Aalto University confers its highest degree as Honorary Doctor of Technology to Professor Luísa Coutinho

PORTO SALVO, Portugal - June 26, 2020 - PRLog -- Aalto University, a leading worldwide academic organization based in Finland, has distinguished Professor Luísa Coutinho with an honorary doctorate on the field of technology, its most prestigious academic honor. The University is recognized in rankings specific to science, arts, technology and business, as well as in ranking lists comparing young universities. Professor Luísa Coutinho, a full professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lisbon, has been a Member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the School of Engineering of Aalto University in2016. Among many other projects developed with the university, she also had an active role in promoting the cooperation and sharing of students and researchers between the Departments of Mechanical Engineering of Aalto University and University of Lisbon since 2013.

Key achievements so far on an illustrious career

Luísa Coutinho is full Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Lisbon and Executive Director of the European Welding Federation till the end of 2019. Since 1992, and until the end of 2019, Mrs. Coutinho was the Executive Director of EWF (European Federation of Welding, Joining and Cutting), overseeing the development of a unique qualification system widely used across Europe and recognized globally. The broad adoption and impact of EWF's System in the qualification of personnel and companies of the manufacturing industry has garnered strong international visibility and has certainly contributed to the present award from a reputed academic institution. The Federation currently has 28 European member countries and 1 Observer Member from outside Europe, represented by their national welding societies.

As an active entrepreneur Mrs. Coutinho was the founder of four industrial companies. Her scientific experience includes coordination and participation in over 90 national and international projects, 74 of which involved the technology transfer to industries. Professor Luísa has written over 140 papers in international journals, several books and, at a national level, has written short papers and journal articles.

She has been the scientific supervisor of over 100 pos doctoral, doctoral and master theses. The collaboration with the European Commission started in the 1980`s as evaluator of proposals for scientific projects and more recently as external expert. She has been invited to give talks and lectures, including over 50 keynote lectures in events around the world. Mrs. Luísa Coutinho was also a co-author in scientific publications produced in cooperation with Aalto University: one book, four papers in international peer reviewed journals and four papers in conference proceedings since 2013.

Prof. Coutinho was also awarded with the George Willis Award in 2007, from the American Welding Society, and the Brooker Medal 2003 from The Welding Institute. Additionally, the International Meritorious Award, from the American Welding Society, 2001 and finally the Adams Memorial Membership Award also from the American Welding Society in 1994. Other distinctions include:

• "Titlul Academic de Profesor Onorific", Universitatea, Politehnica Din Timisoara, 2003;
• "Honorary Professor", Universitatea Dunãrea de Jos Din Galati, 2004;
• Honorary Member of CESOL, Spanish Welding Institute;
• Recognition of outstanding contributions to the IIW-International Institute of Welding as Study Group Research Chair, IIW-International Institute of Welding, 2003-2012;
• "Honorary Fellowship" of The Welding Institute, 2015;
• The Arthur Smith Award, IIW-International Institute of Welding, 2015;
• Jozef Čabelka Medal Award from Welding Research Instiute, Slovakia, Slovakia, 2019.

About Aalto University

At Aalto University science and art meet technology and business. Aalto University's mission is to build an innovative society where breakthrough discoveries deeply integrated with design and business thinking enable systemic solutions and accelerate innovation. Aalto University was established in 2010 through a merger of three renowned universities in the Helsinki metropolitan area in Finland. Aalto University is about cross-disciplinary projects and learning in practice.

About the European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting

EWF is a pioneer in implementing a harmonized qualification and certification system for joining professionals. Through European projects EWF has been innovating in training methodologies and involved in the development of new technologies and uses for joining and additive manufacturing. Through its member organisations, EWF has established a firm link to the local industry, providing knowledge and training as well as participating in research initiatives that address the most pressing questions and challenges in the field of joining technologies.

http://www.ewf.be/