As a Physics Engineer, I identify myself more as engineer than as a physicist. My current research interest is the design of instruments combining charged particles optics with electronics and mechanical construction. I’m driven by applications and functional prototypes. With a career spanning over three decades, I have contributed to various domains within academia and industry, particularly in Applied Surface Science, Vacuum Technology and Metrology and Instrumentation. Beginning my journey as a Teaching Assistant at Nova University of Lisbon in 1985, I gradually advanced through academia, attaining the position of Associate Professor in 2004, and Full Professor in 2020. During this time, I served as the Coordinator of the Master course in Engineering Physics and now as the Coordinator of the Doctoral Program in Engineering Physics. I became group leader in 2002 and Coordinator of the CEFITEC research unit in 2020. For about 20 years the focus of my research was surface characterization with an emphasis on sputtering and ion emission. However, I always paid close attention to instrumentation details such as ion sources, energy and mass analyzers and the necessary electronics for control and data acquisition. In 2002 I started a new endeavor at METROVAC which is an Accredited Laboratory for Calibration and Testing, drawing myself to the field of metrology. It offers specialized services to other laboratories and many private companies. In 2008 I underwent a process of training for ISO 9712 certification in Non-Destructive Testing level 3, allowing me to perform and oversee helium leak tests to the industry. The new skills acquired at METROVAC in ultra-low flow metrology led me to explore a new field related to cork. I began measuring the permeability of cork to gases and vapors, as well as the desorption of contaminants upon vacuum heating. After some key creative steps, I succeeded in refining processes for the extraction of TCA in natural stoppers. These processes are now being used by the world's largest cork stopper produce under a license contract. Since 2015, I have joined several European consortia in the field of vacuum metrology. One of these projects aimed to design a high-accuracy ionization gauge, resulting in proposing a novel design displaying much higher accuracy compared to existing gauges. Subsequently, a new ISO standard based on this design was submitted. Starting in 2021, I joined two other European consortia on gas metrology regarding the introduction of hydrogen into the gas grid and carbon capture, utilization, and storage of CO2. The goal is to provide support to regulatory entities and European gas operators regarding the quantification of small leaks using portable detectors. Throughout my career, I have been actively involved in many research projects and have secured substantial funding (national, private and European) to explore diverse topics such spanning surface spectroscopies, pressure measurement, gas flow metrology, and cork-related studies. Within the scientific community, I served as President of the Portuguese Vacuum Society, overseeing its activities and fostering collaboration among members. Moreover, I have chaired numerous conferences and scientific meetings, facilitating dialogue and knowledge exchange among peers. Furthermore, my editorial duties at the Vacuum Journal have provided a platform to contribute to the dissemination of research findings. Across my career trajectory, I have been dedicated to mentoring many researchers, graduate and undergraduate students, contributing significantly to the education in the field of Physics Engineering. My involvement in European consortia reflects my commitment to addressing pressing societal issues such as mitigating the emission of greenhouse gases. Currently, my focus on instrument design integrates my extensive background in Experimental Physics and technology, with the aim of pioneering disruptive solutions for the industry.