About us
The Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation (TEMA) is a Research and Development Unit established in 1996 and hosted by the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Aveiro (Portugal). Its mission is to promote scientific and technological research of excellence, closely aligned with the needs of society and the national industrial sector.
With a strong focus on the contemporary challenges of industrial competitiveness, its researchers develop innovative solutions for sectors such as manufacturing and process industries, actively contributing to the digital and sustainable transition. While grounded in classical mechanical engineering, TEMA also invests significantly in emerging fields such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, and new artificial intelligence tools, strengthening its multidisciplinary profile and enabling the development of smarter and more adaptive solutions.
TEMA is part of the Portuguese Roadmap of Strategic Research Infrastructures and has been a founding member of the Associated Laboratory LASI (since 2021), where it leads the research line dedicated to Innovative and Sustainable Industries.
In 2025, the unit was evaluated by the Portuguese governmental agency for science and technology – the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) – and received the classification of EXCELLENT, the highest rating across all evaluation criteria. TEMA was ranked first among all research units in the scientific domain of mechanical and industrial engineering, according to the international evaluation panel.
It is with a strong sense of responsibility and enthusiasm that I take on the role of Coordinator of the Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation (TEMA).
TEMA is far more than a collection of laboratories or research lines; it is a cohesive scientific community with a distinct identity, built over the years through collaborative work, knowledge sharing, and the diversity of its expertise. We are a multidisciplinary group where the convergence of different fields of engineering and science generates meaningful innovation.
At present, we are united around three mobilising projects that form the strategic pillars of our scientific and technological mission. These projects reflect not only the maturity of the centre but also its ability to anticipate major industrial and societal challenges.
As coordinator, I am deeply committed to maintaining and strengthening TEMA’s excellence, not only in terms of scientific indicators, but above all, by valuing each of its members. I believe every researcher has something unique to contribute. It is our shared responsibility to create the right conditions for each person to overcome challenges, develop their full potential, and contribute with confidence to the collective good of our centre, our university, industry, and society.
Let us continue to advance the ambition, mutual support, and sense of belonging that define us. May TEMA remain a space where science is conducted with purpose, vision, and impact.
Paula Marques
Coordinator of TEMA
To create and disseminate scientific and technological knowledge of excellence, developing innovative solutions in the fields of mechanical engineering, advanced materials, and nanotechnology.
To foster active collaboration with industry and society, applying impactful engineering to address major challenges in industrial transformation, climate resilience, and social impact.
To empower researchers and partners to anticipate and tackle global challenges, contributing to sustainable transformation and technological progress with national and international relevance.
Events
News
Prof. João Paulo Davim has been awarded the highest professional distinction granted by the Portuguese Institution of Engineers
Recognised excellence: LEM renews its ISO 9001 certification for another 3 years
SLIC brought together experts and researchers in sustainable lighting at the University of Aveiro
UA researcher ranked as Portugal’s No. 1 in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
TEMA Achieves Top National Ranking with "Excellent" FCT Evaluation
In vitro 3D electrical stimulation technology: patent application in Europe and the USA
Efficient Water Supply & Wastewater Systems Forum
UAveiro researcher represents Europe in the Research in Engineering Education Network
UA researchers develop a more comfortable and efficient bicycle system
COOPERATION
At TEMA, cooperation is more than a strategy, it’s part of our identity. With a strong network of academic, industrial, and institutional partnerships, we lead multidisciplinary projects that transcend scientific and geographical boundaries. This natural inclination to work collaboratively drives innovation, knowledge transfer, and the creation of solutions with real impact on society.
Infrastructure
TEMA’s research infrastructure is one of the fundamental pillars of its scientific and technological capacity. With an integrated and multidisciplinary approach, TEMA brings together physical, human, and technical resources that support excellence in research and specialized services with national and international impact.
LASI
Intelligent Systems Associate Laboratory
LASI is a national reference laboratory in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, bringing together 13 leading research units in Portugal. Based at the University of Minho, it promotes collaborative and multidisciplinary research. TEMA is a founding member, leading the line on innovative and sustainable industries, with a focus on AI, digitalization, and advanced technologies.
Indicators
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- + 0PhD and Master's defenses per year
- + 0members (full, associate, collaborators)
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- + 0international partners