Assist. Prof. Dr. Alice Maria Correia Vilela | Enological Sciences | Best Paper Award

Dr. Alice Maria Correia Vilela is a distinguished researcher and Assistant Professor at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), with expertise in enology and microbiology. She has made significant contributions to wine science, particularly in volatile acidity bioreduction, wine microbiology, and sensory evaluation. With over 80 publications in international journals, numerous book chapters, technical papers, and conference proceedings, her scholarly impact is notable. Dr. Vilela has successfully supervised multiple theses and collaborated with more than 110 researchers. She actively participates in national and international research projects and serves as a reviewer and editorial board member for various high-impact journals. Her academic excellence is recognized through prestigious awards and continuous involvement in innovative research. Given her strong publication record, leadership in research projects, and influence in the field of food and wine science, she is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Paper Award, although continued focus on groundbreaking innovation could further enhance her candidacy.

Professional Profile

• Google Scholar
• ORCID Profile

Dr. Alice Maria Correia Vilela has a strong academic background rooted in enology and microbiology. She earned her degree in Food Engineering, followed by a Master’s in Food Science and Technology, both from the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD) in Portugal. She later obtained her Ph.D. in Enology, also from UTAD, where her research focused on the sensory and microbiological aspects of wine production. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Vilela has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing scientific understanding in the areas of wine quality, fermentation, and microbial control. Her education has equipped her with a multidisciplinary foundation, enabling her to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications in the wine and food industries. This robust educational pathway has been essential in shaping her into a leading academic and researcher in her field, contributing to the development of innovative techniques and methodologies within enology and related sciences.

Dr. Alice Maria Correia Vilela’s research interests lie at the intersection of wine microbiology, sensory analysis, and innovative fermentation technologies. Her work focuses on understanding the role of microorganisms in wine production, particularly how yeast and bacterial strains influence aroma, flavor, and overall wine quality. She is deeply interested in exploring non-conventional yeasts and their potential to improve or diversify sensory profiles in wines. Dr. Vilela also investigates the effects of climate change on grape and wine composition, aiming to develop adaptive fermentation strategies that maintain quality under changing environmental conditions. Another core aspect of her research involves enhancing sustainability in winemaking through the use of bio-based solutions and waste valorization. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates microbiology, chemistry, and sensory science, contributing to the development of innovative and eco-friendly practices in the wine industry. Her research is both scientifically rigorous and practically applicable, benefiting producers and advancing the field of enology.

Dr. Alice Maria Correia Vilela has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the fields of enology and food science. Her innovative research in wine microbiology and sensory analysis has earned her prestigious accolades from academic institutions and professional organizations both nationally and internationally. She has been honored for her excellence in scientific publications, including recognition for her work in peer-reviewed journals and her contributions to advancing sustainable wine production practices. Dr. Vilela has also received awards for her role in academic mentorship, supporting the development of young researchers and students in the field. Her work has been highlighted in international conferences, where she has been invited as a keynote speaker and panelist. These honors reflect her leadership, dedication to scientific advancement, and impactful contributions to the wine and beverage research community. They underscore her reputation as a highly respected and influential expert in her discipline.

Dr. Alice Maria Correia Vilela possesses a wide range of advanced research skills that have significantly contributed to her success in the fields of enology, food science, and microbiology. She excels in experimental design, analytical chemistry, sensory evaluation, and microbiological techniques, allowing her to conduct comprehensive studies on wine fermentation, flavor profiling, and beverage innovation. Her expertise includes the application of chromatographic and spectrometric methods for compound identification and quantification, as well as statistical data analysis using multivariate techniques. Dr. Vilela is proficient in managing interdisciplinary research projects, collaborating with both academic and industry partners to drive innovation in sustainable and functional beverages. Her ability to bridge scientific theory with practical applications demonstrates her problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. Additionally, her strong communication and writing skills enable her to effectively disseminate research findings through high-impact journals and international conferences, positioning her as a skilled and influential researcher in her domain.

Conclusion

Alice Maria Correia Vilela is highly suitable for a Best Paper Award, assuming the submission includes a strong representative paper with measurable impact. Her academic achievements, publication track record, collaborative research, and editorial roles showcase a career marked by excellence, dedication, and influence in her field.

To strengthen the nomination, it would be helpful to:

• Identify and emphasize one specific groundbreaking paper with significant contributions.

• Include quantitative impact metrics (citations, journal impact factor, real-world use).

• Highlight how the paper aligns with current challenges or innovations in food science and enology.

Publications Top Noted

• Title: Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in grape juices: A chemical and sensory view
  Authors: F. Cosme, T. Pinto, A. Vilela
  Year: 2018
  Citations: 169

• Title: The impact of acetate metabolism on yeast fermentative performance and wine quality: reduction of volatile acidity of grape musts and wines
  Authors: A. Vilela-Moura, D. Schuller, A. Mendes-Faia, R.D. Silva, S.R. Chaves, …
  Year: 2011
  Citations: 146

• Title: From Sugar of Grape to Alcohol of Wine: Sensorial Impact of Alcohol in Wine
  Authors: A.M. Jordão, A. Vilela, F. Cosme
  Year: 2015
  Citations: 128

• Title: Bioactive (poly) phenols, volatile compounds from vegetables, medicinal and aromatic plants
  Authors: T. Pinto, A. Aires, F. Cosme, E. Bacelar, M.C. Morais, I. Oliveira, …
  Year: 2021
  Citations: 120

• Title: Use of nonconventional yeasts for modulating wine acidity
  Authors: A. Vilela
  Year: 2019
  Citations: 103

• Title: Lachancea thermotolerans, the Non-Saccharomyces Yeast that Reduces the Volatile Acidity of Wines
  Authors: A. Vilela
  Year: 2018
  Citations: 103

• Title: Red fruits composition and their health benefits—A review
  Authors: F. Cosme, T. Pinto, A. Aires, M.C. Morais, E. Bacelar, R. Anjos, …
  Year: 2022
  Citations: 101

• Title: Reduction of volatile acidity of wines by selected yeast strains
  Authors: A. Vilela-Moura, D. Schuller, A. Mendes-Faia, M. Côrte-Real
  Year: 2008
  Citations: 94

• Title: Influence of osmotic dehydration process parameters on the quality of candied pumpkins
  Authors: A.S. Abraão, A.M. Lemos, A. Vilela, J.M. Sousa, F.M. Nunes
  Year: 2013
  Citations: 91

• Title: An overview of sensory characterization techniques: From classical descriptive analysis to the emergence of novel profiling methods
  Authors: C. Marques, E. Correia, L.T. Dinis, A. Vilela
  Year: 2022
  Citations: 90

• Title: Composition of nuts and their potential health benefits—An overview
  Authors: B. Gonçalves, T. Pinto, A. Aires, M.C. Morais, E. Bacelar, R. Anjos, …
  Year: 2023
  Citations: 80

• Title: Consumer’s acceptability and health consciousness of probiotic and prebiotic of non-dairy products
  Authors: F. Cosme, A. Inês, A. Vilela
  Year: 2022
  Citations: 69

• Title: Effects of calcium and growth regulators on sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) quality and sensory attributes at harvest
  Authors: S. Correia, F. Queirós, C. Ribeiro, A. Vilela, A. Aires, A.I. Barros, R. Schouten, …
  Year: 2019
  Citations: 65