A life-long impact on engineering research
For IET Fellow Professor J. Paulo Davim FIET, being recognised in the 2026 Research.com rankings, placed first in Portugal and 50th worldwide in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, is less about individual achievement and more about the collective effort behind it.
“This recognition reflects work carried out over many years,” he says. “While it is individual, it also represents collaboration with hundreds of co-authors from around the world, to whom I am very grateful.”
Based at the University of Aveiro in Portugal, Professor Davim has spent decades building a research career grounded in curiosity, consistency and collaboration. One of the defining moments, he reflects, was establishing the MACTRIB research group, focusing on machining, tribology and advanced manufacturing. Today, that work sits at the intersection of some of the biggest challenges facing engineering, from sustainability to digital transformation.
Much of his current work is focused on how advanced materials, such as composites, titanium and aluminium, can be more effectively manufactured, particularly for aerospace and aeronautical applications. Alongside this, he is leading research into more sustainable and intelligent manufacturing systems, combining cleaner production approaches with advanced computational techniques.
Throughout his career, professional engagement has remained important. Becoming a fellow marked a significant milestone, while his ongoing involvement as section editor for the Journal of Engineering has provided opportunities to connect with researchers and engineers from around the world.
“The IET is a global institution with a long history,” he says. “Being part of it has increased the visibility of my work and supported my professional development.”
Beyond research, Professor Davim is keen to highlight the importance of impact and collaboration for the next generation of engineers. His advice to early‑career professionals is to focus on work that connects innovation with real-world application.
“Conduct research that has industrial relevance and contributes to economic and societal progress,” he says. “At the same time, it is important to share knowledge through high-quality publications and to engage with professional institutions such as the IET.”
For Professor Davim, recognition such as this serves not only as a milestone but also as a reminder of the ongoing role engineers play in shaping a more sustainable and advanced future.
Want to find out more about Professor Davim’s research? Learn more.