Best Researcher Award
André Guimarães | University of Beira Interior, Portugal
André Guimarães is a Portuguese researcher whose academic work spans engineering, industrial management, advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0, productivity analysis, polymer processing, and the evaluation of material and process performance. His research record is associated with the University of Beira Interior and research activities involving the CISE – Electromechatronic Systems Research Centre, while his scholarly profile also records collaborations with the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu and CISeD – Research Centre for Digital Services. [1] Within the thematic context of Properties and Performance, his work on laser processing of polypropylene provides a direct materials-oriented example in which processing parameters, local hardness, heat-affected regions, and weld characteristics are quantitatively investigated. [2]
Abstract
This academic recognition profile examines the research record of André Guimarães in relation to the Best Researcher Award and the thematic area of Properties and Performance. His research combines manufacturing engineering, industrial systems, digital transformation, process optimization, material characterization, and quantitative performance assessment. A notable materials-focused contribution investigates laser-induced changes in polypropylene plates, relating laser power and scanning speed to weld geometry, heat-affected zones, and through-thickness hardness. His broader research also considers the relationship between Lean methodologies, Industry 4.0 technologies, and organizational productivity, providing an interdisciplinary perspective on performance at both material and industrial-system levels. [2] [3]
Keywords
Properties and Performance; polypropylene; polymer processing; laser welding; mechanical properties; local hardness; manufacturing technology; Industry 4.0; Lean manufacturing; productivity; process optimization; advanced manufacturing; materials engineering; digital transformation; performance assessment.
Introduction
Guimarães’ academic trajectory reflects this multi-scale understanding of performance. His research profile identifies engineering and technology as a principal knowledge domain and records doctoral-level work in industrial engineering and management at the University of Beira Interior. His publications extend from digital readiness and Industry 4.0 implementation to manufacturing processes and polymer behavior, demonstrating an interdisciplinary approach in which experimental measurements and empirical data are used to examine the factors that influence engineering outcomes. [1] [2] [3]
Research Profile
The bibliometric information supplied for this recognition profile records 22 documents, 57 citations, and an h-index of 4. These indicators provide a quantitative snapshot of research dissemination and citation activity. Bibliometric measures should nevertheless be interpreted together with publication quality, methodological contribution, subject relevance, collaboration, and the practical significance of individual research outputs. [5]
Research Contributions
A directly relevant contribution to Properties and Performance is the investigation of laser parameters and through-thickness hardness in polypropylene plates. The study evaluates how laser power and scanning speed influence the heat-affected zone, weld-bead dimensions, and hardness distribution. The reported results indicate that the interaction between processing power and scanning speed affects weld geometry, while higher scanning speeds and lower power levels can promote a more uniform hardness distribution through the material thickness. [2]
Publications
Selected publications illustrate the breadth of Guimarães’ research across materials processing, manufacturing technology, productivity, and industrial digitalization. The following publications are particularly relevant to the academic profile described on this page. “Industry 4.0 – Assessment of Digital Readiness of Manufacturing Companies in Portugal.” Published in the proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, addressing digital readiness in Portuguese manufacturing organizations. [4]
Research Impact
The materials-oriented study on polypropylene has practical relevance because hardness distribution and heat-affected-zone behavior are important indicators of process quality in thermoplastic laser processing. By examining the relationship between controllable laser settings and resultant material characteristics, the study provides evidence useful for understanding how manufacturing parameters influence local performance. Guimarães’ research on Lean methodologies and Industry 4.0 broadens this performance-oriented perspective to industrial organizations. The work considers productivity not solely as a technological outcome but as a result influenced by implementation duration, operational practices, organizational integration, and digital technologies. [2] [3]
Award Suitability
In the context of the Global Composite Awards, evaluation for a Best Researcher Award under the Properties and Performance theme may consider the relevance of a candidate’s research to material behavior, manufacturing performance, experimental methodology, engineering applicability, research dissemination, and interdisciplinary contribution. Guimarães’ publication on polypropylene laser processing demonstrates direct engagement with material-property evaluation through the measurement of hardness and the analysis of processing-induced changes. [2]
Conclusion
André Guimarães’ academic profile presents an interdisciplinary research trajectory connecting materials behavior, manufacturing technology, industrial engineering, digital transformation, and productivity. His work on laser-processed polypropylene is especially relevant to Properties and Performance because it directly examines how controllable processing parameters influence local hardness, weld geometry, and material response. [2] [3]
External Links
References
- Ciência Vitae. (2026). André Guimarães: Curriculum Vitae and researcher identifiers, Ciência ID AE12-CE94-82B0. The profile identifies ORCID 0000-0001-6346-5719, Scopus Author ID 58312704200, engineering and technology as a knowledge field, and doctoral studies at the University of Beira Interior.
https://www.cienciavitae.pt/en/AE12-CE94-82B0
- Guimarães, A., Gomes, D., Vieira, A., & Oliveira, S. M. (2025). Effect of Laser Parameters on Through-Thickness Local Hardness of Polypropylene Plates. Materials, 18(11), 2638. The study investigates laser power, scanning speed, heat-affected zones, weld geometry, and hardness distribution in polypropylene plates.DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112638
- Guimarães, A., Oliveira, E. e, Oliveira, M., & Pereira, T. (2025). Effects of Lean Tools and Industry 4.0 Technology on Productivity: An Empirical Study. Journal of Industrial Information Integration, 44, 100787. Elsevier.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jii.2025.100787
- DBLP. (n.d.). André Guimarães publication bibliography. DBLP Computer Science Bibliography. The bibliography records publications including “Industry 4.0 – Assessment of Digital Readiness of Manufacturing Companies in Portugal” and research on Lean tools, Industry 4.0, and productivity.https://dblp.org/pid/374/0003
- Elsevier. (2026). Scopus author details: André Guimarães, Author ID 58312704200. Scopus.https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=58312704200
- ORCID. (2026). André Guimarães, ORCID 0000-0001-6346-5719. ORCID Registry.https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6346-5719
- Google Scholar. (2026). André Guimarães academic profile and scholarly publications. Google Scholar.https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=EtybQFIAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra
- Global Composite Awards. (2026). Global Composite Awards – Academic and research recognition platform.https://globalcompositeawards.com/