CERIS Researcher Maria Manuela Portela Receives “Prémio Ciência” 2024

CERIS is pleased to announce that Professor Maria Manuela Portela, CERIS researcher and faculty member at Instituto Superior Técnico, on receiving the "Prémio Ciência" 2024 for the paper "Bivariate analysis of short duration extreme rainfalls. Application to the study of the debris floods (alluviums) in the Funchal region (Madeira Island)", co-authored with Lucas Gomes and Luis Espinosa.

The award was presented on 27 May 2026 during the 7th International Congress on Risks, organised by the Portuguese Association for Risks, Prevention and Safety (RISCOS) in collaboration with the CEGOT – Centre for Studies in Geography and Spatial Planning of the University of Coimbra.

The awarded paper, published in Territorium – International Journal of Risks (Issue 31(I)), investigates the bivariate analysis of short-duration extreme rainfall events and applies this methodology to the study of debris floods (alluviums) in the Funchal region of Madeira Island. By improving the understanding of extreme rainfall behaviour and its relationship with debris flood events, the research contributes to more accurate hazard assessment and supports the development of strategies for risk prevention and territorial resilience.

This recognition reflects the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing the increasing challenges posed by extreme weather events and natural hazards, particularly in regions vulnerable to intense precipitation and associated geomorphological processes.

CERIS warmly congratulates Maria Manuela Portela, Lucas Gomes, and Luis Espinosa on this prestigious distinction and on their valuable contribution to advancing scientific knowledge in the field of natural hazards and risk assessment.