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

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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
    DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe15040054
    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
    DOI: 10.37766/inplasy2024.12.0086
    CONTRIBUTORS: Rodrigo Mendes; Mário Pereira; Paulo Nobre; Gonçalo Dia

Grazia Ragone | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Grazia Ragone | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

🔬 Grazia Ragone is a researcher in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with a focus on autism and interactive systems. 🏫 She earned her PhD from the University of Sussex, UK, where she investigated social motor synchrony in autistic children through motion capture and sonification. 🎼 With a background in psychology, developmental science, and music therapy, she integrates interdisciplinary methods into assistive technology. 💻 She has extensive teaching experience in research methods, cognitive science, and HCI at the University of Sussex. 🏆 Her research has been recognized with multiple international awards, including Microsoft Research’s Best Student Research Competition. 🌍 She actively contributes as a reviewer and associate chair for HCI conferences and journals. 📖 Her work bridges psychology, technology, and education, aiming to enhance accessibility and interaction for neurodiverse individuals.

Profile

Education 🎓

She completed her PhD in 2023 at the University of Sussex, UK, where her research focused on autism, motion capture, and social motor synchrony. Prior to this, she earned an MSc in Psychological Methods from the University of Sussex in 2018, with a focus on autism and interactional features. She also holds an MPhil in Developmental Psychology from London Metropolitan University (2015), specializing in child development and interaction. In 2014, she completed her BSc in Developmental Psychology at London Metropolitan University, studying early cognitive and social development. She further enriched her expertise with a Master’s in Music & Art Therapy from Tor Vergata University in Rome (2006), where she focused on therapeutic interventions for individuals with special needs. Her academic journey began with a BA in Humanities from the University of Pavia, Italy (2004), where she studied philosophy, linguistics, and cultural studies.

Experience 👨‍🏫

From 2019 to 2023, she worked as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Sussex, UK, where she taught Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), research methods, and professional skills. Prior to this, she served as a Research Assistant at the University of Sussex (2016-2018), focusing on technology designed for neurodiverse children. From 2014 to 2016, she conducted research on autism and interactive environments at London Metropolitan University. Earlier in her career, she was a Research Assistant at CNR-ISTI Pisa, Italy (2008-2014), where she contributed to the development of assistive software for autistic children. Her experience also includes working as a Music Therapist for the Rome City Council (2005-2010), providing therapeutic interventions for autistic children. Additionally, from 2010 to 2019, she worked as a Trainer and Consultant, conducting workshops and training programs for professionals in the field of autism.

Research Interests 🔬

Her research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and autism, developing interactive systems to support neurodiverse individuals. She explores the role of music and sonification in enhancing motor and social skills through auditory feedback. Her work also includes investigating social motor synchrony using motion capture technology. She designs AI-powered assistive technology to support autistic children and applies user-centered design principles to create accessible interfaces for individuals with special needs.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

She has received several prestigious awards and honors for her contributions to autism research and assistive technology. In 2021, she was awarded the Best Student Research Award by Microsoft Research at the ASSETS Conference. Her work was also recognized with the Best Work in Progress Award at the IDC Conference on autism research in 2020. In 2013, she received the Horizon Research Award from London Metropolitan University for outstanding research. Her contributions to autism research earned her a Massachusetts Senate Citation in 2012, and in 2011, she was honored with the Rotary Club Research Award from CNR Pisa for excellence in autism studies.

Publications 📚

  •  Supporting and understanding autistic children’s non-verbal interactions through OSMoSIS, a motion-based sonic system
    International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction
    2025-02 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcci.2025.100726
    CONTRIBUTORS: Grazia Ragone; Judith Good; Kate Howland

  • Child-Centered AI for Empowering Creative and Inclusive Learning Experiences

    Proceedings of ACM Interaction Design and Children Conference: Inclusive Happiness, IDC 2024
    2024 | Conference paper
    DOI: 10.1145/3628516.3661157

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85197894406

    Part ofISBN: 9798400704420
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ragone, G.; Ali, S.A.; Esposito, A.; Good, J.; Howland, K.; Presicce, C.

  • Designing Safe and Engaging AI Experiences for Children: Towards the Definition of Best Practices in UI/UX Design

    arXiv
    2024 | Other
    DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2404.14218

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85192517180

    Part of ISSN: 23318422
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ragone, G.; Buono, P.; Lanzilotti,

Meredith Storey | Pedagogy | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Meredith Storey | Pedagogy | Best Researcher Award

📌 Meredith Storey, Ph.D. is a Senior Manager at the UN Global Compact’s Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), dedicated to advancing business education for sustainable development. 🌱 She has extensive experience in pedagogy, curriculum development, and lifelong learning, integrating play-based learning strategies into management education. 🎓 Before joining PRME, she contributed to the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and held academic roles at the University of Limerick. 📚 Her work has been influential in shaping responsible management education (RME), emphasizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 🌍 As a researcher, she has led interdisciplinary projects and collaborated with global institutions to drive innovation in education. ✨ Meredith actively contributes to policy discussions, global education initiatives, and industry collaborations, ensuring the next generation of business leaders is well-equipped for ethical and sustainable leadership. 🚀

Profile

Education 🎓

🎓 Ph.D. in Responsible Management Education & Sustainability – Focus on integrating SDGs into business curricula and experiential learning models. 🌍 M.A. in Educational Leadership – Specialized in pedagogical innovations and lifelong learning. 🏛️ B.A. in Business & Management – Studied at renowned institutions with a focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical leadership. 📚 Meredith’s education blends business, education, and sustainability, enabling her to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications. 🏆 She has received global recognition for her scholarly contributions, shaping the field of responsible management education. 🔬 With training from institutions like Harvard Graduate School of Education, she remains at the forefront of education policy, curriculum development, and international collaboration in sustainability education. 🌱

Experience 👨‍🏫

💼 Senior Manager, PRME, UN Global Compact – Leading business education for sustainability initiatives. 🌍 Formerly at the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, spearheading research on SDGs integration in education. 🎓 University of Limerick (Kemmy Business School) – Developed curricula on responsible leadership. 📚 Key projects: LEGO Learning Through Play in Business Education, oikos LEAP Programme, Business Education for Sustainable Development. 🔍 Consultancy Experience: Worked with The LEGO Foundation, Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI), Sulitest, and PRME Chapters worldwide. 🌱 Active in global forums, industry projects, and research collaborations, Meredith influences policy, curriculum innovation, and business education reform. 🏆 Her expertise spans pedagogical development, corporate sustainability, interdisciplinary learning, and digital education strategies. 🚀

Research Interests 🔬

🔍 Responsible Management Education (RME) & Curriculum Development – Innovating pedagogical models for sustainable business leadership. 🌱 Integration of SDGs in Higher Education – Designing curricula that foster ethical decision-making and corporate responsibility. 📚 Experiential Learning & Play-Based Pedagogy – Leveraging LEGO Learning Through Play in business education. 🌍 International Collaboration in Sustainability Education – Engaging with global institutions to shape educational policies. 💻 Digital Learning & Online Pedagogies – Exploring AI-driven education models for global business training. 🌟 Community Building & Stakeholder Engagement – Creating networks of educators, policymakers, and industry leaders. 🚀

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

🏆 PRME Leadership Excellence Award – Recognized for advancing sustainability in business education. 🌱 Global Responsible Management Education Innovator Award – Honored for pioneering curriculum strategies integrating SDGs. 📚 Best Research Paper Award (International Journal of Management Education) – Acknowledged for groundbreaking work on transformative pedagogy. 🎖️ LEGO Foundation Learning Through Play Recognition – Applauded for creative pedagogical approaches in management education. 🌍 Higher Education Sustainability Impact Award – Celebrated for influencing education policies worldwide. 🚀 Invited Speaker at Global Sustainability Summits – Shared insights on digital learning, ethics, and sustainability education.

Publications 📚