Rodrigo Mendes | Physical Education and Sports Training | Young Scientist Award

Prof. Rodrigo Mendes | Physical Education and Sports Training | Young Scientist Award

Rodrigo Silva Mendes 🇵🇹, an Assistant Professor at the Higher Education School, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, is a dynamic young researcher and educator in Sports Sciences 🏋️‍♂️📚. Starting his academic journey with a Degree in Sports Training and a MSc in Physical Education 🎓, Rodrigo entered scientific publishing at only 18 🧑‍🔬, marking an early breakthrough in academia. At 20, he became one of Portugal’s youngest university professors 🎓⚡. His commitment to research has led to 19 publications, numerous collaborations, and a robust research profile 🧬🌍. Currently pursuing a PhD in Physical Education 🏆, Rodrigo is studying the visual behavior of Physical Education teachers, aiming to bridge cognitive and sports training gaps through innovative methodologies 🔬👁️‍🧠. A dedicated scholar and active member of Applied Sports Sciences Research Unit, Rodrigo blends theory with practice, empowering the next generation of sports professionals and contributing significantly to cognitive and sports science fields 🏅📖.

Profile

Education 🎓

Rodrigo Silva Mendes holds a Degree in Sports Training 🏋️‍♂️ from a Portuguese institution and a Master’s Degree in Physical Education 🎓, reflecting his commitment to both academic excellence and sports expertise 🏆💪. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Physical Education 📖🔬, focusing on teacher visual behavior analysis, potentially becoming one of the youngest PhDs in Portugal and the first born in the 21st century 🎯🇵🇹. His educational journey has blended academic rigor with hands-on coaching in tennis 🎾, demonstrating a rare fusion of practice and theory. From his teenage years, Rodrigo showed intellectual curiosity and brilliance 🌟, publishing his first scientific paper at just 18 🧠📝. As a lifelong learner, Rodrigo continues to expand his knowledge through research projects, scientific event organization, and collaboration with renowned institutions like the University of Coimbra 🧑‍🏫📊. His education highlights determination, vision, and passion for lifelong learning 📚🚀.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Rodrigo Silva Mendes, with a dual passion for research and teaching, began his academic career remarkably early as a published author at 18 and a university professor by 20 🧠📈. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Higher Education School, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra 👨‍🏫, Rodrigo has balanced teaching and research seamlessly. His professional experiences also include working as a tennis coach 🎾🧑‍🏫, reinforcing his practical sports background. Rodrigo has actively participated in 3 research projects 🧪🔬 and co-organized 8 scientific events 🎤📋. His interdisciplinary collaborations with the Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Coimbra 🌍🏫, showcase his commitment to advancing sports science knowledge. Besides publishing 19 scientific articles and 5 books 📖✍️, Rodrigo’s teaching philosophy emphasizes innovation, cognitive engagement, and bridging research with real-world applications 🎯💡. His professional timeline is marked by early achievement, research passion, and inspiring educational leadership ⚡🏅.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Rodrigo Silva Mendes’s academic journey is defined by distinction, starting as one of the youngest scientific authors in Portugal at age 18 📄🏆. His exceptional performance earned him early teaching roles, becoming a university professor at 20 👨‍🏫💫. His ongoing PhD pursuit may soon make him one of Portugal’s youngest PhDs and the first 21st-century-born graduate 🎓🎯. Rodrigo has been actively nominated for international recognitions like the Young Researcher Award, Young Scientist Award, Best Scholar Award, and Young Innovator Award 🏅🌍. As a researcher with 19 publications, 5 authored books 📚, and key collaborations, Rodrigo’s scholarly impact is widely acknowledged in sports and cognitive sciences 🧠⚽. His active role in organizing scientific events and shaping young minds through teaching has further established him as an emerging thought leader 🏆🔥. Rodrigo embodies academic excellence, innovation, and leadership in sports science education 🧬🚀.

Research Interests 🔬

Rodrigo Silva Mendes’s research focuses on Physical Education and Sports Training 🏋️‍♂️🔬, with a special interest in the cognitive and visual behavior of Physical Education teachers 👁️🧠. His PhD explores how teachers’ visual attention patterns correlate with students’ individual characteristics, using a pioneering multidisciplinary approach 🌐📊. Rodrigo’s contributions aim to close key research gaps in the educational training of sports instructors and cognitive load theory application in real-life teaching environments 💡🏫. With 3 ongoing/completed research projects, 19 publications, and 5 authored books 📚, his work blends sports science, cognitive psychology, and pedagogy seamlessly 🧠⚽. His innovative research fosters a deeper understanding of perceptual-cognitive skills in education and sports performance, potentially redefining teaching strategies and training programs 🎯🔍. Through cross-institutional collaborations and international conferences, Rodrigo’s research impact continues to grow, setting a high standard for young researchers in the sports and cognitive sciences communities 🏅🌍.

Publications 
  • Analysis of Teachers’ Visual Behaviour in Classes: A Systematic Review

    European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education
    2025-04-05 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Rodrigo Mendes; Mário Pereira; Paulo Nobre; Gonçalo Dias
  • Analysis of teachers’ visual behaviour on student performance in classes: A systematic review

    2024-12-20 | Report
    CONTRIBUTORS: Rodrigo Mendes; Mário Pereira; Paulo Nobre; Gonçalo Dia

Gilbert Giacomoni | Coupling Human | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Gilbert Giacomoni | Coupling Human | Best Researcher Award

Profile

Education

He holds a Doctorate in Engineering & Management from Mines ParisTech (Paris Sciences & Letters University), showcasing expertise in the intersection of technology and management. Additionally, they have earned a Master’s in Research for Scientific Management Methods from Paris 9 Dauphine University, in collaboration with Mines ParisTech (Scientific Management Center) and École Polytechnique (Center for Management Research), with a focus on decision-support systems. Further expanding their interdisciplinary knowledge, they also hold a Professional Master’s in Artificial Intelligence & Ethnology from Paris 7 University (Ethnology/Semantics) and Paris 8 University (Artificial Intelligence), blending AI with human sciences for a unique analytical perspective.

Research Interests

Gilbert Giacomoni research interests span multiple interdisciplinary domains, including behavioral economics, where they explore decision-making processes and human behavior in economic contexts. Their work in sustainability and innovation focuses on key sectors such as health, food, and the environment, addressing pressing global challenges. Additionally, they specialize in strategy and organization, examining business structures, leadership, and strategic decision-making. Their expertise in information systems encompasses cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and machine learning, leveraging digital transformation to drive efficiency and innovation across industries.

Work experience

Dr. Gilbert Giacomoni has an extensive academic and professional background, integrating research, leadership, and industry expertise. They are a member of Paris Saclay Applied Economics (PSAE), a joint research center affiliated with France’s National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE). Additionally, they are associated with AgroParisTech, a part of Paris Saclay University, ranked 13th globally.

As the Head of the “Industrial Economy, Public Management, and Innovation” Research & Teaching Unit, Dr. [Name] leads studies in information systems (AI, data science, machine learning), behavioral economics, sustainability & innovation (health, food, environment), and strategy & organization.

Beyond academia, they serve as a board member of Codegaz, a humanitarian association. Their 20+ years of industry experience span operational leadership in sectors such as industry, healthcare, and services, with affiliations including Armines, Airbus Defence & Space, Louvre Group, Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat, and Mutualité Fonction Publique. They also have a strong background in entrepreneurship, business creation, and innovative technologies.

Books /Chapters in Books:

– Giacomoni G. (2022), “Finance durable, bien commun et décisions d’investissement : la
dimension économique incomprise du concept fondationnel d’Utilité commune”, in Pluchart
J.-J. & Cadet I. (Dir.) (2022), Les paradoxes de la finance durable et responsable, ESKA (Eds), pp.
283-305, France. Labélisé FNEGE (RSE).
– Giacomoni G. & Sardas J.-C., (2014), “Why innovation requires new scientific foundations for
manageable identities of systems” (Part II – Chap.4), in R&D Strategy and Operations –
Innovation and IT in an International Context, T’Eni D. & Rowe F. (Eds), Palgrave MacMillan
(Publisher).
– Giacomoni G. & Jardat R., (2014), “L’innovation par l’hybridation: une hydre scientifique”, in
Pesqueux Y., Freitas Gouveia de Vasconcelos I., Simon E., L’Entreprise durable et le
changement organisationnel – L’Organisation innovatrice et durable, éditions – ems –
Management & Société, Chap.1, pp. 27-54, hors collection.

Honors and Awards

– National winner, creation of innovative technology companies, Ministry of Youth, National
Education and Research, Official Journal of 9-11-2002.
– Capital-IT Best40s Selection (10th edition, 2003): European Meeting on Financing of New
Information and Communication Technologies, 4 April.
– Master 2003 Tremplin-Entreprises (capital investissement), French Senate (prix délivré dans
l’hémicycle par le Président J.-P. Raffarin) & Essec, 8-9 Juillet.
– Prix Spécial 2005 du Ministère de l’Education Nationale, de l’Enseignement Supérieur et
de la Recherche – Ministère Délégué à la Recherche.
– Gold Medal 2005, International Jury – World Intellectuel Property Organization (WIPO) &
Swiss Federal Government, 33th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, April.

Publication

  • Giacomoni G. (2024), A Blind Spot in the Reframing of a Universe of Possibles: Towards a
    Suitable Model for Decision-Making Theory and A.I., Journal of Applied Mathematics and
    Physics, Scientific Research Publishing, 12, 2172-2189.
  • Giacomoni G. (2023), Participatory financing of sustainable entrepreneurship : A postmodern
    Markowitz portfolio theory, Management & Sciences Sociales, n°35, Diversité des modèles
    d’affaires en Afrique.
  • Giacomoni G., (2023), The need for products interchangeability: an unsolved problem of
    semantic conflicts no Product Definition System can support perfectly, Journal of The
    Knowledge Economy, Springer, vol. 36, n°2.
  • Cuénoud T., Giacomoni G., Dang R. & Houanti L’H. (2022), Influence of Geography in the
    Crowdfunding of a Local Microbrewery, Innovations – Journal of Innovation Economics &
    Management, Special issue “Platforms, communities and ecosystems in a digital age”, De
    Boeck Supérieur (Eds).
  • Giacomoni G. (2021), Towards a General Framework for (early-stage of) Innovation Shaped
    with A.I. to Create and Transform Market Offerings, European Management Review (Wiley
    Online Library), Vol. 19, n° 1, pp. 107-122.