Dr. Conceicao Fortes, National Laboratory of Civil Engineering, Portugal
Dr. Conceição Juana Espinosa Morais Fortes is a distinguished senior researcher and academic leader in the fields of civil and maritime engineering, currently serving as the Head of the Division of Ports and Maritime Structures at Portugal’s National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC). With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (2002) and earlier degrees in both Mechanical and Civil Engineering from the University of Lisbon, she has combined technical depth with strategic leadership for over two decades. Her prolific career includes coordination of 47 national and European R&D projects (including Horizon 2020), involvement in 74 consultancy missions, and over 690 publications spanning journal articles, conference papers, book chapters, and technical reports. A dedicated mentor, she has supervised more than 100 academic theses at all levels, evaluated numerous doctoral and research grant applications, and contributed extensively to international scientific conferences and committees. Recognized with awards such as the Experimental Mechanics Best Article and LNEC’s ISI Article Award, Dr. Fortes has also made public contributions as a speaker on platforms like EmeraldPlanet TV. Her career exemplifies a rare blend of academic excellence, applied engineering innovation, and leadership in promoting women in STEM fields.
Professional Profile:
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Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Dr. Conceição Juana Espinosa Morais Fortes
Dr. Conceição Juana Espinosa Morais Fortes is an extraordinary figure in the fields of civil and maritime engineering, with a distinguished career defined by technical innovation, academic leadership, and an unwavering commitment to advancing engineering science. Her multi-decade contributions, both in research and high-impact consulting, make her a standout nominee for the Best Researcher Award or the Lifetime Achievement Award.
🎓 Education
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📘 Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering – University of Lisbon, Portugal (2002)
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📗 M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering – University of Lisbon, Portugal (1993)
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📙 Licentiate in Civil Engineering – University of Lisbon, Portugal (1989)
🧑🔬 Work Experience
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🧪 Senior Research Officer – Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil (LNEC), Portugal (2006–Present)
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⚓ Chief, Division of Ports and Maritime Structures – LNEC (2011–Present)
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🏗️ Expert in hydraulic and environmental engineering with decades of leadership at a national level
🌍 Achievements
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🔬 Research Projects: Led or contributed to 47+ R&D projects (Horizon 2020, FCT, Blue Fund, etc.)
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🏗️ Consultancy: Involved in 74+ high-level technical consulting projects for civil and maritime infrastructure
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📚 Publications:
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🎓 Academic Mentorship:
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🎤 Invited Speaker: 151 oral presentations, including 49 invited talks (e.g., EmeraldPlanet TV)
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🧑🏫 Evaluator & Organizer: Member of PhD panels, grant evaluator, award juries, and organizer of national/international conferences
🏆 Awards & Honors
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🥇 Best Article Award – Experimental Mechanics, 2018
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📘 ISI Article Award – LNEC
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🌊 APRH Award – Best Research in Hydraulic Engineering, 2002–2003
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📡 International Recognition – Featured on EmeraldPlanet TV (Channel 10), USA, 2019
Publication Top Notes:
Experimental study of an onshore dual chamber oscillating water column device
Development of a Bayesian network-based early warning system for storm-driven coastal erosion
Experimental study on drag coefficient of flexible vegetation under non-breaking waves
Quantifying ship impact loads on fenders: Experimental approach
The Contribution of Drones to the Monitoring of Rubble-Mound Breakwaters
Experimental investigation of wave severity and mooring pretension on the operability of a moored tanker in a port terminal