Rui A. R. Boaventura obtained his PhD in Chemical Engineering from FEUP in 1986 and started his research career at FEUP in 1972.  For over 50 years, he has developed a strong background in academic research and experience, transferring knowledge related to Environmental and Chemical Engineering to industry. His research career has been mainly focused on developing or applying eco-friendly processes and technologies for water pollution control towards sustainability and environmental protection. He coordinated or co-coordinated 94 research projects and is still involved in the FCT-financed project PhotoBioValue. Main research interests are in the areas of (i) assessment of surface water quality and pollution control;(ii) water and wastewater treatment; (iii) environmental impact assessment; (iv) transport and dispersion of pollutants in watercourses.

He is co-author of 309 Scopus-indexed documents (h-index 72 and ≈18700 citations), 18 book chapters and more than 430 communications in national and international meetings. He supervised or co-supervised 8 Postdoctoral projects, 29 PhD theses and 68 MSc dissertations.

He was Assistant Director (2008-2010) and Director (2010) of the Department of Chemical Engineering of FEUP, Coordinator of the MSc Program in Environmental Engineering (2002-2010), Director of the Doctoral Program in Environmental Engineering (2009-2010), Co-coordinator of the Environmental Engineering Master Program at FEUAN (Angola) (2007-2014) and Executive Director of Vila do Conde Ciência Viva Centre (ANCCT-UPorto-Municipality of Vila do Conde) (2017-2019).

In 2009, he was awarded the “Prémio de Incentivo Científico” by FEUP.