During January 2025, GECAD had the honor of hosting Professor Marcos Julio Rider Flores from UNICAMP, Brazil. His one-month visit was marked by several interactions and by a interesting seminar where he shared his vision on optimization techniques for power distribution networks, providing valuable perspectives to researchers and students working in the field of energy systems. About the same tiem, João Vitor Gomes Carneiro, a PhD student under Professor Rider’s supervision, presented his research as part of his three-month research visit at GECAD, supported by a FAPESP scholarship (from December 2024 to February 2025). His work focuses on strategic analysis for the optimal siting of energy storage systems in microgrids, a topic of significant relevance to the ongoing research at GECAD.

Professor Rider engaged in several other collaboration meetings with Dr. João Soares, Prof. Sérgio Ramos, Professor Zita Vale, Dr. Fernando Lezama, Dr. Tayenne Dias, and Professor Goreti Marreiros exploring potential research partnerships and academic exchanges between UNICAMP and ISEP. These discussions laid grounds for future joint initiatives in the domain of smart grids, energy flexibility, and power system optimization. The visit also included informal networking and social events, strengthening the ties between the two institutions.

The GECAD team was grateful to host Professor Rider and looks forward to continuing this promising collaboration.

(Attached are some moments from the visit, including João Vitor’s presentation, group discussions, and a social gathering with the GECAD team.)