The International Union of Radio Science has awarded Nuno Borges de Carvalho the prestigious John Howard Dellinger Gold Medal. This is one of the most important international distinctions in the fields of radio science, telecommunications, and electromagnetic waves; it also marks the first time a Portuguese researcher has received this award.
A Full Professor and researcher at the Instituto de Telecomunicações, Nuno Borges de Carvalho described the distinction as “a great honour,” noting that it recognises years of scientific work as well as the national and international collaborations that have shaped his career. Beyond its personal significance, he emphasised the institutional impact, highlighting that the award reinforces the international visibility of the University of Aveiro and Portuguese research in a strategically important scientific domain.
The medal is part of a selection group of eight elite distinctions awarded by URSI and is presented only once at each General Assembly, held every three years. It specifically recognises his contributions to the development of SWIPT (Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transmission) technologies. This emerging field enables the simultaneous transmission of energy and information wirelessly, with growing relevance in areas such as the Internet of Things, biomedical devices, and next-generation communication networks.
The official award ceremony will take place on August 16, 2026, during the opening session of the URSI General Assembly and Scientific Symposium in Kraków.
We caught up with Nuno Borges de Carvalho to learn more about his research and the impact of this award on him.
What does receiving the John Howard Dellinger Medal represent to you, both personally and professionally?
Receiving the John Howard Dellinger Medal is a tremendous honour, both personally and professionally. On a personal level, it represents recognition of years of dedication, curiosity, and perseverance in advancing radio science. Professionally, it confirms the relevance and impact of the research I have been developing, while also highlighting the contribution of my team and the institutions I am part of. It is especially meaningful to see Portugal represented globally in the field of telecommunications and electromagnetic waves through this award.
How can this international recognition impact the future of research developed at Instituto de Telecomunicações and in Portugal?
This recognition brings visibility to the excellent research carried out at DETI, Instituto de Telecomunicações, and in Portugal. It can foster stronger international collaborations, attract talent and investment, and open new opportunities for high-impact scientific projects. More broadly, it strengthens Portugal’s ability to contribute to cutting-edge developments in radio science and telecommunications, inspiring the next generation of researchers and consolidating the country’s position within global research networks.
Your work on SWIPT technologies has been central to this distinction. What are the most promising applications of this technology in the near future?
SWIPT technologies have enormous potential across multiple domains. Soon, they are expected to be applied in Internet of Things ecosystems, enabling low-power devices to operate autonomously without frequent battery replacement. Other promising areas include biomedical implants, smart cities, and next-generation wireless networks, particularly in scenarios where energy efficiency and sustainability are critical.
How have international collaborations contributed to your career, and what role will they play in future scientific challenges?
International collaborations have been fundamental throughout my career, providing opportunities to exchange ideas with leading experts, access advanced facilities, and approach problems from diverse perspectives. Looking ahead, they will remain essential to addressing complex scientific challenges, from advanced wireless communications to sustainable energy transfer and space applications.
What message would you like to share about research in this field, particularly in Portugal?
Research in radio science and wireless energy transfer technologies in Portugal is developing rapidly. This recognition shows that quality, innovation, and dedication can place the country at the forefront of global science. Investing in young researchers, fostering international collaboration, and supporting ambitious, high-impact projects will be key to sustaining this progress.