Lisete Moutinho is a dynamic and driven researcher with a solid background in biochemistry and a focused specialization in materials science, particularly in sustainable polymer-based composites. With her academic foundation rooted in biochemistry and expanded through advanced training and research in polymer science, she has successfully bridged the gap between life sciences and engineering materials. Her current position as Project Manager and Global Technical Manager at Amorim Cork Composites reflects her ability to lead innovation-driven initiatives in applied materials research. Lisete is passionate about developing environmentally sustainable solutions, with a special interest in cork-polymer compounds for a range of applications including automotive, packaging, and leisure industries. She brings to her role a mix of technical depth and strategic vision, enhanced by practical knowledge of project management methodologies such as SCRUM. Known for her proactive approach, problem-solving skills, and curiosity, Lisete actively seeks opportunities to learn and contribute through research, technical development, and public engagement. With several presentations, a scientific publication, and industry recognitions, she stands out as an early-career researcher with strong potential to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of materials science and sustainability.

Professional Profile

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Education

Lisete Moutinho’s academic journey is anchored in the life sciences, with her educational foundation laid at the Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (2011–2014) with a final grade of 16 out of 20. She continued her academic advancement by earning a Master of Science in Biochemistry, specializing in Biomolecular Methods, from the Universidade de Aveiro (2014–2016), where she graduated with a high distinction, achieving a final evaluation score of 17 out of 20. Driven by a passion for innovation and materials research, she is currently pursuing a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering at the Universidade de Aveiro (2021–present), where her research intersects polymer science, sustainable materials, and bio-based composites. In addition to formal degrees, Lisete has enriched her learning through multiple specialized courses including “Polymers’ Science and Technology” (105 hours), “Rheology Applied to Polymer Processing and Composites” (16 hours), and project management training with Bright Academy. She also completed a professional course on SCRUM methodology, showcasing her interdisciplinary competency across science, engineering, and project management. Her educational background reflects her strong foundation in biochemistry, broadened by a clear transition into applied material sciences with a focus on sustainability.

Professional Experience

Lisete Moutinho possesses a robust professional portfolio, built through progressive roles at Amorim Cork Composites, a part of the Amorim Group. Her career began in 2016 as a Product Developer, where she engaged in research and development of innovative cork-polymer products. In this role, she specialized in the formulation and processing of compounds involving thermoplastics, thermosets, and rubber, gaining hands-on expertise in molding, extrusion, lamination, and vulcanization. Her capabilities extended into material characterization, employing rheological tools (rheometer, Mooney viscosity), DSC, DMA, and mechanical testing methods. From 2018 to 2021, she transitioned into the position of Global Technical Manager, overseeing technical certifications, leading internal and external training, and managing product standardization. Since 2021, Lisete has served as a Project Manager and Global Technical Manager, where she leads cross-functional teams using agile methodologies (SCRUM) and manages the lifecycle of new product developments from concept through to market implementation. Her strategic involvement in innovation projects across multiple markets demonstrates her capacity to translate scientific knowledge into commercially viable solutions. Her experience exemplifies a seamless integration of research, leadership, and industry insight, making her a standout professional in the sustainable materials sector.

Research Interest

Lisete Moutinho’s research interests are rooted in the intersection of materials science, polymer chemistry, and sustainability, with a distinctive focus on the development of cork-polymer composites. Motivated by the environmental and functional potential of bio-based materials, she explores sustainable alternatives for industrial applications such as automotive parts, packaging, and leisure products. A significant portion of her work involves understanding the behavior of composite materials, particularly the interaction between natural cork granules and synthetic polymers, including polylactic acid (PLA) and various thermoplastics. Her research integrates materials processing techniques such as extrusion, molding, and vulcanization with advanced characterization methods to optimize mechanical and thermal properties of the resulting products. Additionally, she is keenly interested in biodegradability, lifecycle assessment, and the potential of renewable resources to replace traditional petroleum-based materials. Through her PhD studies and professional projects, Lisete contributes to the growing body of knowledge on bio-based and recyclable materials, aligning with global efforts toward greener production practices. Her commitment to applied sustainability positions her research as both innovative and impactful, aimed at driving environmental progress through scientific development in materials engineering.

Research Skills

Lisete Moutinho has developed a strong suite of research skills through her academic pursuits and hands-on industrial experience. Technically proficient in both wet lab techniques and material testing protocols, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to her research in biopolymers and composite materials. Her core competencies include rheological analysis using tools such as rheometers and Mooney viscometers, as well as thermal and dynamic mechanical analysis (DSC, DMA), which allow her to characterize polymer behavior under various conditions. She is also adept in mechanical testing procedures, helping assess tensile strength, elongation, and stress-strain behavior of materials. In the context of material formulation, she has experience working with both thermoplastics and thermosets, including compounding, extrusion, and molding processes. Beyond lab work, Lisete possesses valuable knowledge in project management (SCRUM), technical documentation, and product certification procedures. Her ability to merge technical skills with analytical thinking enables her to design and implement experiments that address practical challenges in material innovation. Moreover, her commitment to continual learning—reflected in her enrollment in advanced courses and certifications—demonstrates a proactive approach to professional development. These skills collectively support her capacity to conduct high-quality, industry-relevant scientific research.

Awards and Honors

Lisete Moutinho has received commendable recognition for her contributions to scientific research and communication, particularly in the field of sustainable polymer composites. Notably, she was awarded the Best Poster Presentation Prize at the 4th International Conference on Biopolymers and Bioplastics held in Rome in 2022, for her work on bio-based expanded cork polymer composites (eCPC) with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) designed for injection molding applications. This award highlights her capability to distill complex material science into impactful presentations that resonate with scientific audiences. The same year, she was also selected as a Scientific Speaker at the Materials’ District Conference in the Netherlands, where she presented on cork polymer compounds as a sustainable solution, showcasing her expertise in applied innovation and her ability to engage with international scientific and industrial communities. In addition to these public accolades, Lisete has one peer-reviewed publication in Elsevier related to fluoroquinolone-metal complexes, demonstrating her breadth of research capability. These honors reflect her growing reputation as a young researcher focused on sustainability, innovation, and cross-sector engagement. As she continues her academic journey through her PhD and ongoing project leadership, further recognition is likely to follow.

Conclusion

Lisete Moutinho exemplifies the qualities of a modern researcher—interdisciplinary, driven by sustainability, and firmly grounded in both scientific theory and industrial practice. Her career trajectory demonstrates a consistent focus on materials development, especially cork-polymer composites, supported by academic excellence and real-world impact. With a combination of project leadership, technical skill, and scientific curiosity, she contributes meaningfully to the advancement of sustainable materials for diverse applications. Her accolades at international conferences and ability to engage with both academic and industry audiences underscore her communication and innovation strengths. While she has already achieved notable success through presentations and poster awards, expanding her record of peer-reviewed publications—particularly comprehensive review articles—could further solidify her reputation in the scientific community. Nonetheless, Lisete stands out as an emerging leader in materials science, with the right mix of knowledge, motivation, and collaborative spirit. As she continues her PhD and contributes to research and development initiatives, she is well-positioned to make lasting contributions to the field of sustainable material technologies and to assume greater roles in scientific leadership and innovation.

Publications Top Notes

1. Title: Bio-based expanded cork polymer composites (eCPC) with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) for injection moulding

2. Authors: [Not explicitly listed — typically the presenting author is the main contributor, do you want me to help identify them?]

3. Year: 2022

1. Title: Cork Polymer Compounds as a Sustainable Solution

2. Authors: [Typically single speaker or affiliated research group — want help identifying the individual contributor?]

3. Year: 2022

1. Title: Fluoroquinolone-metal complexes: A route to counteract bacterial resistance?

2. Authors: [Usually includes researchers who collaborated on the study — likely available on Elsevier]

3. Year: 2014