The Portuguese Materials Society – SPM

Welcome Message

DEAR MEMBERS OF SPM AND COMMUNITY OF MATERIALS IN GENERAL 

It is with great pleasure and also with a great sense of responsibility that I accepted to be the current President of the Portuguese Society of Materials (SPM), and it is in that role that I speak to all members of SPM and the national community of Materials. 

SPM was created in 1981 and since then has been a strong link between the various actors on the national scene of science and engineering of Materials. 

 

Throughout these years, among other initiatives, SPM was able to create an international biennial event (Materiais), during which it discloses, in and outdoors, the achievements of science and engineering in the area of Materials in Portugal.

More recently, the journal of SPM, Science & Technology of Materials, became a regular edition of Elsevier, contributing once again to a broad increase in the visibility and impact of the activities in Materials in Portugal.

After 33 years, SPM is undoubtedly an established society, however, if we modernize and join efforts, we will be able to make a difference, do even better and change… maybe the world.

In a globally competitive and ever-changing reality and in a full economic and financial crisis, I believe that SPM has a very important role in the Portuguese society. So, with this mission in mind, and continuing the work of the previous presidents, I will be the engine to help build a dynamic and interactive Materials community that fosters excellence through promotion, collaboration and interdisciplinarity.

Today, opportunities are greater than ever. Thus, it is intended that SPM takes a leadership role in the dissemination of information on science and technology of Materials in order to help educate the public and also political and economic actors, about the vital role of the Materials to meet the challenges of the future. It is intended to assert the crucial role that SPM must have in the professional growth of its members, helping them to thrive in a global world. Finally, we intend to strengthen the contribution of SPM in the development of the national industries in the area of Materials and related.

However, this difficult and challenging mission will only be possible with the mobilization of all the society members. On my own behalf and the current Board of Directors, we hope to count on everyone, and in particular with the Technical Committees, whose dynamism and commitment are crucial to meet the goals of SPM.

For a modern, dynamic and innovative SPM, that acts as an engine of change…

Paula Vilarinho, May 2014