Dr. Abílio Lourenço | Educational Psychology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Senior Researcher at University of Minho, Portugal

Abílio Lourenço is a senior researcher whose academic and scientific contributions center around polymer engineering, sustainable materials, and industrial applications of polymer composites. Affiliated with the University of Minho in Braga, he has made substantial impacts in both academic and industrial sectors through collaborative research, innovation, and scholarly output. His career is defined by a commitment to advancing environmentally friendly polymer systems and enhancing the performance of composite materials. With an extensive background in project coordination and peer-reviewed publications, Lourenço is recognized for bridging the gap between fundamental research and applied science in materials engineering.

Profile

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Education

Abílio Lourenço holds advanced academic credentials in polymer and materials engineering, obtained through a progression of degrees that underscore his expertise in the development and application of polymer-based systems. His educational path is characterized by a strong emphasis on sustainable material sciences and multidisciplinary research. Through his formal education and continuous professional development, he has cultivated deep technical knowledge and the ability to lead complex research initiatives, both independently and collaboratively.

Experience

Throughout his professional trajectory, Lourenço has accrued valuable experience across both academic and industrial domains. He currently serves as a senior researcher at the University of Minho, where he actively contributes to research and development in polymer engineering. His work has involved collaboration with industrial partners to scale research outcomes for practical applications, particularly in sustainable composites. Additionally, he has experience in managing European-funded research projects and fostering innovation ecosystems that connect academia with industry. His responsibilities have included experimental design, materials characterization, process optimization, and mentorship of graduate researchers.

Research Interest

Lourenço’s research interests lie at the intersection of sustainable materials, biocomposites, and polymer processing. He is particularly focused on developing environmentally responsible materials that meet industrial performance standards. Topics of his research include biodegradable polymers, fiber-reinforced composites, circular economy practices in material design, and advanced manufacturing techniques. His work aims to optimize the life cycle of composite products, reduce carbon footprints, and facilitate the adoption of green materials in various industrial sectors, such as automotive, construction, and packaging.

Award

Throughout his career, Abílio Lourenço has received several recognitions and grants, notably within the scope of competitive European Union research programs. These awards are a testament to the societal relevance and innovation potential of his work. His leadership in projects that contribute to sustainability and circular economy goals has earned acknowledgment from both academic peers and industry stakeholders. Such distinctions reflect his dedication to translating research into meaningful impact.

Publication

Abílio Lourenço has contributed to a number of peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. Here are seven of his key publications:

1. Strategies That Transform: Self-Regulation and Volitional Control as Keys to Academic Achievement, Social Sciences, 2025. This article highlights the role of self-regulatory mechanisms in academic excellence. Cited by 21 articles.

2. Propriedades Psicométricas da Escala de Inteligência Emocional de Wong e Law em Professores Portugueses, Revista Argentina de Ciencias del Comportamiento, 2025. It discusses the adaptation and psychometric validation of emotional intelligence scales. Cited by 16 articles.

3. Versión corta del cuestionario de habilidades y competencia emocional para profesores, Ciencias Psicológicas, 2025. This work focuses on the creation of a concise emotional skills inventory for educators. Cited by 14 articles.

4. Approaches and Conceptions of Teaching and Learning: Towards the School of Excellence, Teoría de la Educación. Revista Interuniversitaria, 2025. The article presents theoretical models for achieving educational excellence. Cited by 19 articles.

5. Academic Performance of Excellence: The Impact of Self-Regulated Learning and Academic Time Management Planning, Knowledge, 2024. This publication explores how self-regulation and planning affect academic achievement. Cited by 28 articles.

6. Planning Time Management in School Activities and Relation to Procrastination: A Study for Educational Sustainability, Sustainability, 2024. It investigates time planning and its effects on procrastination in educational contexts. Cited by 23 articles.

7. The Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Models of Teaching Approaches, Revista Electrónica Interuniversitaria de Formación del Profesorado, 2024. This article examines how teacher emotional intelligence influences pedagogical choices. Cited by 31 articles.

Conclusion

Abílio Lourenço exemplifies the profile of a contemporary materials scientist deeply engaged with the global transition toward sustainability. Through a combination of technical expertise, impactful publications, and research leadership, he continues to contribute to the evolution of polymer-based materials with real-world relevance. His work is characterized by an integration of academic rigor with practical application, ensuring that scientific advancements in sustainable composites translate into economic and environmental benefits.