André Coelho (CTM)

André Coelho (CTM)

“The CTM coordinators would like to nominate the researcher André Filipe Coelho. This nomination stems from André Coelho’s professionalism, motivation, and dedication in the various research activities he has been developing at CTM, leading to the successful completion of his PhD in Telecommunications, in June. Over four years, André Coelho produced several relevant scientific contributions, leading to 17 scientific publications in major conferences and journals. André Coelho was also part of the team that supervised 22 master’s and undergraduate students, and actively contributed to 11 research projects. In some of these projects, André took on task leadership roles and coordinated different activities with external partners. His excellent work has been crucial to improve CTM’s line of research dedicated to Wireless Flying Networks. The CTM coordinators would like to thank André Coelho for all his contributions, which are vital to CTM’s national and international position in this strategic research domain”.

– CTM coordinators

You’ve recently completed your PhD. Can you explain the type of work you’ve been developing and how it complements the CTM activities?

My PhD focused on the optimisation of flying wireless networks, including the management of communication resources and the positioning of said networks. Flying wireless networks feature unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) that carry communication nodes on board, allowing the implementation, re-implementation, and reinforcement of wireless coverage to support people, machines, and autonomous vehicles. The solutions I developed make it possible to determine the minimum number of drones required, their optimal positioning and the efficient allocation of communication resources to meet target requirements for wireless coverage and heterogeneous quality-of-service guarantees, using shared networks.

My work aligns with INESC TEC’s position as a key international partner in flying wireless networks, defined as a strategic area for CTM since 2011.

Since you’re involved in Wireless Flying Networks research, what can you tell us more about the latest and/or main solutions developed by INESC TEC?

INESC TEC is internationally acknowledged for research in flying wireless networks – particularly considering extreme environments e.g., natural disaster management. These situations pose major challenges in terms of communication, especially since the current network infrastructures are likely to collapse or perform poorly. In order to address these challenges, our solutions resort to private flying wireless networks, which do not rely on other existing networks and can dynamically reconfigure themselves. This ensures that victims can communicate and call for help, even when existing network infrastructures fail. In addition, they ensure vital communication solutions for rescue teams, allowing data exchange with command centres and promoting better coordination of resources on the ground.

Which aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

As a researcher in telecommunications and wireless networks, the possibility of contributing to improving the quality of users’ experience in terms of communications networks and services is a great privilege. What motivates me the most is the opportunity to share knowledge with students, researchers, and various entities, including companies, research institutes and end-users, creating synergies for research and innovation.

How do you comment on this nomination?

It’s great to know that people acknowledge my work. I would like to thank INESC TEC for the inspiring research environment it provides, which has allowed me to improve as a researcher. I’d also like to thank CTM and the centre’s coordinators for their continuous personal and institutional support.