UC Professor receives the 2024 REHVA Professional Excellence in Science Award

Manuel Gameiro da Silva, Full Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering (DEM) of the Faculty of Sciences and Technology of the University of Coimbra (FCTUC), was awarded the REHVA Professional Excellence in Science Award in Istanbul.

This is the first time that this international prize has been awarded to a Portuguese scientist. Manuel Gameiro da Silva, who is also director of the Association for the Development of Industrial Aerodynamics (ADAI) and coordinator of the Energy for Sustainability (EfS) initiative at the UC, was nominated for the award by the Portuguese Order of Engineers, which represents Portugal at REHVA.

REHVA, based in Brussels, is the Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Engineering Associations, representing a universe of more than 100,000 European engineers. Over the past 19 years, the Award for Professional Excellence in Science has honoured 28 scientists. Up to two European personalities can be honoured each year.

In selecting this year's sole winner, the jury recognised the scientist's outstanding achievements and contributions to improving the energy efficiency and indoor environment of buildings. The award was presented by the President of REHVA, Professor Catalin Lungu, at the association's General Assembly.

The 'Climamed 2024' conference was also held in Istanbul, jointly organised by the HVAC engineering associations of Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and Turkey. Professors Manuel Gameiro da Silva of the FCTUC and Adélio Gaspar, the current director of the DEM, were guest speakers at the conference, and researchers from the ADAI presented three papers. The UC was one of the organisations with the strongest presence at the event.