Prof. Researcher at ID+, Polyt. Univ. Cavado Ave – Barcelos- Portugal, Portugal
Professor Gilberto Santos is a distinguished Portuguese academic and researcher in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, with over three decades of experience in higher education and research. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Production Technologies) from the University of Minho and a Habilitation (DSc) in Industrial Engineering from the New University of Lisbon. He is currently affiliated with the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave and is an active member of the ID+ Research Center and several international editorial boards. His prolific academic output includes over 200 journal articles, 24 books and book chapters, and participation in over 20 R&D projects. He has also supervised more than 70 master’s theses and several PhDs. As a founder of the International Conference on Quality Innovation and Sustainability, his contributions span Quality Management, Innovation, Sustainability, and Integrated Management Systems. Professor Santos is widely recognized for advancing quality systems in industrial contexts.
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Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Prof. Dr. Gilberto Santos
Professor Gilberto Santos demonstrates outstanding eligibility for a Best Researcher Award, with a career spanning over 30 years in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering. His research excellence is evidenced by a prolific output of over 200 peer-reviewed publications, 24 books/chapters, and active involvement in 20+ R&D projects. His focus on Integrated Management Systems (IMS), Sustainability, and Quality Engineering addresses critical industrial challenges, ensuring broad relevance and high impact. As a PhD supervisor, journal editor, and international collaborator, he has significantly influenced both academia and industry.
Education
Professor Gilberto Santos holds a comprehensive academic background rooted in mechanical and industrial engineering. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, with equivalence certified by the University of Lisbon. He pursued a post-graduate specialization in Quality Engineering from the New University of Lisbon in 1991. His academic journey continued with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, focusing on Production Technologies, at the University of Minho. His doctoral thesis, “Modular Conception of Quality Systems with Application in Foundries,” marked the beginning of his impactful research contributions. In 2019, he achieved Habilitation (DSc) in Industrial Engineering from the New University of Lisbon, which solidified his academic standing and enabled him to contribute to the strategic development of engineering education and research in Portugal and internationally.
Experience
Professor Santos began his academic career as an Assistant Professor at the New University of Lisbon and later joined the University of Minho’s Mechanical Engineering Department, where he taught and conducted research from 1993 to 2004. Since 2006, he has served at the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, where he founded and directed the Master’s program in Integrated Management Systems (Quality, Environment, and Safety) for seven editions. He has been involved in over 20 R&D projects and regularly collaborates with international institutions, including FAPESTE in Brazil and IEA at Vigo University, Spain. Beyond academia, he has held leadership roles in professional bodies, including chairing the Braga District branch of the Portuguese Association for Quality and serving in academic governance roles at multiple institutions. His experience also spans consultancy and curriculum development, particularly in quality and sustainability-related fields.
Professional Development
Throughout his career, Professor Santos has consistently engaged in professional development initiatives to expand his expertise and leadership within the field of Industrial Engineering. He founded and directed a pioneering Master’s course in Integrated Management Systems at IPCA and played a key role in establishing the International Conference on Quality Innovation and Sustainability, which is indexed by SCOPUS and published by Springer. As a reviewer and editorial board member for various high-impact journals such as the TQM Journal, Sustainability (MDPI), and Journal of Cleaner Production, he remains actively involved in shaping academic discourse. He has also mentored numerous doctoral and master’s students, contributing to capacity building in academia and industry. International collaborations with universities in Brazil, Slovakia, and Spain have enriched his global perspective and research impact. His continuous participation in scientific councils, editorial boards, and evaluation committees reflects a career deeply committed to innovation, quality advancement, and research excellence.
Research Focus Category
Professor Santos’s primary research focus lies in Integrated Management Systems (IMS), encompassing Quality, Environment, and Safety (QES). His work explores the synergy between industrial engineering and sustainability, with significant contributions in developing conceptual models for aligning IMS with organizational strategy. His research spans multiple applied categories including Lean Management, Six Sigma, Green HRM, Sustainable Product and Process Innovation, and the integration of ISO standards (9001, 14001, 45001). Many of his publications also address the interface between technological advancement (such as Industry 4.0) and quality systems. His focus areas align with emerging global challenges around sustainable industrial transformation, corporate responsibility, and operational excellence, making his contributions highly relevant to both academic and industry stakeholders. His research is interdisciplinary, drawing from mechanical engineering, management, and environmental sciences to improve efficiency, compliance, and innovation in industrial and service organizations alike.
Research Skills Category
Professor Gilberto Santos possesses a wide array of advanced research skills that support his work in industrial engineering and quality systems. These include quantitative research methodologies, model development, process optimization, and multi-criteria decision-making tools such as Fuzzy AHP and PLS-SEM. He is skilled in system integration modeling, particularly integrating management systems like ISO 9001 with Lean Six Sigma and sustainability frameworks. He has strong analytical and project management skills, having led and participated in over 20 funded R&D projects. His academic writing and peer review skills are evident in his role as editor and reviewer for numerous international journals indexed in SCOPUS and JCR. Furthermore, his collaborative skills enable him to work effectively across international and interdisciplinary teams, often co-authoring publications with researchers from Europe, Asia, and South America. His mentorship of graduate students and coordination of large-scale academic events also reflect excellent organizational and leadership skills.
Awards and Honors
Professor Gilberto Santos has received several prestigious honors throughout his academic and professional career. In 2004, he was named a Senior Member by the Portuguese Engineer Association, a recognition of his technical excellence and professional contributions. In 2006, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering by Yorker International University for his exceptional career. In 2011, he received the Silver Badge commemorating 25 years of active membership in the Portuguese Engineer Association. Most recently, in 2021, he received the Best Reviewer Award from the Social Responsibility Journal (Emerald Publishing), affirming his continued excellence and influence in academic publishing. His role as a founding member and organizer of the International Conference on Quality Innovation and Sustainability also highlights his leadership in research dissemination. These awards reflect not only his scholarly achievements but also his enduring commitment to engineering excellence, professional ethics, and academic mentorship.
Publication Top Notes
1. Certification and Integration of Management Systems: The Experience of Portuguese Small and Medium Enterprises
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Authors: G. Santos, F. Mendes, J. Barbosa
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Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production, 19(17–18), 1965–1974
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Citations: 374
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Year: 2011
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Summary:
This study explores the motivations, challenges, and outcomes faced by Portuguese SMEs in adopting and integrating various management systems, particularly ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), and OHSAS 18001 (occupational health and safety). It finds that integration enhances operational efficiency and organizational image but also highlights the complexity of implementation due to resource constraints in SMEs.
2. Integration of Management Systems: Towards a Sustained Success and Development of Organizations
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Authors: M.F. Rebelo, G. Santos, R. Silva
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Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production, 127, 96–111
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Citations: 245
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Year: 2016
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Summary:
This paper proposes a theoretical framework for the integration of quality, environmental, and safety management systems (QESMS) as a path toward sustainable organizational success. It emphasizes the role of strategic alignment, leadership, and continuous improvement, arguing that integration is a driver of long-term development and competitive advantage.
3. The Impact of the Application of Lean Tools for Improvement of Process in a Plastic Company: A Case Study
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Authors: P. Ribeiro, J.C. Sá, L.P. Ferreira, F.J.G. Silva, M.T. Pereira, G. Santos
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Journal: Procedia Manufacturing, 38, 765–775
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Citations: 208
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Year: 2019
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Summary:
This case study analyzes the implementation of Lean tools—such as 5S, Kaizen, and Value Stream Mapping—in a plastic manufacturing company. The study shows substantial improvements in process efficiency, waste reduction, and employee engagement. It serves as practical evidence of Lean’s effectiveness in SMEs seeking operational excellence.
4. The Main Benefits Associated with Health and Safety Management Systems Certification in Portuguese Small and Medium Enterprises Post Quality Management System Certification
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Authors: G. Santos, S. Barros, F. Mendes, N. Lopes
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Journal: Safety Science, 51(1), 29–36
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Citations: 200
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Year: 2013
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Summary:
Focusing on SMEs that adopted health and safety certification after already having ISO 9001, this study evaluates the perceived benefits, such as improved legal compliance, accident reduction, and employee morale. It finds that previous experience with quality systems facilitates smoother adoption of safety certifications.
5. A Generic Model for Integration of Quality, Environment and Safety Management Systems
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Authors: M. Ferreira Rebelo, G. Santos, R. Silva
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Journal: The TQM Journal, 26(2), 143–159
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Citations: 196
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Year: 2014
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Summary:
This article presents a generic, adaptable model for integrating QMS, EMS, and OHSMS. The model is based on principles of Total Quality Management and continuous improvement. It is designed to help organizations—particularly SMEs—streamline their systems and reduce redundancy, while supporting sustainability and strategic goals.
6. The ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Standard: Companies’ Drivers, Benefits and Barriers to its Implementation
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Authors: L. Bravi, F. Murmura, G. Santos
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Journal: Quality Innovation Prosperity, 23(2), 64–82
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Citations: 184
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Year: 2019
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Summary:
This paper analyzes the adoption of ISO 9001:2015, focusing on what drives companies to adopt the standard, the benefits they gain, and the main barriers encountered. Based on a survey of certified companies, the study finds that improved customer satisfaction and process control are key drivers, while the cost and complexity of updates are major barriers.
Conclusion
Professor Gilberto Santos exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher: intellectual rigor, innovative thinking, global engagement, and a sustained commitment to academic and professional excellence. His research directly contributes to the advancement of sustainable industrial systems and quality engineering, making a measurable impact in both scholarly and applied contexts. These achievements make him an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award.