Three MIT Portugal PhD student projects have won the TecInnov Thales competition, focusing on energy, mobility and sustainability. Pedro Fraga's ASIST project aims to reduce inspection costs in critical infrastructures, while Diogo Henriques' indoor air quality monitoring system infers occupancy rates and comfort.
Bruna Tavares, a MIT Portugal Program PhD student, has developed an innovative monitoring method that uses advanced sensors to better understand the conditions of the Portuguese power grid. The method aims to increase the quality of service and reduce failures in the electric network.
Researchers have developed a method to prolong the survival of stem cells, which could aid in tissue regeneration after blood flow obstruction. By attaching vascular endothelial growth factor to microscopic particles, they increased stem cell lifespan and improved their ability to form new blood vessels.
MIT Portugal's International Industry Roundtable on new technologies for old industries brought together industry leaders to discuss common objectives and share innovative ideas. The roundtable aimed to bridge the gap between academia and industry in sectors such as agriculture and energy.
Patrícia Baptista developed an assessment tool to improve urban mobility, benefiting vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with reduced mobility. The tool allows users to choose the most accessible and sustainable routes, minimizing risk events and environmental impacts.
The VENEX project offers an alternative solution to road humps by reducing vehicle speed through energy extraction, ensuring safety and minimizing impact on drivers. The award-winning innovation aims to reduce traffic-related victims and costs, promoting a safer transportation system globally.
Ana Sofia Silva received the Best Ph.D. Thesis Award for her research on multifunctional nano-in-micro formulations for lung cancer theragnosis, proposing a new therapeutic approach to combat the disease.
Researchers at MIT Portugal have created eco-friendly green detergents using biosurfactants derived from lignocellulosic biomass, offering advantages in bio-degradability and non-toxicity. The technology reduces costs of raw materials and environmental impact on production, providing a cleaner alternative for home and industrial use.
A new sensor, QStamp, enables consumers to monitor food freshness and reduce waste by 51%, as reported by the FAO. The smart tag allows users to track their at-home products, receive notifications for expiration dates, and make informed purchasing decisions.
Henrique Pombeiro, a Ph.D. candidate at MIT Portugal, has been awarded a Fulbright Research Grant to investigate strategies for improving energy efficiency in buildings without compromising comfort. He will focus on residential and university buildings, developing energy models and frameworks for evaluating feedback mechanisms.
Manuela E. Gomes, a Portuguese researcher, has received the 2013 TERMIS-EU Young Scientist Award for her contributions to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Her research focuses on bone and cartilage tissue engineering strategies, including scaffold materials, stem cells, and dynamic cell culturing systems.
Michael Donauer developed a tool to identify causes of nonconformities in mass production environments, focusing on data usage and processing challenges. His work is an example of interdisciplinary approaches contributing to both academia and industry.