A PhD is not merely about defending a thesis; it is about pursuing scientific excellence and producing high-quality work.
Jorge Pereira is a former student of the University of Aveiro and a doctoral researcher at CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials. After completing his PhD in Chemical Engineering in 2013, he pursued an international academic career, with a postdoctoral position at the University of Alabama (United States) and faculty appointments in Brazil (UNESP) and Portugal (University of Coimbra). In this interview, he reflects on his path from his early days in Aveiro to establishing a research group at the University of Coimbra, highlighting the skills he developed and the lasting ties he maintains with CICECO.
Experience at CICECO and Doctoral Journey
I began my PhD in October 2009 in the Department of Chemistry, within the doctoral programme in Chemical Engineering, specialising in bioengineering. I completed the degree on 17 June 2013, under the supervision of Professors João Coutinho and Mara Freire. My thesis, “A Tale of Two Bioprocesses,” comprised two distinct parts: one focused on advanced oil recovery using microorganisms, and another on the extraction and purification of biomolecules from fermented media. This work involved collaborations with the University of Minho, PARTEX Services Portugal, and a three-month research stay at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of São Paulo (Brazil).Welcome in Aveiro and a Centre of Excellence
I greatly enjoyed the dynamic environment at CICECO. When I joined, the new laboratory building next to the Department of Chemistry had just been inaugurated, marking an important step in the development of an integrated technological laboratory complex. Being originally from the Aveiro region and having previously studied further north, returning home felt particularly rewarding. I also had several former school colleagues studying in Aveiro, which made the experience both new and familiar.At CICECO, I took part in the early phases of implementing the biotechnology infrastructure within the department, including equipment acquisition and the launch of research activities in biological processes. It was an exciting period, with CICECO consolidating itself as a centre of excellence equipped with laboratories of European standard. Beyond that, Aveiro is a welcoming city with a high quality of life, which made my adaptation very smooth.
A Scientific Career with Impact
Being part of Professor João Coutinho’s group was extremely important—our team grew steadily and attracted many international PhD students. We engaged in industrial projects and built a strong network of international collaborations.After completing my PhD, I faced the decision between an industrial or academic career. Around this time, an opportunity arose for a postdoctoral position in the United States, at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, with Professor Robin Rogers, a leading figure in green chemistry and ionic liquids. I signed the contract before defending my thesis and moved immediately afterwards.
Following my postdoctoral appointment, in April 2014 I secured a faculty position in Brazil as Assistant Professor in the Department of Biotechnology and Bioprocesses at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at São Paulo State University (UNESP). There, I established an independent research group and continued to advance my academic career with high-impact publications.
At the end of 2019, I was appointed Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Coimbra, returning to Portugal in 2020. Since then, I have developed a research area that has gained international recognition. This return also allowed me to consolidate my scientific career and achieve promotion in 2024 to Associate Professor with Habilitation in Chemical Engineering.
Lessons from Years of Research
My academic background in bioprocesses, the behaviour of aqueous biphasic systems, liquid-liquid extraction, and biomolecule purification laid the foundation for my scientific expertise. These skills remain central to my current research and career.I continue to collaborate closely with Professors João Coutinho and Mara Freire, maintaining joint projects, equipment sharing, and participation in dissemination and communication initiatives. I also remain connected to the PATH group at CICECO, working with researchers such as Pedro Carvalho, Sónia Ventura, Ana Tavares and Nicolas Schaeffer, and I regularly support CICECO in PhD defences and other academic activities.
Reflections for Future Generations of Scientists
Make the most of the time you have during your PhD—this is when you enjoy the greatest freedom to explore, learn, and truly appreciate the research process. Engage actively in collaborative networks; many of the international partnerships I maintain today began during my doctoral years with colleagues who are now researchers and professors around the world.A PhD is not merely about defending a thesis; it is about pursuing scientific excellence and producing high-quality work. Administrative and teaching responsibilities are still limited at this stage, making it the ideal period for high-level research and the creation of strong international collaborations. These networks form the backbone of a successful scientific career, whether in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship.
Science evolves rapidly, particularly in this period of digital and technological transformation. Passion and genuine interest in your research are crucial. Managing frustration in the face of challenges is part of the journey. It is essential to embrace the PhD as a personal mission and an opportunity to generate positive impact, rather than viewing it as a burden.
Remember that many scientific breakthroughs arise from motivated individuals who believed they could make a difference. Autonomy is fundamental, but students need guidance to maintain focus—without it, they risk losing their way.
Ultimately, science demands curiosity, critical thinking, and ethics. Producing good results is important, but maintaining quality and integrity is what truly stands out in the long run.
A PhD is not merely about defending a thesis; it is about pursuing scientific excellence and producing high-quality work.