Prof. Helena Sofia Rodrigues | Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

Professor, IPVC, Portugal

Helena Sofia Rodrigues is an Adjunct Professor at the School of Business Sciences, Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo (IPVC), with a PhD in Mathematics and Applications from the University of Aveiro (2012), and previous degrees in Computational Mathematics (2006) and Mathematics Teaching (2002) from the University of Minho; she has published 29 peer-reviewed journal articles, contributed to books, and participated in notable projects like “InsectAI” using AI for insect monitoring; currently, she serves as an integrated member of ADiT-Lab and a collaborator at CIDMA and ALGORITMI, while also holding leadership roles at IPVC including President of the Pedagogical Council since 2022; her research in applied mathematics and epidemiology has earned her over 1,500 citations and an h-index of 18, reflecting her substantial impact on the scientific community and active mentorship of PhD and Master’s students.

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Education:

Helena Sofia Rodrigues earned her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Teaching from the University of Minho in 2002, followed by a Master’s in Computational Mathematics from the same university in 2006, and completed her PhD in Mathematics and Applications at the University of Aveiro in 2012; her academic training reflects a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied mathematics, equipping her with the skills to conduct interdisciplinary research, especially in computational and epidemiological modeling; throughout her educational journey, she developed expertise in mathematical analysis, algorithmic modeling, and data-driven simulation techniques, positioning her for impactful contributions in research and academia; her academic milestones also supported her progression into faculty roles and leadership positions in educational institutions, while her research during postgraduate studies laid the groundwork for her current focus on mathematical applications in biological and environmental systems, such as disease modeling and AI-based ecological studies.

Experience :

Helena Sofia Rodrigues has extensive academic experience as an Adjunct Professor at the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo (IPVC), where she teaches, mentors graduate students, and contributes to institutional governance; she has supervised and co-supervised multiple Master’s and PhD theses, demonstrating a commitment to academic development and student mentorship; in parallel with her teaching, she actively participates in multidisciplinary research, particularly in applied mathematics and epidemiology, and has been involved in various research initiatives, including the “InsectAI” project, which integrates artificial intelligence with ecological monitoring; her professional affiliations include membership in research units like ADiT-Lab, CIDMA, and ALGORITMI; since January 2022, she has served as President of the Pedagogical Council at IPVC, reflecting her leadership and administrative capabilities; with a solid track record in publishing and collaborative research, her academic experience blends teaching, mentorship, interdisciplinary research, and strategic academic administration.

Awards and Honors :

While specific individual awards or honors for Helena Sofia Rodrigues are not explicitly mentioned, her scholarly recognition is evidenced by her high academic impact metrics, including an h-index of 18 and over 1,500 citations, indicating significant peer acknowledgment and influence in the scientific community; she holds key academic roles, including serving as President of the Pedagogical Council at IPVC, a position of institutional trust and leadership; her integration in leading Portuguese research centers such as ADiT-Lab, CIDMA, and ALGORITMI further affirms her standing in the research community; participation in pioneering projects like “InsectAI” and consistent publication in peer-reviewed international journals demonstrate ongoing recognition of her contributions; her supervision of doctoral and Master’s research further suggests esteem among her academic peers; overall, Helena is recognized for excellence in applied mathematics, academic service, and innovative interdisciplinary work.

Research Focus :

Helena Sofia Rodrigues specializes in Applied Mathematics and Epidemiology, with her research spanning mathematical modeling of infectious diseases, computational simulations, and more recently, ecological applications involving artificial intelligence; her work includes 29 peer-reviewed journal articles, along with books and chapters addressing dynamic systems and health modeling; she applies mathematical tools to understand and predict the spread of diseases, evaluate intervention strategies, and model ecological dynamics, exemplified by her involvement in the “InsectAI” project, which uses image-based AI for insect conservation; her research integrates quantitative analysis, mathematical logic, and computational methods to address public health and environmental challenges; her collaborative efforts extend across academic and interdisciplinary teams, making meaningful contributions to policy-relevant research; she is an active member of ADiT-Lab, CIDMA, and ALGORITMI, contributing to both theoretical advancements and practical applications in science and health; overall, her focus is at the intersection of mathematics, epidemiology, and environmental technology.

Conclusion

Helena Sofia Rodrigues is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award, demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and innovation in applied mathematics and epidemiology. Her work on AI-driven ecological monitoring, strong mentorship, and scientific output position her as a valuable contributor to modern research challenges. For an award at the highest level, further emphasis on international research influence, funding leadership, or industry impact could elevate her candidacy even further. Nonetheless, her current achievements already present a compelling case for recognition.

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