Professor Luiz Cotica
Associate Professor | Researcher | Innovator in Materials Science and Sustainable Technologies
With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, I am a dedicated physicist and researcher committed to advancing materials science, fostering innovation, and addressing global challenges in healthcare and sustainability. My academic journey began at Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), where I earned my Bachelor’s (1998), Master’s (2001), and Ph.D. (2005) in Physics. I further honed my expertise through a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Texas at San Antonio (2014), solidifying my international perspective.
Currently, I serve as an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at UEM and am a Permanent Faculty Member of the university’s Graduate Programs in Physics and Environmental Biotechnology. My leadership experience includes high-level administrative roles such as Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies (2020–2022), Director of Research (2018–2020), and Coordinator of UEM’s Innovation and Technology Hub (2018–2020). I also led the Graduate Program in Physics, which earned a prestigious CAPES score of 6 (a national recognition for academic excellence).
Scientific Leadership and Infrastructure Development
From 2016 to 2018, I directed UEM’s Multiuser Central Laboratory (COMCAP), a cutting-edge facility housing over 120 advanced instruments that support 3,000+ researchers annually. My commitment to global collaboration drove my role as one of the coordinators of UEM’s Internationalization Laboratory, where I partnered with CAPES and Fulbright Foundation to secure 36 international initiatives, expanding the university’s global footprint. I have also spearheaded the installation and maintenance of state-of-the-art research equipment at UEM and established robust national and international collaborative networks.
Research Expertise
My work bridges Physics and Materials Engineering, focusing on innovative solutions for healthcare, energy, and sustainability. Key areas include:
Multifunctional Materials: Development of multiferroic ceramics, magnetic nanoparticles for biomedical applications (e.g., cancer therapies), and smart zero-carbon energy systems.
Advanced Characterization: Expertise in X-ray/neutron diffraction (Rietveld refinement), electron microscopy, magnetic/dielectric measurements, and thermal analysis.
AI-Driven Innovation: Pioneering machine learning and artificial neural networks to predict material properties and optimize device performance.
Techniques such as sol-gel synthesis and high-energy ball milling underpin my research, enabling breakthroughs in ceramic materials, structural refinement, and biomedical technologies.
Impact and Vision
My projects aim to translate scientific discovery into real-world impact, aligning with global priorities in sustainability, healthcare, and clean energy. I actively participate in international scientific committees and collaborate with leading institutions worldwide, reflecting my commitment to advancing science without borders.