Andrea Piccolo | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Andrea Piccolo | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Project Officer, European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, Italy 

Andrea Piccolo is a dedicated Science for Policy Researcher at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, contributing to Galileo satellite navigation projects. With a robust background in telecommunications engineering, he has played key roles in GNSS security, receiver design, and space service volume applications. His expertise spans spaceborne receiver development, signal processing, and navigation systems, shaping the future of satellite navigation.

Profile

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Education 🎓

Andrea Piccolo earned his MSc in Telecommunications Engineering with a focus on Digital Signal Processing and Remote Sensing from Politecnico of Milan (2014) and his BSc in Telecommunications Engineering from Università degli Studi del Sannio (2011). His academic journey laid the foundation for his expertise in GNSS technology, satellite navigation, and space applications.

Experience 🚀

Andrea has an extensive career in satellite navigation and GNSS systems, working with Thales Alenia Space Italy and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. He has contributed to projects like Galileo, Moonlight LCNS, and NEOSAT, leading receiver design, GNSS signal processing, and performance evaluation. His work focuses on EU space programs, secure satellite communication, and spaceborne receiver innovations.

Research Interests 🔬

Andrea specializes in GNSS security, satellite navigation, signal processing, and in-orbit validation. His research contributes to interference monitoring, onboard orbit determination, and GNSS test bench calibration for space applications. His expertise enhances global navigation systems and future space-based positioning technologies.

Awards & Recognitions 🏆

Andrea’s contributions to GNSS and satellite navigation research have been widely recognized. His work on LEO-PNT, Galileo receivers, and GNSS security has earned him accolades in the European space industry. His involvement in EU-funded projects and international technical forums highlights his impact on global satellite navigation advancements.

Publications 📚

[2025] Interference Monitoring from Low Earth Orbit: The OPS-SAT ExperimentEng. Proc. 2025, 88, 8

[2025] Robust Precise on Board Orbit Determination Exploiting T-RAIM for LEO-PNTInternational Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation

[2024] Design and Testing of NewSpace Galileo Receiver for LEO Precise Onboard Orbit DeterminationION GNSS+ 2024

[2024] GNSS Test Bench Calibration for Space Service Volume ApplicationsMetroAeroSpace 2024

[2024] Interference Monitoring from Low Earth Orbit: The OPS-SAT ExperimentEng. Proc. 2024

Conclusion 🏆

Based on his research achievements, contributions to GNSS security, and international recognition, Andrea Piccolo is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work is highly relevant to global satellite navigation advancements, making him a valuable asset to the research community. With further interdisciplinary collaborations and leadership in mentorship, his impact can be even greater in the future.

Prof. Acacio Amaral | Engineering | Excellence in Research-1470

Prof. Acacio Amaral | Engineering | Excellence in Research

Prof. Acacio Amaral, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Portugal

Acácio M. R. Amaral was born in Luso, Angola, in 1974. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Informatics and Systems at Coimbra’s Polytechnic, Portugal. With over two decades of experience in electrical and electronics engineering, his work is recognized internationally. He has authored multiple books and co-authored various technical papers, demonstrating his expertise in power converter design, simulation, and fault diagnosis. Amaral is a significant contributor to academic literature, focusing on machine learning algorithms for component fault detection and the degradation analysis of storage devices.

Profile 👤

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Based on the detailed information provided about Acácio M. R. Amaral, here is a research profile for the “Excellence in Research” award, focusing on his strengths, areas for improvement, and a concluding evaluation:

Strengths for the Award 💪🏆

Extensive Academic Background:

Acácio M. R. Amaral has a robust educational foundation with a Bachelor’s degree (E. E.), Master’s degree (M. S.), and Ph.D. from Coimbra University, Portugal. His academic journey demonstrates a strong commitment to the field of Informatics and Systems.

Prolific Authorship:

He has authored five books and co-authored an additional book, covering essential topics in electronics and power systems. His publications, particularly in Portuguese, indicate a deep knowledge and contribution to his field. The range of his work, from foundational texts to advanced applications, highlights his breadth of expertise.

Substantial Research Output:

With 57 papers in technical journals and conference proceedings, where he is the first author in more than 75% of them, Amaral has shown significant productivity and leadership in his research efforts. His focus on power converter design, simulation, and fault diagnosis underscores his expertise in critical areas of electronics and power systems.

Innovative Research Areas:

Amaral’s research in power converter fault diagnosis (PC FD) and degradation assessment of storage devices is notable for its integration of signal processing techniques (SPT) and machine learning algorithms (MLA). His work on components like Al-Caps, MPPF-Caps, MOSFETs, and IGBTs, as well as storage devices such as capacitors and batteries, reflects a cutting-edge approach to diagnosing and predicting system faults.

Advanced Technical Skills:

The application of various signal processing techniques (DFT, STFT, STLSP, DWT, EMD) and machine learning algorithms (LinR, DTR, RFR, LogR, DTC, RFC) in his research showcases his advanced technical skills and innovative approach to solving complex problems in his field.

Areas for Improvement 🚀📈

International Visibility:

While Amaral has made significant contributions, increasing his presence in high-impact international conferences and journals could enhance his global recognition and influence.

Interdisciplinary Research:

Expanding research to include interdisciplinary approaches or collaborations with other fields could further enhance the impact and applicability of his work, potentially leading to innovative breakthroughs.

Funding and Grants:

Securing more substantial research funding and grants could support larger-scale projects and further enhance the scope and depth of his research activities.

Engagement in Applied Research:

Focusing on applied research projects that address real-world problems could increase the practical impact of his work and provide more direct benefits to industry and society.

Education 🎓

Acácio M. R. Amaral earned his Electrical Engineering diploma, M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Coimbra, Portugal, in 1998, 2005, and 2010, respectively. His academic journey provided a solid foundation in power electronics and fault diagnosis, setting the stage for his groundbreaking work in the field.

Professional Experience 💼

Since 1998, Amaral has been a faculty member at Coimbra’s Polytechnic, where he now holds the position of Associate Professor in the Department of Informatics and Systems. His career in academia has been marked by significant teaching and research contributions, especially in the areas of power converter design and fault diagnosis. He has also written five authoritative books in Portuguese and English on topics related to electronics and diagnostics.

Research Interests 🔬

Amaral’s research focuses on power converter fault diagnosis and the design of diagnostic techniques using signal processing and machine learning. He has a particular interest in the behavior of components like Al-Caps, MPPF-Caps, MOSFETs, and IGBTs under various operating conditions. His research extends to the degradation assessment of storage devices such as capacitors, supercapacitors, and batteries, applying machine learning to analyze and predict faults.

Awards 🏆

Acácio M. R. Amaral has received multiple accolades throughout his career for his outstanding contributions to electrical engineering and education. His innovative work in power electronics has garnered recognition in academic and industrial circles alike.

 

Publication Top notes 📚✍️

Conclusion ✨🔍

Acácio M. R. Amaral is a distinguished researcher with a commendable track record in the field of Informatics and Systems. His extensive authorship, significant research output, and innovative contributions to power converter fault diagnosis and storage device degradation assessment position him as a leading figure in his area of expertise. His application of advanced signal processing and machine learning techniques highlights his technical prowess and innovative approach.

While there are opportunities for further growth, such as increasing international visibility and exploring interdisciplinary research, Amaral’s achievements to date demonstrate excellence in research. His contributions to both theoretical and applied aspects of electronics and power systems make him a strong candidate for the “Excellence in Research” award.