At the heart of northern Portugal, the Research Centre in Physical Activity Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), at the Faculty of Sport at the University of Porto (FADEUP) is home to a dynamic team of researchers playing a pivotal role in the SmartCHANGE project — an ambitious EU initiative dedicated to reducing the long-term risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in children and adolescents through artificial intelligence and digital health solutions.
The FADEUP team brings together decades of scientific expertise, hands-on community engagement, and a passion for creating healthier futures for young people. Working across multiple work packages, the Portuguese group contributes to the design of AI-driven tools, the development of evidence-based health interventions, and the promotion of sustainable, active lifestyles.
Meet the Minds Behind the Mission
At the helm of the Portuguese effort is José Carlos Ribeiro, Associate Professor with Habilitation at FADEUP. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Ribeiro specialises in the impact of structured physical activity interventions on vulnerable populations. His leadership in SmartCHANGE focuses on translating scientific evidence into AI-powered decision-support tools to encourage healthier behaviours among Europe’s youth.
"Our work is about making science practical — turning knowledge into tools that families, schools, and communities can use to promote lifelong health," says Ribeiro.
In addition to his role in SmartCHANGE, Ribeiro’s involvement in international initiatives strengthens the project’s foundation in cutting-edge physical activity research. His team is contributing both conceptual design and data-driven solutions for reducing risk factors associated with chronic illness in youth.
Another key figure in the team is Maria Paula Santos, an Assistant Professor with a strong commitment to social impact through participatory research. Her work bridges physical activity, urban planning, and sustainability, exploring how built and natural environments can influence health behaviours.
“We want to co-create cities and public spaces that invite movement, inclusion, and well-being,” she explains, emphasising the importance of involving communities in health innovation.
Translating Research into Real-Life Impact
Andreia Pizarro, who is also a professor at FADEUP, brings her expertise in health-promoting environments and intervention design. Her recent projects have explored how physical activity can be used to support both mental and physical health in youth — a perspective that is being directly applied in the creation of the SmartCHANGE app content.
Jorge Mota, Full Professor and President of the Scientific Council, contributes a legacy of research in paediatric physical activity and health. As one of the world’s most influential scientists, Mota's leadership adds weight to the development of robust, scalable health solutions within SmartCHANGE. His long-standing dedication to the field ensures that interventions are rooted in solid evidence and relevance.
Adding a developmental lens to the project is Clarice Martins, whose research delves into the complex relationships between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep. Her insights help shape how SmartCHANGE integrates holistic well-being strategies into its digital tools, emphasising not only movement, but also rest and recovery in children’s health routines.
Diogo Duarte Carvalho, a researcher at CIAFEL, complements the team with his background in physiology and biomechanics. His interdisciplinary approach strengthens the project’s ability to translate exercise science into practical, user-centred strategies for promoting active lifestyles — particularly through real-world pilot testing and feedback loops.
Medical Expertise in Action: The Pediatric Research Team
Supporting the project with deep clinical insight is Carla Rêgo, MD, PhD, a paediatrician at the Child and Adolescent Centre at Hospital CUF Porto. She is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto and a visiting professor at the Catholic University of Portugal. With certified expertise in Clinical Nutrition by the Portuguese Medical Association, Dr. Rêgo’s research focuses on early life programming of adult diseases, particularly the impact of nutrition on future health, pediatric obesity and its comorbidities, and the influence of physical activity on growth and maturation.
Dr. Rêgo is a pioneer in Portugal, having created the country’s first pediatric obesity consultation and the first sports medicine referral service for children. She also co-founded ACORDA, the first physical exercise-based intervention project targeting pediatric obesity. Within SmartCHANGE, she coordinates the pediatric research team at Hospital CUF Porto — composed of Francisco Cunha, MD, PhD; Hugo Tavares, MD; Carla Laranjeira, MD; Cristina Ferreira, MD; Susana Soares, MD; and Sizenando Cunha, MD, who are responsible for the project’s implementation among the Portuguese pediatric population. Their clinical experience and patient-centred perspective are essential to ensuring that the SmartCHANGE tools are medically sound, developmentally appropriate, and tailored to real-world healthcare needs.
From left to right: José Carlos Ribeiro, Maria Paula Santos and Carla Rêgo, MD, PhD
Co-Creation, Innovation, and the Future of Health Promotion
The Portuguese team is actively involved in co-creation workshops, working alongside families, children, and healthcare professionals to ensure that SmartCHANGE solutions are intuitive, engaging, and grounded in everyday realities. These participatory sessions are critical in aligning the app’s features with users’ expectations — both technically and ethically.
The team also collaborates closely with project partners across Europe. From AI model developers to public health experts, the FADEUP team contributes to interdisciplinary collaboration that is transforming health research into actionable tools.
As pilot testing begins, the Portuguese group remains focused on ensuring that SmartCHANGE delivers measurable impact — not just in data, but in the daily lives of young people.
“SmartCHANGE is about giving young people the tools to make healthier choices today — and the foundation for a better future tomorrow,” summarises Prof. Ribeiro.
With innovation rooted in empathy, and science fuelled by collaboration, the Portuguese team at FADEUP is helping to shape a new era of preventive technology-powered health - one smart change at a time.
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Image: Courtesy of the Portuguese SmartCHANGE Team
Text: José Carlos Ribeiro