisbon & New Jersey, USA) provided him with hands-on exposure to GMP manufacturing, nanotechnology, and experimental design. Currently, he is engaged as a Process Engineer at APICER (Coimbra), contributing to research in digitalization, circular economy, and industrial decarbonization, further solidifying his commitment to sustainable industrial practices.

Research Interests

Nelson Martins’ research focuses on industrial process optimization, digital transformation, and sustainability-driven manufacturing. His work delves into DataOps frameworks, secondary raw material tracking, and lean production methodologies, aiming to enhance manufacturing efficiency and environmental impact reduction. His interdisciplinary expertise in chemical engineering, materials science, and industrial analytics enables him to develop innovative solutions in production automation, circular economy, and smart manufacturing. His ongoing research contributes to bridging the gap between industry and academia, driving advancements in resource-efficient production systems and sustainable industrial practices.

Awards

Nelson Martins’ dedication to excellence in engineering and research has been recognized with several prestigious accolades. He was honored with the Eng. António Pascoal Prize, awarded to the best engineering student at the University of Aveiro, reflecting his outstanding academic and research capabilities. His contributions to process engineering, industrial digitalization, and lean management have positioned him as a leader in manufacturing innovation, reinforcing his impact in the field.

Publications 📚

Tracking Secondary Raw Material Operational Framework—DataOps Case Study (2025) – Ceramics Journal 🔬
DOI: 10.3390/ceramics8010012 | Cited by: 12
Tracking Secondary Raw Material Operational Framework – DataOps Case Study (2024) – Preprint 📊
DOI: 10.20944/preprints202412.2007.v1 | Cited by: 8

Conclusion

Nelson Correia Martins exemplifies research excellence, industrial leadership, and innovative thinking in process engineering and industrial sustainability. His strong academic foundation, extensive experience, and impactful research contributions make him a standout candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work in DataOps frameworks, lean manufacturing, and sustainable industrial processes showcases his commitment to advancing cutting-edge solutions for modern manufacturing challenges.

While his publication record is growing, expanding his academic research collaborations and high-impact journal contributions would further solidify his stature as a leading researcher. With his visionary leadership, commitment to innovation, and industry-driven research, Nelson Martins is well-positioned to continue making groundbreaking contributions to industrial engineering and sustainable manufacturing.

Hospice G. Gracias Avakoudjo | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Dr. Hospice G. Gracias Avakoudjo | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc Researcher | Laboratory of Applied Ecology of the University of Abomey-Calavi | Benin

Hospice Gérard Gracias Avakoudjo is an esteemed agronomist and forester specializing in climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture. With a PhD in Climate Change and Biodiversity, he has an extensive career focused on the impact of climate change on ecosystems and their relationship with human communities. Avakoudjo has contributed to several international research projects and consultancies, and his expertise spans across agroforestry, non-timber forest products, and dendrochronology, among others. He is dedicated to integrating climate adaptation strategies into national biodiversity policies and advancing sustainable resource management in West Africa.

Profile

Orcid

Education:

Avakoudjo holds a PhD in Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Agriculture from the University Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire (2020). He earned his MSc in Forestry with a focus on Natural Resources Management from the University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin (2015). His academic journey began with a degree in Agronomy, specializing in Natural Resources Management and Planning from the same institution in 2013. He also holds a Baccalaureate D in Mathematics and Natural Sciences from the Office of Baccalaureate in Benin (2016).

Experience: Avakoudjo has gained extensive professional experience, including his current role as a Research Associate at the Laboratory of Applied Ecology at the University of Abomey-Calavi. Here, he leads research projects, trains students, and collaborates with local communities. Previously, as a Postdoctoral Researcher, he implemented a project on the climate influence on plant growth. He has also held roles as a consultant for organizations like the African Forest Forum, where he contributed to the development of agroforestry systems and land management strategies. His leadership has extended to environmental volunteering and advisory roles in various NGOs.

Research Interests:

Avakoudjo’s primary research interests include the effects of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem services, especially in West Africa. His work examines the role of climate-induced biodiversity loss, adaptation strategies, and ecosystem resilience. He is particularly focused on the conservation and valorization of non-timber forest products and sustainable agroforestry practices. His expertise also extends to tropical dendrochronology, quantitative ethnobotany, and biodiversity informatics, all aimed at developing solutions for sustainable natural resource management in tropical regions.

Awards: Throughout his career, Avakoudjo has received recognition for his contributions to environmental science and climate change adaptation. Notable accolades include his involvement in the African Tree-Ring Network and his role in advancing the understanding of climate-growth relationships in tropical trees. His research on the impact of climate change on indigenous species like Strychnos spinosa has been acknowledged for its scientific rigor and its practical implications for biodiversity conservation in West Africa.

Publications:

Avakoudjo has authored several influential peer-reviewed publications, including:

  1. Degila J., et al. (2023). “Digital Agriculture Policies and Strategies for Innovations in the Agri-Food Systems—Cases of Five West African Countries.” Sustainability, 15(12), 9192.
  2. Degila J., et al. (2023). “A Survey on Digital Agriculture in Five West African Countries.” Agriculture, 13(5), 1067.
  3. Kochoni B. I., et al. (2023). “Contribution of mangroves ecosystems to coastal communities’ resilience towards climate change.” GeoJournal.
  4. Coulibaly A., et al. (2022). “Impact of climate change on the distribution of Bombax costatum Pellegr.” Trees, Forests and People, 100359.
  5. Atindehou M. M. L., et al. (2022). “Old Sacred Trees as Memories of the Cultural Landscapes of Southern Benin.” Land, 11(4), 478.
  6. Avakoudjo H. G. G., et al. (2022). “Effects of climate and protection status on growth and fruit yield of Strychnos spinosa Lam.” Trees, 1-13.
  7. Avakoudjo H. G. G., et al. (2022). “Wood anatomy and vessel characteristics of spiny monkey orange (Strychnos spinosa).” Dendrochronologia, 72:125941.

These works are widely cited for their contributions to climate change adaptation strategies and biodiversity conservation, particularly in tropical ecosystems.

Conclusion:

Hospice Gérard Gracias Avakoudjo is a leading expert in climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture with a rich academic and professional background. His research continues to shape the understanding of climate-induced biodiversity changes and their impact on ecosystems and human communities in West Africa. Avakoudjo’s commitment to practical solutions for sustainable land management, agroforestry, and the conservation of natural resources reflects his dedication to fostering resilient ecosystems and promoting environmental stewardship. His ongoing contributions to the scientific community and local communities make him a valuable asset in the global effort to address climate change and biodiversity loss.