Daniel Barros, Daniel Silva and Sthefan Berwanger

Daniel Barros

“Daniel took responsibility for developing the OCPP modules that enabled communication between the FlexiHome application and the PlugTecac charger – the elements that formed the core of the demonstration presented at ENLIT Europe 2025. This technical work required a high level of expertise, commitment and attention to detail, and proved to be decisive for the success of the demonstration. In addition to this technical effort, Daniel showed extraordinary commitment to project delivery: he actively contributed to assembling the demonstration system, was available to solve problems in real time (under pressure), and consistently demonstrated professionalism and strong team spirit. The impact of his contribution went beyond the scope of the project, reinforcing INESC TEC’s external visibility, the credibility of technological capabilities and the quality of demonstrations before international partners and organisations. Given his overall performance and dedication, we believe he fully meets the conditions for this recognition.”

• CPES coordinators

You’re involved in the development of the OCPP modules enabling communication between the FlexiHome application and the PlugTecac charger. Could you explain a little bite more about this work, and how it featured in the ENLIT Europe demonstration?

The OCPP module used in the demonstration was not developed specifically for integration with the HEMS presented at ENLIT Europe. In fact, it stemmed from the adaptation and extension of INESC TEC’s charger management system – which I also developed – responsible for the communication and control of all chargers available at the institution. The work involved converting and adjusting this module to ensure compatibility and seamless integration with the FlexiHome application, guaranteeing stable communication fully aligned with the requirements of the demonstration use case. At ENLIT, the OCPP component was essential to enable real-time charging control, ensuring the operational reliability of the demonstration and clearly illustrating the integrated operation between the HEMS and the charger.

What can you tell us about the project itself (main objective, scope, innovative aspects, expected and/or achieved results, challenges, etc.)?

The project aims to demonstrate the integration of technologies focused on intelligent energy management in a residential context, combining electric vehicle charging control, device coordination and flexibility mechanisms. The scope includes software development and integration, interface standardisation and standards-based interoperability. The innovative aspect lies in the convergence of different technological layers – HEMS, smart charging and flexibility provision – within a coherent and demonstrable ecosystem. The main challenges included integrating heterogeneous systems, ensuring robust operation in a live demonstration context, and meeting technical requirements within a tight schedule. The results achieved demonstrate the maturity of the solution’s technology and reinforce INESC TEC’s ability to develop and demonstrate interoperable systems within the energy transition.

Which aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

I particularly value the opportunity to work on complex technological solutions applied to real challenges in the energy sector. The combination of software development, systems integration and multidisciplinary collaboration is especially motivating.

How do you comment on this nomination?

I’m very grateful, with a strong sense of responsibility. It is a recognition I greatly value, and it reflects not only my individual contribution, but also the collective work of the team and the continuous support of CPES.

Daniel Silva

“We’d like to nominate Daniel Silva for the positive results he has achieved, both in the preparation of service provision proposals for the forestry sector and for his active participation in the recently approved SMARTCUTv2 proposal. This new project elevates the results obtained in SMARTCUT to a level closer to commercialisation, strengthening the impact and relevance of the work carried out at TRIBE LAB @ INESC TEC.”

• CRIIS coordinators

You dedicated part of his work to the forestry sector. What attracts you to this area, and how does your work at INESC TEC contribute to it?

I particularly appreciate the forestry sector due to the strategic relevance and the real environmental, economic and social impact it can have. It is an area where technological innovation can make a concrete difference – whether in sustainable resource management, mitigating the effects of climate change or improving working conditions in the field. At INESC TEC, my work has focused on developing and integrating technological solutions – namely robotics, sensing and Artificial Intelligence – applied to real forestry contexts, always seeking to bring research closer to the sector’s needs.

Your participation in the SMARTCUTv2 proposal, which builds on SMARTCUT, was mentioned. What can you tell us about both projects, and what activities did you carry out?

The SMARTCUT project aimed to research and develop a modular solution for the sensing, remote maintenance and simulation of forestry machines, applied to remote diagnostics, forest monitoring and remote training. Within this project, my participation focused mainly on the technical component, through the development and prototyping of a solution capable of monitoring and performing forest inventory, contributing to a more efficient and systematic characterisation of the territory and on-site operations. SMARTCUT.v2 emerges as the “natural continuation” of the previous work, focusing on validation in real contexts and on bringing solutions closer to a higher level of technological maturity. To date, I have actively contributed to preparing the proposal, ensuring compliance between the scientific results achieved, the concrete needs of the forestry sector and the project’s technology valorisation objectives. From a technical standpoint, I will participate in developing a technological solution aimed at increasing the safety of forestry operators and all living beings present in the operational area, reinforcing the reliability and responsibility of technologies applied to the sector.

Which aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

What I enjoy most is the diversity of challenges and the opportunity to work on projects with real impact. The combination of research, technological development and practical application is extremely motivating.
I also value the collaborative environment at TRIBE LAB and INESC TEC, where there is room to discuss ideas, continuously learn and work with multidisciplinary teams. This constant exchange is essential for growth, both technically and personally.

How do you comment on this nomination?

I’m very happy and grateful. It is a recognition that makes me very proud and reflects not only my individual work, but also the collective effort of the TRIBE LAB team – whose spirit of collaboration, knowledge sharing and scientific ambition has been essential to the results achieved. This nomination is a strong motivation to continue investing in the quality of the work developed, to take on new challenges and to contribute to projects with positive impact, reinforcing INESC TEC’s role in innovation and science with impact through technology transfer to society.

Sthefan Berwanger

“We nominate the CESE researcher Sthefan Berwanger due to his exceptional competence in providing specialised consultancy in the areas of data management and data governance. His work has demonstrated technical thoroughness, innovation and the ability to tackle complex challenges, ensuring effective solutions that strengthen the quality and reliability of information management processes. This contribution has been decisive in building advanced capabilities in this area and in boosting the value of the research carried out by the Centre.”

• CESE coordinators

The coordinators mentioned your contribution to specialised consultancy in data management and data governance. What can you tell us about this work?

This work proved particularly challenging, both for the team and for the entity involved, as it required the fast identification of key internal barriers and gaps. In a second phase, the most appropriate methodologies and tools were selected according to the organisation’s current level of maturity. Finally, an integrated data governance and management framework was developed – which, in addition to meet the entity’s mission and strategic vision, contributes concretely to improving global competitiveness.

In addition to these activities, what else are you currently working on? Any particularly noteworthy initiatives or projects?

Concerning PRODUTECH, my contribution has focused on analysing, validating and improving the functional and non-functional requirements of industrial digital solutions, namely in the requirements and specifications management module within a PLM environment. As to the MAGPIE project, I have participated in developing governance frameworks for advanced digital solutions, focusing on organisational, regulatory and trust-related challenges associated with coordinating multiple stakeholders in complex ecosystems.
Finally, together with my co.workers, I have been developing a set of research and innovation activities and projects aimed at consolidating CESE as a reference in consultancy, data governance, digital transformation and sustainability.

Which aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

I particularly value the flexible, collaborative and supportive working environment among colleagues. In addition, the high level of technical and strategic discussions is extremely stimulating, constantly challenging me to step outside my comfort zone and deliver increasingly qualified contributions and results.

How do you comment on this nomination?

I’m very grateful to CESE’s coordinators; this nomination is a sign that I am on the right path, and brings me additional motivation to keep generating value, not only for INESC TEC, but also for the partner organisations with whom we collaborate.