Dr. Lúcia Pombo | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lúcia Pombo, University of Aveiro, CIDTFF, Portugal

Lúcia Pombo is a renowned biologist and researcher at the University of Aveiro, specializing in educational technology and didactics. With 27 years at UA, her work spans mobile learning, augmented reality, and gamification for education and sustainability. She holds dual PhDs—in Biology and in Education—and has led notable projects, including EduCITY and EduPARK, both recognized for innovation. Her achievements include the Best Researcher Award (2020) and active involvement in training and international scientific collaborations.

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Based on Lúcia Maria Teixeira Pombo’s comprehensive CV, here is an analysis of her suitability for the Best Researcher Award:

Strengths for the Award

Diverse Research Background: Lúcia holds dual PhDs in Biology and Education, alongside a Master’s in Coastal Zone Sciences, showcasing a strong foundation in both scientific research and educational methodologies.

Significant Scientific Contributions: Her impressive portfolio includes international peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers, which underline her contributions to fields like biology and science education.

Leadership in Research Projects: Lúcia has coordinated projects like EduCITY and EduPARK, which won notable awards, demonstrating her research’s impact and innovation.

Engagement with Academic Community: Through roles like editor, scientific committee member, and project evaluator, Lúcia is active in promoting high standards and collaboration in the scientific community.

Recognition and Awards: Lúcia has previously received institutional honors, including the 2020 Best Researcher Award – Honourable Mention, affirming her research quality and peer recognition.

Areas for Improvement

Interdisciplinary Expansion: Expanding her research focus beyond educational technology into related emerging fields might further enhance her influence and applicability across various research domains.

Increased International Collaborations: While she has notable partnerships, strengthening more global research networks could broaden her academic reach and create diverse collaborative opportunities.

Public Science Communication: Increasing her engagement in public science communication and media outreach could enhance her visibility and the accessibility of her work to a wider audience.

Education 🎓

Lúcia holds two doctoral degrees—one in Biology (2005) in partnership with the University of Hull, and another in Education (2014), with honors. Her academic journey includes a Master’s in Coastal Zone Sciences (1998) and a Biology degree (1995), both completed at the University of Aveiro. Her dedication to learning was further enriched through FCT research grants, a post-doctoral scholarship, and numerous advanced training courses.

Professional Experience 💼

Lúcia has extensive experience in academic research and project leadership. She was Vice-coordinator of the CIDTFF R&D Unit, overseeing a network of 155 researchers from 2016 to 2023. Her career includes coordinating high-impact projects, supervising doctoral and master’s students, and lecturing on subjects like natural sciences, educational intervention, and distance education for doctoral programs. She also trains faculty in innovative teaching approaches.

Research Interests 🔍

Lúcia’s research focuses on integrating mobile learning, augmented reality, and gamification into education, particularly for sustainability. Her interests extend to interdisciplinary knowledge, digital literacy, teacher development, quality evaluation, and blended learning approaches. She’s passionate about advancing technology-enhanced learning and smart cities through various collaborative projects.

Awards 🏆

Lúcia’s excellence in research has earned her several distinctions, including the Best Researcher Award (2020) with honorable mention. Her EduPARK project won the prestigious ECIU Team Award in 2018 for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, presented at the Hamburg University of Technology. Her accomplishments reflect her dedication to advancing educational science through technology and international collaboration.

Publication Top Notes 📄

Potencialidades das TIC no ensino das Ciências Naturais: um estudo de caso

Determination of trace metals in fish species of the Ria de Aveiro (Portugal) by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Environmental influences on fish assemblage distribution of an estuarine coastal lagoon, Ria de Aveiro (Portugal)

Biotransformation and Genotoxic Biomarkers in Mullet Species (LIZA SP.) From a Contaminated Coastal Lagoon (Ria De Aveiro, Portugal)

Changes in the fish fauna of the Ria de Aveiro estuarine lagoon (Portugal) during the twentieth century

The potential educational value of mobile augmented reality games: The case of EduPARK app

Assessing collaborative work in a higher education blended learning context: Strategies and students’ perceptions

Ecology, age and growth of Atherina boyeri and Atherina presbyter in the Ria de Aveiro, Portugal

The impact of teacher training using mobile augmented reality games on their professional development

The structure, diversity and somatic production of the fish community in an estuarine coastal lagoon, Ria de Aveiro (Portugal)

Conclusion

Lúcia Maria Teixeira Pombo is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with a well-rounded profile encompassing scientific production, project management, and community engagement. Her research’s societal and educational impact, combined with previous awards and leadership roles, clearly highlights her suitability for this prestigious recognition.