This May, Lucas Gomes, a visiting professor of mathematics and science at The Master’s University, won the prestigious Prémio Ciência award in Portugal for his 2024 research paper on debris floods.
The Prémio Ciência is a scientific award presented by the non-profit organization RISCOS, the Portuguese Association for Risks, Prevention and Safety. It exists to honor high-quality research that significantly advances the understanding and prevention of environmental risks and natural disasters.
Gomes and his co-authors received the Prémio Ciência at the 7th International Congress on Risks in Portugal on May 27.
Their paper is titled “Bivariate analysis of short duration extreme rainfalls. Application to the study of the debris floods (alluvium) in the Funchal region (Madeira Island).” Gomes researched and wrote it based on his master’s thesis at the University of Lisbon in Portugal, focusing on short but extreme rainfall events and their application to the disastrous 2010 storm and debris flooding on the Portuguese island of Madeira.
“We’re trying to understand these rainfalls better so we can prepare for those types of floods,” Gomes said.
Gomes, who has taught in TMU’s School of Science, Mathematics, Technology, and Health since 2021, conducted the research in collaboration with his University of Lisbon professor, Maria Manuela Portela, and postdoctoral researcher Luis Espinosa. The paper was published in “Territorium – International Journal of Risks,” an academic journal focusing on the science of risk assessment and recovery from natural disasters.
On being a Christian in his field of science, Gomes said, “It has allowed me to stay close to the truth on these things and experience humility, knowing that the world is much more complex than we think it is, and knowing that there’s an outside authority we always are under — the Bible.”
Learn more about TMU’s School of Science, Mathematics, Technology, and Health here.
