Edgar Carneiro (EC), a master in Materials Engineering since 2011 from University of Minho (UM), got his PhD in Materials Engineering from the University of Minho (UM), Portugal in 2024 (Norte2020: NORTE-08-5369-FSE-000047). EC’s scientific career has been dedicated to the advanced functionalization of surfaces using cutting-edge materials technology and its characterization. A significant portion of his work has been carried out in collaboration with industry partners, where he has focused on enhancing product value and addressing the unique challenges and demands of end-users. Following his Master's thesis, in which he functionalized ureteral stents with silver-doped DLC to enhance the antibacterial response, EC joined a collaborative project (February 2012 - August 2013) with porcelain industry leader, Vista Alegre Atlantis. Here, EC functionalized porcelain glazes with electrospun TiO2 and Al2O3 nanostructures to improve mechanical strength and prevent metal marking. Concurrently, recognizing the need to bridge the gap between academia and industry, EC pursued a Postgraduate degree in Industrial Engineering from late 2012 to 2016. In 2014, he embarked on an internship at Prohs. There, he leveraged silica nanoparticles to develop a novel solution for increasing the corrosion resistance of welded joints in sterilization equipment exposed to saline environments. After a brief return to the academia (IPC (Institute of Polymers and Composites)), EC embarked on a new role at Leica, where he focused on anodizing exterior components of photographic equipment and chrome-plating smaller parts. This experience highlighted the pressing need for the industry to replace hexavalent chromium electroplating processes with more environmentally friendly alternatives. Securing a doctoral scholarship in the Doctoral Program in Surface Engineering in late 2016, Edgar transitioned from industry and dedicated his doctoral research to developing substitutes for hexavalent chromium in various industrial processes. Intriguingly, he discovered a widespread concern among industries regarding this issue, enabling him to collaborate with companies on his research projects. His initial collaboration was with INCM, where he worked to replace chromium plating processes for coin dies. Subsequently, he engaged in two projects with KLC, aiming to replicate the appearance of chrome-plated polymeric and aluminum components used in the automotive industry through sputtering of thin films of Cr(Al, Si)N . Beyond aesthetics, these coatings needed to withstand human touch and sweat-induced corrosion. This work resulted in 3 papers and several oral and poster presentation. In 2020, EC was involved in a project focused on developing multifunctional coatings for 3D printed stoneware. By depositing Ti(O)N and Ag-Ti(O)N films, and successfully combined aesthetic appeal with antimicrobial properties, marking his initial venture into additive manufacturing (AD). Building on this experience, EC participated in the I9LOGO project, where he functionalized hybrid moulds created through AD with metallic films deposited via sputtering. This project, coupled with parts of his Ph.D’s thesis research on polymer substrates, provided a solid foundation in the deposition of thin films onto polymers using sputtering techniques. During the final phase of his doctoral studies, EC was involved in the i4REV project, developing advanced functional coatings for polymeric components in the automotive industry. EC successfully deposited transparent, multi-layer SiAlOx-NbOx films on polymer with exceptional anti-reflective optical properties in the visible spectrum, achieving ultra-low reflectance. EC's recent work as an external researcher introduced him to the field of radio frequency sputtering. Through this role, he developed expertise in the production of LiCoO2-based films for micro batteries, a critical component in the advancement of miniaturized energy storage devices.