João Castro Gomes, Full Professor at the University of Beira Interior, earned his PhD from the University of Leeds, UK. He has since advanced sustainable construction materials, focusing on carbonated and alkali-activated cementitious materials. His research emphasises recycling industrial waste into eco-efficient binders, pioneering solutions to reduce the construction industry’s carbon footprint. João has led significant projects like REMINE and CSTO2NE, fostering European collaboration and industry partnerships. Committed to mentoring, he has supervised numerous PhD and master’s students, shaping future leaders in civil engineering sustainability.