Mission and Values
MORE CoLAB
MORE CoLAB is a private non-profit association that has been recognized as a Collaborative Laboratory by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) since 2018. MORE CoLAB is the result of a consortium of research units, laboratories, higher education institutions, technology centers, companies and intermediate and interface institutions.
Mission and Values
We were born with the mission of bringing mountain regions closer together and with the Mediterranean has our horizon. Economic, environmental and social sustainability are our cardinal points and the innovation of products and services, the commitment to qualified employment and respect for the endogenous products, traditions and communities of these regions are our coordinates.
Where we are
Bragança
Hub Macedo de Cavaleiros
Hub Mêda
We approach Mountains,
side by side with our partners.
Organization
The composition of the governing bodies for the three-year period 2024-2027 is as follows:
General Assembly board
President – TECPAN – Tecnologia e Produtos para Pastelaria e Panificação Lda.
Vice-presidente – Instituto Politécnico da Guarda
Secretary– Resíduos do Nordeste, EIM, S.A.
Direction
President– Instituto Politécnico de Bragança
Vice-presidente – Instituto de Soldadura e Qualidade
Vowel– DEIFIL Technology, Lda.
Fiscal Council
President– Associação para o Desenvolvimento do Brigantia Ecopark
Secretary:
– Universidade do Porto (Effective Vowel)
– Associação BLC3 – Campus de Tecnologia e Inovação
Alternate vowels:
– APPITAD – Associação dos Produtores em Protecção Integrada de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro,
– Oldcare Unipessoal Lda.
– ICETA – Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente da Universidade do Porto.
Scientific-Technological Council
President – Lillian Barros, Polytechnic Institute of Bragança
Vice-President – Alírio Rodrigues, Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering
– José Santos, Polytechnic Institute of Bragança
–Nuno Mateus, Chemistry and Technology Network
–Beatriz Oliveira,Chemistry and Technology Network
–Madalena Dias, Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering
–Cristina Ascenço, Welding and Quality Institute
–João Nunes, BLC3 Association – Campus Technology and Innovation
–Albino Bento, National Dried Fruit Competence Center
–Domingos Lopes, Côa Park Foundation
–Francisco Pavão, APPITAD – Associação dos Produtores em Protecção Integrada de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro
–Maria de Fátima Oliveira, Deifil – Green Biotechnology
Consulting Board
Christian Zacherl
Martin Price
Areas of Intervention
Associates
Instituto Politécnico de Bragança (IPB) is a public institution of higher education whose mission is the creation, transmission and dissemination of technical-scientific knowledge and knowledge of a professional nature, through the articulation of of teaching, oriented research and experimental development.
The Polytechnic of the Guard is an institution of higher education of public law, at the service of society, oriented to the production and diffusion of knowledge, creation and transmission of culture and knowledge of a professional nature, science, technology and arts, through the articulation of study, of teaching, oriented research and experimental development.
U.Porto’s mission is the creation of scientific, cultural and artistic knowledge, higher education strongly anchored in research, social and economic valuation of knowledge and active participation in the progress of the communities in which it operates.
ISQ is a national and international reference in technical consulting, specialized training and certification for the industry. With 60 years of experience, we offer high quality solutions in the areas of Engineering, Consulting, Inspection, Testing, Research and Development (R&D), and Innovation.
Consisting of an in vitro propagation laboratory and an acclimatization area, DEIFIL has a production capacity of more than one million seedlings per year. In collaboration with R&D centers we are developing and creating new products, so that we can keep up with the growing demands of the market.
Resíduos do Nordeste, EIM, S.A. is an inter-municipal company, with headquarters in Mirandela, constituted on October 31, 2002 by the Associations of Municipalities of Douro Superior, Terra Fria do Nordeste Transmontano and Terra Quente Transmontana, starting its activity on April 1, 2003.
The “OldCare” dream began in 2007 as part of an academic project for a chair in the gerontology course. Later, in 2008, this project was developed at the 5th Poliempreende of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, and it was at the IPB Business Incubator in 2009 that took the first steps. The founder of OldCare holds a degree in Gerontology from the Higher School of Health of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança and a postgraduate degree in Health Services Management at the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro.
Sementes Vivas is an Iberian company specialized in the production and marketing of biological and biodynamic seeds of open pollination. Own production area of 25 hectares that is increasingly focused on seed trials and breeding, to be delivered to local seed producers for multiplication.
The company develops and produces additives and mixtures for the bakery and confectionery industry.
The “Brigantia-EcoPark” Science and Technology Park is part of PCT-TMAD (Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro Science and Technology Park). It is managed by a private non-profit company, with scientific and technological objectives (Association for the development of Brigantia-EcoPark).
The Association BLC3 – Campus of Technology and Innovation is a non-profit association of private law and an R&D institution of the national system scientific and technological non-business, which was founded in May 2010 and started its activities in September 2011, currently having its headquarters in Oliveira do Hospital (main place of activity) two poles in the northern region, in Macedo de Cavaleiros and Alfandega da Fé, and another in development in the Alentejo, result of the work carried out in this region, with the aim of pioneering the creation of regional symbioses.
The Centro Nacional de Competências dos Frutos Secos is a private legal entity, non-profit and aims to promote the development of the sector of nuts in Portugal, through the strengthening of research, the promotion of innovation and knowledge transfer and dissemination.
REQUIMTE (Network of Chemistry and Technology) was formally constituted as a non-profit scientific organization in January 2003, as a partnership of the Universities of Porto and NOVA of Lisbon, located in the two main Portuguese cities. It results from a long-standing collaboration between two Research Centres of these Universities in the fields of Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Pharmacology and Food Science and Technology.
APPITAD – Association of Producers in Integrated Protection of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro is based in Mirandela. APPITAD promotes the use of integrated protection methods, as well as dissemination and innovation around topics relevant to agricultural activity.
The Côa Park – Foundation for the safeguarding and valorization of the Côa Valley, also referred to as the Côa Park Foundation, was created in 2011 to manage the Côa Valley Archaeological Park and the Côa Museum. Has as main purposes the protection, conservation, research and dissemination of the Art of Côa, and other heritage of the Côa Valley, combining the capacity of attraction of the Museum to public visits to rock art.
Team
Albino António Bento
CEO
Albino António Bento has a degree in Agricultural Engineering from UTAD, having completed the master’s degree in Integrated Protection at ISA/UTL and obtained the doctorate degree in Agrarian Sciences – Agronomic Sciences from UTAD. He holds a degree in Agronomy Engineering from ISA/UTL.
He is Principal Coordinating Professor of the Agricultural Higher School of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, since August 2012, President of the National Center for Skills of Dried Fruits and Researcher at the Mountain Research Center – CIMO.
Between 2005 and 2017, he assumed the functions of President/ Director of the Agricultural Higher School of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança.
Ana Luísa Machado holds a master’s degree in Food Innovation, a postgraduate degree in Food Safety from the Portuguese Catholic University and a degree in Food Engineering from the Coimbra School of Agriculture. She also has a postgraduate degree in Workplace Safety from the Polytechnic of Guarda
Since February 2024, she has the role of Operations Director at MORE CoLAB, where she is responsible for coordinating the Communication, Quality Management System / Workplace Health and Safety and the Administrative and Financial departments.
She has experience in quality control and physical-chemical analysis in the meat and fruit sectors, as well as implementing quality systems, training employees in quality, hygiene, and safety practices, controlling and validating customer/supplier specifications and team management. In recent years, she has acquired skills in the vegetal extraction sector, natural/biological products, and in physical-chemical analysis for this same field. She also has qualifications as an internal auditor and FSSC 22000 auditor, as well as a Level VI Professional Training course as a Senior Workplace Safety Technician.
Bárbara Matias has a master’s degree in Communication Sciences – Journalism (UTAD), a degree in Communication Sciences (UTAD), and an Advanced Studies diploma in Development, Societies, and Territories (UTAD). She is a Ph.D. candidate in Cultural Sciences (UTAD), focusing on digitalization and heritagization in the museological context. At MORE CoLAB she works as an innovation technician in the communications team. Her skills include copywriting, project communication, PR, event organization, and back-office management. She has a background in specialized journalism (textile and fashion industry), branding and brand management (fashion, footwear, and jewelry), teams, equipment, and cultural events management.
Cátia do Vale holds a degree in Economics from the University of Beira Interior and a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Porto. At MORE CoLAB, she serves as an innovation technician in the Administrative and Financial Department. Her responsibilities include budgetary control of co-financed or contracted activities, submission of reimbursement requests, final balance requests, reprogramming, and execution of financial reports for funding entities.
Maria Inês Cabral Campello, graduated in Business Management from the Portucalense University in 1999.
In MORE CoLAB, integrated into the Administrative and Financial Department, performs functions of financial checks, namely control of internal funds, financial planning, management of current accounts of suppliers, treasury management and payments, Organization of procurement processes under the rules of public procurement and human resources management.
Their skills, based on their work experience, are based on the financial management of co-financed projects and economic and financial control.
Leandro Santos holds a degree in Informatics and Communications from the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança – EsACT (Portugal). At MORE CoLAB performs the function of computer technician. His skills include technical support, implementation of data security measures, and software development. He specializes in software development, network administration and communications services. In addition, he has experience in Full Stack development, both for WEB tools and native applications (mobile), SysAdmin, troubleshooting, and automation and continuous improvement.
Luciana Silva holds a master’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança. At MORE CoLAB, she serves as an innovation technician in the Administrative and Financial Department. Her responsibilities include the administrative and financial management of projects, including the preparation of financial information, submission of requests for reimbursement and final balance and validation of application budgets, in order to ensure that they are aligned with the objectives and resources available. As a financial manager, she is also responsible for organizing and preparing procurement processes in accordance with public procurement rules, which includes managing the processes through electronic procurement platforms, from the preliminary market consultation phase to execution.
Natacha Pinto has a master’s degree in Graphic Design (ESART-IPCB), a degree in Communication Design and Audiovisual Production (ESART-IPCB) and a postgraduate diploma in Master Business Administration (UBI). At MORE CoLAB she works as an innovation technician in the communications team. Her skills include the management and development of institutional and project communication materials, the promotion and execution of technology and knowledge transfer actions and science and innovation communication activities for the business community as well as society in general. She has experience in managing cooperation networks, managing competitive projects in the agri-food sector, managing teams and participating in and organising trade fairs and business missions.
Ana Sofia de Almeida Rodrigues Nunes, Master in Food Technology and Safety from School of Science and Technology of the University Nova de Lisboa and with a degree in Agro-livestock from Agrarian Higher School of the Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, has 21 years of professional experience in various fields, including food safety, official controls, food industry, training and training management, quality and food safety management systems (ISO 22000 and ISO 9001), among others.
Her professional life began in 2002 with a professional internship at the Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho (IVV) (9 mounths). Subsequently, from 2003 to 2010 (7 years) she worked as a service provider in two Portuguese state entities with competence in the area of supervision and other official controls – Direção Geral de Fiscalização e Controlo da Qualidade Alimentar (DGFCQA) and Autoridade de Segurança Alimentar e Económica (ASAE) – in these two Entities, is function was to provide specialized technical support during various activities of food official controls, namely: inspections of food operators (dairy industries, catering, bakeries, pastry shops, schools, among others), harvests samples of foodstuffs and elaboration technical advice. After February 2010 and until August 2014 (4 years), she was a trainer in several training courses related to hygiene and food safety and was responsible for Quality and Production of a codfish and other fish products trading company. From September 2014 to March 2019 (4.6 years) worked in Angola in the field of Food Quality and Safety at a reference company in the beverage industry (Refriango) as Manager of the Food Safety Management System (ISO22000) and responsible of the Department of Food Safety and Complaint Management. Since 2015, it has supported, on the subject of hygiene and food safety, other business areas of the group where Refriango operates, namely: wholesale / retail and catering (hygiene and sanitary audits, non-compliance monitoring, preparation of code of practice, labelling analysis and evaluation, product analysis and analytical bulletins, and technical advice). Since June 2019, she has been an innovation technician at the MORE – Mountains of Research Collaborative Laboratory – Association, initially in the field of mountain-inspired foods and bio-based products, and currently with various functions in areas/activities related to the quality management system, training management, occupational health and safety monitoring and recruitment.
Vanessa Afonso has a degree in Law and a master’s degree in Administrative Law from the University of Minho, registered more than a decade ago by the Bar Association, currently works at MORE CoLAB as a lawyer, integrating the category of Innovation Technique. As head of the legal department, he is responsible for monitoring and providing legal advice in the various branches of law (labor, civil, administrative, public procurement, industrial and intellectual property, commercial, etc.) in which MORE CoLAB operates, in order to ensure full compliance with legal standards, as well as expedite any procedures that require legal analysis and intervention in order to avoid any breach of legal obligations.
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Susana Araújo holds a PhD in Biology awarded by Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica- Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal. She is an Auxilliary Researcher at MORE CoLAB, being presently the Scientific Coordinator of the Mountains Environment and Ecosystems Management group (ECO). Beside her role in projects aiming the restoration of degraded ecosystems, she is participating in initiatives focused on conservation and valorization of endogenous resources, relevant for the agrifood sector of “Trás–os–Montes“ region. In collaboration with strategic partners, she has focused her interest on the deployment of innovative solutions to reorient the primary production sector towards more profitable productive models, circulars, with minor ecological footprint and adapted to Climate Change constraints, promoting sustainable socioeconomic growth of mountain regions. She has competences in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology and Physiology that she used for studying the plant´s response towards abiotic stresses, namely legume plants. Later, she specialized in Seed Biology and Technology.
Carina Oliveira holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Functional Biology and Biotechnology of Plants, both from Faculty of Sciences of University of Porto. At MORE CoLAB she works as a research technician on the “MiOlive3 – Development of micropropagated, mycorrhized and micrografted olive varieties” project, contributing in the execution of technical-scientific activities, in the elaboration of publications and reports, and participating in actions of external communication. Her skills include laboratory techniques of molecular biology and in vitro culture, data analysis and scientific writing.
Carolina Campos has a master’s degree in Agronomic Engineering from the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto and a degree in Genetics and Biotechnology from the University of Trás–os-Montes and Alto Douro. At MORE CoLAB she works as a Research Technician in the ECO – Mountain Environment and Ecosystem Management group. To date she has worked on the HARVEST project – Valorization of the Family Garden to educate for a healthy and sustainable Mediterranean diet, contributing to project management, activity monitoring and scientific development. Her skills are applied to the development of the group’s projects and services and include scientific writing, molecular biology laboratory techniques, data analysis and pest monitoring and management.
Leonardo Alves holds a master’s degree in Forest Resources Management from the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança – School of Agriculture (Portugal) and a degree in Forest Engineering from the Federal Technological University of Paraná – Dois Vizinhos Campus (Brazil). At MORE CoLAB, he works as a Research Technician in the ECO – Mountain Environment and Ecosystem Management group. To date, he has contributed to the MiOlive3 project – Development of micropropagated, mycorrhized, and micrografted olive tree varieties. His competencies include scientific writing, techniques applied to plant propagation, and support in the development of projects and technical services within the group. In addition, he has experience in scientific research and outreach activities in the fields of forest entomology and biological control.
Maria Seixas is a biologist with a master’s degree in Agronomic Engineering from UTAD. At MORE CoLAB, she works as an Innovation Technician in the field of Agronomy within the ECO Group – Mountain Environments and Ecosystem Management. Her skills include technical development in projects and the preparation of proposals for I&D projects on topics such as agronomy, ecosystem restoration, and the valorization of natural resources through national and European funding programs. She has a background in pest control and monitoring in relevant crops and in biodiversity preservation issues through the assessment of bioindicators.
Mikael Moura has a degree in Biology, a master’s degree in Ecology, and a PhD in Biosciences (specializing in Ecology) from the University of Coimbra (Portugal). At MORE CoLAB, he works as a research technician in the ECO (Mountain Environment and Ecosystem Management) group, collaborating in the design, writing, and management of scientific projects. His skills include experience in scientific research in various areas of ecology and environmental sciences, with an emphasis on field sampling, laboratory work, statistical analysis, and image analysis. He is proficient in specialized tools and software, such as R, SigmaStat, SigmaPlot, LinTab, and ImageJ. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in research and scientific dissemination projects, with several articles published and papers presented at national and international conferences.
Sara Rodrigues has a master’s degree in Ecology and Environment from the University of Porto and a degree in Biology from the University of Porto, where she conducted research in the field of ecological modeling applied to biodiversity distribution. She specializes in Geographic Information Systems in Agricultural and Forestry Sciences from the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro. At MORE CoLAB, she is a Research Technician in the ECO-Mountain Environment and Ecosystem Management group, where she participates in projects on the valorization of agri-food industry by-products, landscape and soil recovery, and agronomy. Her skills include GIS, Remote Sensing, and R language, applied across different projects and services, as well as the preparation of national and international applications.
Science ID: D112-06BD-F569
Master’s degree in Applied Biology (University of Aveiro, Portugal), she has conducted research in the field of ecotoxicology, through experimentation with bioindicator organisms and the assessment of oxidative stress due to biotic and abiotic factors. She is an Research Technician in the Mountain Environment and Ecosystem Management (ECO) group at MORE CoLAB, where her work focuses on developing innovative actions for 1) implementing wastewater remediation management methods through the reuse of agro-industrial by-products to produce new value-added products; 2) the conservation of biodiversity and management and recovery of landscapes and soils degraded by fire, using composting and biochar production. She has participated in six national and European research projects and has presented 14 papers at conferences. She is the author/co-author of 12 articles in indexed international journals, one book chapter, and has edited two technical manuals.
Science ID: D112-06BD-F569
Alexandre Gonçalves holds a European PhD in Technologic, Comparative and Molecular Genetics. At MORE CoLAB he is an Assistant Researcher and performs the functions of Technical-Scientific Coordinator for the Food and Bio-Based Products Area. He has skills in several thematic areas, including microbiology, genomic and proteomic characterization of bacteria resistant to antimicrobials, innovation in the food sector through the valorization of foods and agri-food by-products and innovative agricultural practices and technologies that promote the sustainable development of Mediterranean crops in adverse climate conditions. At MORE CoLAB he also develops skills in team management, project management and coordination of competitive proposals, helping MORE to connect with the agri-food business sector.
Ana Paula Pereira has a PhD in Chemical and Biological Sciences by University of Trás–os-Montes e Alto Douro and a master’s degree in Food Quality and Safety from Polytechnic Institute of Bragança. At MORE CoLAB she is a Research Technician and performs her functions at the Bio-based Products and Processes area. She has skills in several thematic areas, including in post-harvest technologies; physical-chemical and microbiological analysis of food products; valorization of agri-food by-products and development of new food products. At MORE CoLAB, she also develops skills in managing national and international project and preparing new proposals in food innovation.
Andreia Padrão has a degree in Food Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, a post-graduate degree in Quality Engineering and Management from the University of Minho and a post-graduate degree in Occupational Safety Technician from the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda. He has experience in food quality control, application of IS0 9001 and ISO 22000, control and compliance with Food Hygiene and Safety in accordance with HACCP and Codex Alimentarius, management of waste and used cooking oil, accompanying external organisations to carry out food audits, control of food traceability and collaboration in the assessment and control of occupational risks and environmental aspects. At More CoLAB, she is a Research Technician and works in the area of Bio-based Products and Processes, where she is involved in the INOV@LHEIRA project.
Ermelinda Silva has a PhD in Agricultural Production Chains – from the table to the field by UTAD together with UM and Master in Laboratory Analysis by UTAD. In MORECoLAB performs Research Technician functions in the area of Biological Based Products and Processes. Has skills in several thematic areas including innovative agricultural practices and technologies that promote the sustainable development of Mediterranean crops in adverse climatic conditions (evaluation of plant physiology and biochemistry and biochemical characterization and fruit quality). It also presents skills in innovation in the food sector through the valorization of food and agri-food by-products and in project management and preparation of new proposals.
Maria de Fátima Tomé Martins has a PhD in Biosystems Engineering by the University of León, Spain, and a master’s degree in Biotechnology from the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança. She has advanced training and skills in research techniques typical of green engineering and agricultural, environmental, and biological sciences, with an applied focus on development and innovation. She has carried out research in various thematic areas and participated in several research projects linked to Mediterranean crops and agri-food systems, where she acquired several skills in phytopathology, molecular biology, microbiology, microbial physiology and analytical chemistry.
She actively collaborated with various companies through research work and the transfer of results. This effort has resulted in 1 book chapter and 1 patent, 55 communications at national and international congresses, 15 scientific articles in international journals indexed in the ISI Web of Science. She has teaching experience in higher education in the subject of Genetics, Biology, Product Development, and Innovation, Analysis and Quality Control of Olive Oil, Olives and Vegetable Oils, and Wine Technology, and, has supervised and co-supervised undergraduate and master’s degree students. Currently joined the Collaborative Laboratory Mountains of Research – MORE, as assistant research for the Food and Bio-Based Products Area.
– https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3832-5153
– Scopus Author ID: 55171167000
– Science ID: 3619-E858-DF48
João Pinto has a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (Portugal) and is attending the PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) with a thesis entitled “Development of sustainable polymer solutions”. Currently, he is a Research Technician in the area of Biobased Products and Processes (BIOB) at MoreColab where he performs the role of project manager and technical responsible for service deliveries. Its competences include planning, management and execution of technical activities in projects and services. In recent years has developed research work focused on the production of polymers from biomass, namely polyols by oxypropylation and other liquefaction processes, the recovery of agro-industrial waste for production of polymeric materials and their characterization.
Luana Fernandes holds a PhD in Food Technology and Nutrition from the University of Aveiro and a master’s degree in Quality and Food Safety from the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança. No MORE CoLAB is a research technician and performs the functions in the Biological Base Products and Processes Area. He has skills in several thematic areas, including post-harvest technologies; physico-chemical analysis of food products; valorization of agri-food by-products and development of new food products. At MORE, CoLAB also develops skills in managing national and international projects and preparing new proposals in the area of food innovation.
Lucas Zafanelli holds a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP, Portugal). His research focuses on recovering green hydrogen from natural gas grids, biogas upgrading, and CO₂ capture. He is currently a Research Technician at the MORE – Mountains of Research Collaborative Laboratory – Association, where he is part of the Bio-based Products and Processes group and is responsible for implementing the phenolic compounds extraction unit within the CisWEFE-NEX project. He is also an Invited Assistant Professor at the School of Agriculture of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança. He has solid experience in process simulation, optimization, and data analysis, with advanced proficiency in MATLAB and Aspen Adsorption. He is the author of more than 30 scientific publications, including articles in international journals, book chapters, and conference papers, and is recognized for developing adsorption processes for gas mixture separation.
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Luis Silva holds a master’s degree in Chemical and Biological Engineering, with specialization in Chemical Processes, from the Instituto Superior de Engenharia of Lisbon. In MORE CoLAB plays the role of Innovation Technician in the Food and Biological Products team, participating in the preparation and submission of applications to funding opportunities for competitive projects at national and international level. Has skills at the level of simulation, integration and optimization of processes, resource management and valorization of agri-food by-products.
Natércia Fernandes holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering by the University of Coimbra since 2007. At MORE CoLAB, she manages projects in the Group of Agro-Based Products and Processes. Her technical skills include the multiscale analysis of industrial processes, namely their modelling/computational simulation, automatic control and optimization of operating conditions. She has experience in the analysis of mass transfer, energy transfer and chemical reaction phenomena in different production lines. She is skilled in the preparation of proposals for funding and in the management and execution of research, innovation and enterpreunership projects, particularly in cooperation with industry. She has experience in scientific supervision and in the preparation and management of intelectual/industrial property assets. She also has experience in the oral and written communication of scientific and technical matters, either in academic contexts or in research, technology transfer or informal environments.
Teresa José Lopes is a PhD student in Sustainable Land Use with a specialisation in Agronomic Engineering at the University of Lisbon (ISA). She has participated in national and international projects related to plant–microbe interactions, biological disease control, and climate resilience in crops such as olives, cork oak, and cowpea. She has expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, microbiome analysis and metabarcoding, as well as plant physico-chemical characterisation. At MORE CoLAB, she is part of the Biological-Based Products and Processes area within the INOVOlive project, dedicated to innovation in table olive processing and the sustainable valorisation of residues.
Khadija Sabiri holds a PhD in Cloud Computing in Computer Science from the University of Hassan 2 (Morocco) and was awarded a PhD by the Universidade Nova De Lisboa in Portugal. She is the scientific technical director in the “Smart Technologies” department of the Collaborative Laboratory – Research Mountains (MORE) Portugal, participating in several projects funded by the European Union, namely Connected Health, AICEBLOCK and NewGen. Khadija Sabiri, PhD has several certifications from the DLT Talents program powered by Frankfurt School Blockchain Center, IoT and CCNA from CISCO, Cloud Application Developer Master Award from IBM. Khadija Sabiri has more than 32 articles published in international journals and international conference proceedings. Her main research topics focus on the development of Blockchain architectures and cloud computing. They also focus on the use of emerging technologies applied to various areas of activity, namely industry, health and agriculture. She is also a guest speaker at various international conferences and events such as Google Developer Lisbon. She is also a Program Committee Member and Organizing Committee Member at international conferences.
Elisabete Freitas holds a degree in Computer Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, distinguishing herself as a full-stack developer with expertise in React.js, MongoDB, and MySQL,with proven experience in developing applications that provide users with an intuitive and pleasant experience. Additionally, she has specialized in VR and AR technologies, leveraging her proficiency to create immersive and interactive experiences. Committed to staying updated and abreast of the latest advancements in these domains, she can deliver innovative solutions that align with the ever-evolving landscape of web development and immersive technologies.
Estefânia Gonçalves is a science and technology manager since 2016. In May 2022 he joined the MORE CoLAB Intelligent Technologies team, where he currently works as Project Manager and Research Technician. Its competencies include project planning and management, risk identification and resolution and budget control and planning. Estefânia is also experienced in preparing applications for national and international funding of R&D projects, having participated to date in the management of 17 projects funded by national and international programs.
Master’s degree in Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency from the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança. His research interests focus on several areas of technological innovation and project management with a focus on smart technologies. She is currently a PhD student in the doctoral program of Production and Computing Engineering at the University of Leon in Spain and her line of research focuses on artificial intelligence technologies applied to project management.
Full Stack Developer with 4 years of experience in designing and developing scalable web and mobile applications using React, React Native, Node.js, MongoDB, FIWARE, and MySQL. Adept at building efficient, high-performing solutions for both web and mobile platforms. In addition to hands-on development, I have been a teacher at Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão do Instituto Politécnico de Bragança for 2 years, teaching Web Development and Multiplatform Development within the Computer Science curriculum. Passionate about sharing knowledge, mentoring students, and bridging the gap between academia and industry through real-world applications.
Higor Rosse, master in Industrial Engineering from the Instituto Politécnico de Bragança (Portugal) and Bachelor in Electronic Engineering from the Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (Brazil), plays the role of project manager in the Intelligent Technologies Department of MOREColab. Its competencies include planning and management of technical and budgetary activities as well as preparation of national and international applications. His academic specialization is focused on Internet of Things (IoT) applied to precision agriculture having experience in the development of printed circuit board (PCB) designs, 3D modeling and programming of microcontrollers in C and C++ language mainly. Other competencies are REST API development, module developments with LoRa and LoRaWAN communication and energy management.
Luís Afonso has a master’s degree in Information Systems from the Instituto Politécnico de Bragança (Portugal) and is currently attending the doctoral program – Electronic and Computer Engineering at the University of Minho. In MORE, CoLAB plays the role of Innovation Technician within the Intelligent Technologies scientific group. Its competencies include developing R&D project proposals and services; developing and implementing technological solutions; planning and managing Intelligent Technologies projects; developing and improving Artificial Intelligence algorithms for practical applications. Has academic specialization directed in the area of software engineering, having experience in the development of management projects, 3D modeling and web and multiplatform development. Other skills include the development of digital games.
Has concentrated its work on the development of backend, mainly using the FIWARE platform for this purpose, implementing modular systems capable of acquiring, processing and ensuring the security of information data. It uses the containerization platform Docker to build the modules of these systems. Has developed work in Python, focused on the implementation of data acquisition/analysis elements, including the development of prediction methods based on acquired data. Implemented RESTful APIs to enable secure data access using the Flask and Django frameworks.
Sociologist, graduated at the Faculty of Letters of the University of Porto (FLUP) in 2007. Studied Cultural Management (70/90 ECTS) at the Faculty of Economic Sciences of the University of Barcelona (2008) and the Faculty of Economy of the University of Bologna (2009). Has a training course on Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, by the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage (Portugal, 2014) and is also a Master in Sociology (2021) from FLUP with a dissertation titled “National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage – Contributions to a characterization of its implementation in Portugal between 2011-2021”. Started her professional career as a cultural worker at Centro Gioco Educativo (Brescia, Italy), and as a cultural manager at Cooperativa Cultural La Caldera, for the Dance Company Ilíacan (Barcelona, Spain). Has worked in different projects related to ethnographic documentary (www.identidadecoletiva.pt) and inventory of intangible cultural heritage (www.matrizpci.dgpc.pt), mainly in the northeast region of Portugal and is the coordinator of the nomination of Carnival of Podence inscribed in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, UNESCO, in 2019. Has also participated (2018/2019) in the project CREATOUR – Developing Creative Tourism Destinations in Small Cities and Rural Areas (www.creatour.pt). Has worked as consultant for the cultural departments of municipalities: developing cultural projects for funding programs, designing safeguarding plans and activities for intangible cultural heritage, researching and documenting traditions, and curating exhibitions. At Colab More since January 2020, works for the Department of Heritage, Tourism and Well-Being and is currently a PhD student in Digital Media at the Facuty of Engineering of the University of Porto.
Anthropologist, with a degree in Anthropology from the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Coimbra (FCTUC) and a master’s degree in Evolution and Human Biology from the same University (FCTUC). She completed an 18-month internship at the archeology company Dryas. She began her professional experience at MORE CoLAB with a 9-month internship, later becoming an innovation technician where she helps with the preparation and submission of applications, project management, especially in the development of work related to cultural heritage, having registered the National Inventory of the Entrudo de Lazarim and his candidacy for the UNESCO List of Good Practices for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, work that she later presented at the CIMI 23 Conferences. Through fieldwork, she has experience in working with different people and communities, facilitating the creation of relationships with culturally diverse teams. In 2022, she participated in the International Heritage Summer School, an exchange program with participants from several Portuguese and foreign universities and institutions with training in the areas of heritage management and planning, landscape reading and interpretation, tourism and sustainability, archeology and art history. Currently developing a replicator project within TexTOUR, with partners from Portugal, Spain, Cyprus, Italy, Estonia, Poland that aims to develop training sessions for the local population using Business Model Canvas to help create sustainable tourism options in each region.
Degree in History- Branch of Cultural Heritage, by the Portucalense University Infante D. Henrique, Porto, post-graduate in Management and Politics of Science and Technology by the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Master in Techniques of Integral Management of the Cultural Heritage, by the Faculty of Geography and History of the University of Santiago de Compostela, recognized by the University of Porto as “confers on its holder the rights inherent to the academic degree of Master, registered under number 120210102480, on 31 March 2021”, Diploma of Advanced Studies in Archaeology by the Faculty of Geography and History of the University of Salamanca, PhD in Cultural Heritage Management at the Faculty of Geography and History of the University of Barcelona. He currently works as an Innovation Technician in the area of heritage at the Collaborative Laboratory for Mountain Research (MORE). Its main competences and research, development and innovation (R&D+i) are the inventory and management of cultural heritage, including movable cultural goods. Held training in the area of 3 D laser scanning and photogrammetry applied to heritage, during the attendance of the UNED Summer Course: “New technologies applied to the study, conservation and appreciation of prehistoric art”, directed by Professor Martí Mas Cornellá, with a duration of 35 hours, Centro Associado de Pontevedra da UNED, Pontevedra – Autonomous Community of Galicia (Spain), 6 to 10 July 2009.
FAQ’s
What do we do?
MORE CoLAB is a private non-profit association recognized since 2018 as a Collaborative Laboratory by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). Promotes the transfer of knowledge between the scientific system and the business fabric through applications to national and international competitive projects and funds and services in our areas of intervention.
What can we do?
We identify specific needs and challenges in Mediterranean Mountain areas and mobilize value chains by creating business opportunities based on science and technology. We diversify, stimulate and coordinate activities based on scientific knowledge in order to create economic and social value in areas such as endogenous products, local traditions, innovative products, new formulations and digital technologies.
What are the areas of intervention and R&D activities?
Mountain Environment and Ecosystem Management – valorization of mountain biological resources, agroecological practices, soil, pests, and irrigation monitoring, restoration of ecosystems and agricultural/forestry consulting.
Bio-based Products and Processes – valorisation of food biodiversity, development of natural ingredients and biological formulations, new food technologies and technical-scientific advice.
Intelligent Technologies – software solutions, intelligent communication networks, sustainable energy, technologies for agriculture and food industry, and support to the digital and energy transition.
Heritage, Tourism and Well-being – projects for active ageing and quality of life, valorisation of cultural/tourist heritage, digitisation, scientific events and consultancy in sustainable tourism.
Where are we?
MORE CoLAB has its headquarters in Bragança and two hubs:
• The hub in Côa Valley Pole and Interior Center (Mêda)
• The hub in Macedo de Cavaleiros.
How to submit an idea for a project or service?
For each MORE CoLAB intervention area, it is possible to schedule a meeting with the respective coordination. Contacts are available on our website.
