José Firmino Aguilar Madeira

Coordinator Professor at ADM/ISEL/IPL | Integrated Researcher at IDMEC/IST/ULisboa | Optimization & Decision Sciences

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Research Highlights
Topology Optimization using Python

ADDRESS

ISEL, Rua Conselheiro Emídio Navarro, 1
1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal
Email: jose.madeira(at)isel.pt

and

IDMEC, IST, Universidade de Lisboa
Ed. de Mecânica 2 - Sala 2.31,
Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Email: aguilarmadeira(at)tecnico.ulisboa.pt

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SCIENTIFIC INDICATORS

ORCID iD: 0000-0001-9523-3808
Research ID: N-6918-2016
Scopus Author ID: 7003405549
Ciência ID: 6F1E-DCF0-D6EC
Google Scholar: Profile
GitHub: https://github.com/aguilarmadeira

50 publications indexed in Web of Knowledge (h-index = 15) | 55 publications in Scopus (h-index = 16) | Over 2,100 citations on Google Scholar

EDUCATION

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Biographical Sketch

José Firmino Aguilar Madeira completed his Habilitation in Mathematics in 2021 at the Universidade de Évora (with distinction), PhD in Mathematics in 2019 and PhD in Mechanical Engineering in 2004, both at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa. He is Coordinator Professor at the Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa (ISEL), Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, and Integrated Scientific Researcher at IDMEC — Instituto de Engenharia Mecânica, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa.

His research lies at the intersection of mathematical optimization and Decision Sciences. He develops Derivative-Free Optimization (DFO) algorithms for problems where gradients are unavailable, having created three original algorithms — DMS (Direct Multisearch), GLODS, and MultiGLODS — with over 2,100 citations on Google Scholar. He applies these methods to real-world decision problems in logistics, transport, resource allocation, and decision support systems, through sustained partnerships with Portuguese companies and institutions including GALP, Tecmic, CML/EMEL, CTT, Exide Technologies, and Grupo Lusíadas Saúde.

He is currently leader of Working Group 2 (Mixed Continuous and Discrete Optimization) in COST Action CA22137 ROAR-NET (35 countries). He has submitted a proposal to the European Defence Fund as PI, coordinating 25 entities across 8 EU countries with support from the Portuguese Ministry of National Defence (under evaluation). He submitted an ERC Advanced Grant application that received very good evaluation with encouragement to improve specific topics and resubmit. His current research programme, AXIS (Advanced eXpertise and Integration for Solutions), focuses on developing non-heuristic DFO methods for mixed variables with AI integration, in collaboration with Tecmic, GALP, and CML/CGIUL.

His three published algorithms in DFO with Direct Search Methods cover the full spectrum of optimization problems: DMS (Custódio et al., 2011) for local multi-objective optimization, GLODS (Custódio & Madeira, 2015) for global single-objective optimization, and MultiGLODS (Custódio & Madeira, 2018) for global multi-objective optimization. Through the application of these optimization techniques, his methods have pioneered innovative approaches across a wide range of engineering, scientific, and industrial sectors — including structural design, composite materials, aerospace engineering, biomedical applications, renewable energy systems, railway transport, maritime logistics, crashworthiness, noise reduction, and urban mobility.

Most Cited Papers

  1. Direct Multisearch for Multiobjective Optimization
    A.L. Custódio, J.F.A. Madeira, A.I.F. Vaz, and L.N. Vicente
    SIAM Journal on Optimization, 2011 | 203+ citations
    Keywords: DMS algorithm, multi-objective optimization, derivative-free optimization, Decision Sciences
  2. Optimization of a wind powered desalination and pumped hydro storage system
    R. Segurado, J.F.A. Madeira, M. Costa, N. Duic, and M.G. Carvalho
    Applied Energy, 2016 | 72+ citations
    Keywords: energy systems optimization, renewable energy, desalination, multi-objective Decision Sciences
  3. Multiobjective design of viscoelastic laminated composite sandwich panels
    J.F.A. Madeira, A.L. Araujo, C.M. Mota Soares, C.A. Mota Soares, and A.J.M. Ferreira
    Composites Part B, 2015 | 61+ citations
    Keywords: multi-objective optimization, viscoelastic composites, DMS algorithm
  4. Multi-objective optimization of structures topology by genetic algorithms
    J.F.A. Madeira, H. Rodrigues, and H. Pina
    Advances in Engineering Software, 2005 | 60+ citations
    Keywords: topology optimization, genetic algorithms, multi-objective optimization
  5. Optimization of cruciform specimens for biaxial fatigue loading with direct multi search
    R. Baptista, R.A. Claudio, L. Reis, J.F.A. Madeira, I. Guelho, and M. Freitas
    Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics, 2015 | 35+ citations
    Keywords: DMS algorithm, specimen optimization, biaxial fatigue
  6. Multiobjective optimization of ceramic-metal functionally graded plates using a higher order model
    V.M. Franco Correia, J.F. Aguilar Madeira, A.L. Araujo, and C.M. Mota Soares
    Composite Structures, 2018 | 32+ citations
    Keywords: multi-objective optimization, functionally graded materials, structural design
  7. Multiobjective optimization of viscoelastic laminated sandwich structures using the Direct MultiSearch method
    J.F.A. Madeira, A.L. Araujo, C.M. Mota Soares, and C.A. Mota Soares
    Computers & Structures, 2015 | 32+ citations
    Keywords: DMS algorithm, multi-objective optimization, viscoelastic structures
  8. GLODS: Global and Local Optimization using Direct Search
    A.L. Custódio and J.F.A. Madeira
    Journal of Global Optimization, 2015 | 28+ citations
    Keywords: GLODS algorithm, global optimization, derivative-free optimization, Decision Sciences
  9. GA topology optimization using random keys for tree encoding of structures
    J.F.A. Madeira, H.L. Pina, and H.C. Rodrigues
    Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 2010 | 27+ citations
    Keywords: genetic algorithms, topology optimization, random keys encoding
  10. Multiobjective topology optimization of structures using genetic algorithms with chromosome repairing
    J.A. Madeira, H.C. Rodrigues, and H. Pina
    Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 2006 | 27+ citations
    Keywords: multi-objective topology optimization, genetic algorithms, chromosome repairing
  11. Multiobjective optimization of functionally graded material plates with thermo-mechanical loading
    V.M.F. Correia, J.F.A. Madeira, A.L. Araujo, and C.M. Mota Soares
    Composite Structures, 2019 | 25+ citations
    Keywords: multi-objective optimization, functionally graded materials, thermo-mechanical loading
  12. Optimal design for active damping in sandwich structures using the Direct MultiSearch method
    A.L. Araujo, J.F.A. Madeira, C.M. Mota Soares, and C.A. Mota Soares
    Composite Structures, 2013 | 25+ citations
    Keywords: DMS algorithm, active damping, sandwich structures, optimal design
  13. Multiobjective optimization for vibration reduction in composite plate structures using constrained layer damping
    J.F.A. Madeira, A.L. Araujo, C.M. Mota Soares, and C.A. Mota Soares
    Computers & Structures, 2020 | 24+ citations
    Keywords: multi-objective optimization, vibration reduction, constrained layer damping
  14. Multi-objective optimization of pultruded composite sandwich panels for building floor rehabilitation
    M. Garrido, J.F.A. Madeira, M. Proença, and J.R. Correia
    Construction and Building Materials, 2019 | 24+ citations
    Keywords: multi-objective optimization, pultruded composites, building rehabilitation