Ines Mimoso | Health Professions | Young Scientist Award

Ines Mimoso | Health Professions | Young Scientist Award

Mrs Ines Mimoso, FFUP, Portugal

Inês Mimoso is a dedicated design professional with a strong focus on ethical and human-centered approaches to problem-solving. Currently serving as a Project Manager at Porto4Ageing-FFUP, she specializes in fostering innovation and smart environments. With experience spanning product design, virtual reality research, and participatory design, she has contributed significantly to health innovation, inclusive design, and climate adaptation projects. Her work emphasizes co-creation, user research, and accessibility. She has organized numerous scientific events and collaborated on research initiatives that enhance digital therapeutics and support aging populations. Passionate about improving lives through design, she has also engaged in volunteering and education-focused initiatives, including early childhood learning and social projects in East Timor. Inês has received several awards recognizing her creativity and impact in design and engineering. Her interdisciplinary expertise in UX, product development, and participatory research continues to drive her contributions to academic and industry advancements.

Publication profile

orcid

Education

Inês Mimoso holds a Master’s in Product Design (2018–2021) from ESAD Matosinhos, where she specialized in co-creation, human-centered design, and product design. Her dissertation focused on the Design of Playful and Pedagogical Objects for the Learning and Development of Preschool-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), showcasing her commitment to inclusive and innovative design. Prior to this, she earned a Degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (2014–2017) from FEUP, gaining technical expertise in materials science and engineering design. Her academic foundation was established through the Science and Technology Programme (2009–2014) at Escola Secundária Rodrigues de Freitas, where she developed strong competencies in STEM disciplines. Additionally, she has pursued specialized training in UX design, project management, circular economy, and inclusive design, earning certifications from Google, TU Delft, and HEC Montréal. These courses have enriched her expertise in user research, accessibility, and innovation strategies.

Experience

Inês Mimoso is currently a Project Manager at Porto4Ageing-FFUP (Dec 2024 – Present), where she leads the FITT-NESS project, focusing on smart homes and inclusive environments. Previously, she held an FCT Research Grant (Mar 2024 – Dec 2024) at Porto4Ageing-FFUP, where she managed the CAOP Project, addressing climate adaptation for vulnerable older adults through participatory design methods, including interviews and focus groups. Her experience also includes an internship in VR Design Research (Oct 2023 – Feb 2024) at Labrp – Escola Superior de Saúde, where she explored the adaptation of virtual reality scenarios for children and the elderly. From Jun 2021 to Dec 2023, she worked as a Product Designer at Flowco, engaging in R&D projects, communication design, and co-creation methodologies. Additionally, in 2024, she played a key role in organizing scientific events in health innovation, including the Future Health Conference Porto and COHES.io. Her work seamlessly integrates design thinking with technology, with a strong focus on healthcare, aging, and accessibility.

Awards

Inês Mimoso has been recognized for her innovative contributions across multiple disciplines. She won 1st place in the Ideas and Creativity Competition – Cork and Cork Oak Forest (2020) , held in Coruche, for her outstanding work in sustainability and materials innovation. She also secured 2nd place in the SMC BMC Alliance Award (2019) 🥈 in Stuttgart, further demonstrating her expertise in design and materials engineering. Additionally, she has been acknowledged through IACOBUS Papers 24-25, receiving recognition for her scientific publications. Beyond these accolades, she has been awarded training grants and has actively participated in competitive UX and design-related initiatives, reflecting her commitment to participatory design, user research, and innovation.

Research Focus

Inês Mimoso’s research is deeply rooted in human-centered design, co-creation, and participatory design, with a strong emphasis on health innovation, accessibility, and digital therapeutics. She specializes in inclusive and adaptive design, ensuring that smart home and healthcare solutions cater to vulnerable populations. Her work in digital therapeutics and UX research explores the user experience in healthcare applications, enhancing accessibility and effectiveness. She has also contributed to climate adaptation for older adults, designing interventions that promote urban resilience and well-being. Additionally, her expertise in playful-pedagogical design focuses on developing learning tools for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), using innovative methods to support their development. By integrating design, healthcare, and digital technology, Inês ensures that her research drives impactful and inclusive solutions across multiple fields.

Publication Top Notes

  • Polypharmacy Prevalence Among Older Adults Based on the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe: An Update (IJERPH, 2025)
  • Co-creation in the Development of Digital Therapeutics: Literature Review (IJERPH, 2024)
  • Design of Playful-Pedagogical Objects for Learning and Development of Preschool-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) (Springer, 2023)
  • Master’s Dissertation – Design of Playful-Pedagogical Objects for Learning and Development of Preschool-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) (ESAD, 2021)

Rehan Shakeel | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Rehan Shakeel | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Rehan Shakeel, University of the Punjab, Pakistan

Mr. Rehan Shakeel is a dedicated public health professional and educator currently serving as a Visiting Lecturer in Epidemiology at the University of the Punjab, Pakistan. He specializes in teaching epidemiological principles, research methods, and biostatistics to undergraduate students, utilizing engaging techniques to enhance learning. Mr. Shakeel holds an M.Phil. in Public Health from the University of the Punjab, with expertise in epidemiology, health economics, biostatistics, and health policy.

Education

Mr. Rehan Shakeel, affiliated with the University of the Punjab, Pakistan, has a strong academic foundation in public health and data analytics. He completed an M.Phil. in Public Health at the University of the Punjab, where his coursework encompassed a diverse range of subjects, including Epidemiology, Research Methodology, Health Economics, Biostatistics, Environmental and Occupational Health, Health Policy and Management, and Health Promotion. These areas equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of public health systems and strategies to address health-related challenges effectively. Additionally, he enhanced his expertise in data analysis by attending a specialized course in Data Analytics at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) from September 24, 2024, to October 31, 2024, in Lahore, Pakistan. This combination of public health knowledge and analytical skills positions him to contribute effectively to research and policy development in the health sector.

Professional Profiles

ORCID Profile

Professional Experience

Mr. Rehan Shakeel
University of the Punjab, Pakistan
Current Position: Epidemiology Lecturer (Visiting)
University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan (27/09/2024 – Present)

Teaching epidemiological principles and methods to bachelor’s students.

Using engaging techniques such as disease etiology, types of studies, biostatistics, and epidemiology.

Actively engaging students in classroom discussions, group activities, quizzes, and tutorials to enhance understanding.

Designing and evaluating assessments (quizzes, tests, assignments) to measure student comprehension and critical thinking.

Providing constructive feedback to improve student performance.

Collaborating with faculty to maintain curriculum consistency and meet course objectives.

Attending departmental meetings and contributing to course improvement efforts.

Participating in academic conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay updated on epidemiological research and teaching methods.

Assistant Chief Technical Officer
Chughtai Lab, Lahore, Pakistan (05/10/2019 – Present)

Managing and overseeing technical operations within the laboratory.

Ensuring high standards of laboratory procedures and quality control.

Supervising staff and coordinating activities to ensure smooth laboratory functioning.

Assisting in troubleshooting complex laboratory tests and maintaining equipment.

Unit In-Charge (Medical Lab Technologist)
Al-Abeer Medical Group, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (18/12/2012 – 15/09/2019)

Led a medical laboratory unit, ensuring efficient operation and high standards of service delivery.

Supervised laboratory staff, ensuring proper training and adherence to protocols.

Managed laboratory resources and maintained accurate records for tests and results.

Laboratory In-Charge
Hijaz Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan (05/05/2010 – 30/11/2012)

Oversaw daily laboratory operations, ensuring accurate diagnostic test results.

Coordinated with medical staff to facilitate timely patient care.

Managed inventory and ensured the proper functioning of laboratory equipment.

Assistant Technologist
Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan (01/01/2008 – 30/04/2010)

Assisted in various laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures.

Maintained laboratory records and ensured compliance with health standards.

Medical Technologist Trainee
Shalamar Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan (01/01/2006 – 18/12/2007)

Gained hands-on experience in various laboratory techniques and medical procedures.

Assisted in performing diagnostic tests and managing patient samples.

Research Interests

Epidemiological Research: Investigating disease patterns, causes, and risk factors in populations. This could include the study of infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, or emerging health threats in specific populations.

Health Policy and Management: Exploring how health policies impact public health outcomes, and how health systems can be optimized to improve access to care, cost-effectiveness, and population health.

Biostatistics: Applying statistical methods to analyze public health data, and using these insights to inform decisions in healthcare, policy-making, and disease prevention.

Health Promotion: Designing and assessing interventions aimed at promoting health behaviors, preventing disease, and improving community health outcomes.

Environmental and Occupational Health: Examining the impact of environmental and workplace exposures on health, and exploring solutions to mitigate health risks associated with these factors.

Global Health Issues: Conducting research on the health challenges facing different regions, particularly low-resource settings, and exploring effective interventions and policies.

Public Health Education: Investigating ways to improve public health education to empower communities to take control of their health and well-being.

Top Notable Publications

Title                           : Healthcare and economic burden of adverse childhood experiences in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors                    : Rehan Shakeel, Muhammed Navid Tahir, Nauman Ali Ch, Assia Riaz
Journal                      : Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health
Year of Publication: 2024
DOI                             : 10.1016/j.cegh.2024.101772
Contributors            : Rehan Shakeel, Muhammed Navid Tahir, Nauman Ali Ch, Assia Riaz

Conclusion

Mr. Rehan Shakeel shows significant promise as a researcher and is well-suited for the Best Researcher Award due to his impactful contributions to healthcare research, particularly in the area of adverse childhood experiences. His work holds the potential to influence public health policies and provide solutions to pressing healthcare challenges. By expanding his research scope, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and focusing on practical interventions, Mr. Shakeel could further strengthen his contributions to the healthcare field and continue to have a meaningful impact.