25 years of Science and Innovation
LEPABE is a research unit operating in the fields of Chemical, Environmental and Biological Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering of Porto (FEUP). With a large majority of young researchers, LEPABE is focused on generating scientific knowledge through interdisciplinary research, and on establishing successful university–industry collaborations for effective technology transfer. [...]
Ana C. Afonso awarded the Water 2024 Best PhD Thesis Award
Posted on July 25th, 2025
LEPABE’s junior researcher, Ana Cristina Afonso, has been honored with the Water 2024 Best PhD Thesis Award, granted by the scientific journal Water.
Her doctoral thesis, titled “The Role of Aggregating Bacterial Strains in Drinking Water Safety – A Contribution to Understand Cell-Cell Interactions” , supervised by Prof. Manuel Simões, was developed within the PhD program in Chemical and Biological Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP). The award recognizes the high academic quality and impactful contribution of her research to the field of drinking water safety and the understanding of bacterial biofilm formation and cell-cell interactions.
This distinction reflects the scientific rigor and excellence that define the research conducted at LEPABE.
Congratulations!
Know more about this award here.
Advanced Cyclone Systems acquired by Sunds Fibertech
Posted on July 17th, 2025
On May 27th, 2025, Swedish industrial machinery specialist Sunds Fibertech acquired Advanced Cyclone Systems (ACS), a Portuguese company headquartered in Porto. ACS is renowned for designing high-efficiency cyclone systems for emissions control and particle separation.
Founded in 2008 as a spin-off from LEPABE by Romualdo Salcedo and Pedro Araújo, ACS will continue to operate as a dedicated business unit within Sunds Fibertech. The company will retain its existing team, leadership, and brand identity.
This acquisition strengthens Sunds Fibertech’s Environmental Systems Division, particularly in the panel-board and other process industries, by integrating ACS’s patented cyclone technologies into its portfolio.
Know more here.
LEPABE member is co-editor-in-chief of Biofouling
Posted on July 2nd, 2025
Professor Manuel Simões, a senior researcher in the Biotechnology group of LEPABE, serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the journal Biofouling: The Journal of Bioadhesion and Biofilm Research.
With a relevant impact factor, Biofouling aims to promote and disseminate high-quality research related to the characterization, attachment, growth, and control of biological fouling on both natural (living) and man-made surfaces. The journal covers a wide range of environments, including freshwater, marine, and aerial settings, and spans multiple contexts such as medical, dental, and industrial applications.
As an international and multi-disciplinary journal, Biofouling provides a leading peer-reviewed platform for original research and comprehensive reviews. It encompasses studies on protein, microbial, fungal, plant, and animal fouling, with a strong emphasis on both fundamental understanding and practical control strategies in the field of biofilms and bioadhesion.
More information about this journal can be found here.
LEPABE work highlighted by Biosfera program (RTP2)
Posted on June 20th, 2025
PhD students Mariana Sousa and Ana Rita Pereira, from the Biotechnology group of LEPABE, participated in episode no. 23 of the Biosfera program, broadcasted by RTP2. This episode, titled "One Health," focuses on raising awareness about good environmental practices related to energy, biodiversity, and nature conservation.
In this episode, the researchers discuss the growing issue of bacterial resistance to cleaning and disinfection products. They also address the impact of emergent contaminants, such as parabens, on the quality and safety of drinking water. Their insights contribute to the broader conversation on environmental and public health.
Full episode available here.
PhD Thesis by Luís Alves on low temperature methane decomposition
July 24th 2025
LEPABE would like to congratulate Dr. Luís Alves for his PhD thesis of the Doctoral Program in Chemical and Biological Engineering, entitled “Development of cyclic regeneration catalytic systems for low temperature methane decomposition” supervised by Prof. Adélio Mendes, defended on July 24th, 2025 FEUP.
PhD Thesis by Ana Rosa Silva on biofilm colonization by Legionella
July 16th 2025
LEPABE would like to congratulate Dr. Ana Rosa Silva for her PhD thesis of the Doctoral Program in Chemical and Biological Engineering, entitled “Biofilm Colonization by Legionella: Different Biofilm Architecture and Risk of Detachment” supervised by Dr. Ana Alexandra Pereira, defended on July 16th, 2025 FEUP.
PhD Thesis by Juliana Sá on Low-cost sensors to reduce air pollutions
July 14th 2025
LEPABE would like to congratulate Dr. Juliana Sá for her PhD thesis of the Doctoral Program in Environmental Engineering, entitled “Low-cost sensors as a tool to reduce air pollution on nursery and primary schools - impact on childhood asthma”, supervised by Dr. Sofia Sousa, defended on July 14th, 2025 FEUP.
PhD Thesis by Jorge Martins on Highly Stable Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
May 29th 2025
LEPABE would like to congratulate Dr. Jorge Martins for his PhD thesis of the Doctoral Program in Environmental Engineering, entitled “Development of Highly Stable Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells”, supervised by Prof. Adélio Mendes, defended on May 29th, 2025 FEUP.
- LEPABE meeting 2023
- LEPABE was granted new Ph.D scholarships in FCT 2024 call
- LEPABE was granted new projects in FCT 2023 call
- LEPABE work highlighted by RDP podcast “Isto faz-se por cá”
- LEPABE hired 2 researchers under FCT - TENURE call
- Habilitation title was granted to Prof. Filipe Mergulhão
- Francisco X. Malcata distinguished with the 2025 Biotechnology Achievement Award
- LEPABE work on Legionella highlighted by CNN Inovação program
- Program “Cientificamente Provável”
- Emeritus Professor title attributed to Arminda Alves
- UP Scientific Research Excellence Award 2025
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