Two scientists from Embraer among 550 nominated for European Inventor Award 2024
Carmo and Catalano were selected among 550 candidates for the European Inventor Award
Two Brazilian scientists working with aircraft manufacturer Embraer have been named finalists in the European Inventor Award 2024.
According to a press statement by Embraer, the European Patent Office (EPO) has selected Micael Carmo and Fernando Catalano in the ‘Non-EPO Countries’ category for their work in sustainable aviation, particularly in reducing aircraft noise.
Embraer says that Carmo and Catalano were selected among 550 candidates for the European Inventor Award. The ceremony is scheduled for July 9 in Malta.
Embraer E195-E2
Embraer says that the two scientists represent teams from Embraer and research centres coordinated by the University of São Paulo (USP). Their work led to a significant reduction in noise and CO2 emissions in Embraer’s E2 jet.
It adds that the award ceremony will be organised by the EPO to honour individuals and teams. The nomination highlights the Brazilian silent aircraft programme’s contribution to Embraer’s E2 commercial jets, which are optimally suited for noise-restricted medium-haul flights, offering cost advantages in densely populated airport areas, benefiting airlines, and positively impacting local communities.
Henrique Langenegger
The finalists and winners are selected by an independent jury comprising former award finalists. Together, they will examine the proposals for their contribution towards technical progress, social and sustainable development, and economic prosperity. All inventors must have been granted a European patent for their invention.
“It is a huge honour for Embraer and the Zrazilian scientific community to be represented by Embraer engineer, Micael Carmo, and Professor Catalano, from the São Carlos School of Engineering EESC – USP. We strongly believe that collaboration between companies and research centres can produce innovations to make people’s lives better, and this program is a great example of that, congratulations to the entire team, part of what makes the Brazilian aeronautical industry globally respected for its efficiency and sustainability,” says Henrique Langenegger, Embraer Chief Engineer.
The Inventors
Micael Carmo earned his Mechanical Engineering degree along with a Master’s in Acoustics. For over two decades, he has been integral to Embraer’s interiors, noise, and vibration department, co-inventing seven patents that target aerodynamic noise reduction. Since the inception of the “Brazilian Silent Aircraft Programme” in 2006, he has been a pivotal figure.
Fernando Catalano boasts extensive expertise in aerodynamics, honed through years of focused research and teaching. As a Professor and former Head of the Aeronautical Engineering Department at the Sao Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo (EESC-USP) since 1982, he now serves as EESC-USP’s dean. His research encompasses wind tunnel design, drag minimisation techniques, and enhancing wing aerodynamics, along with contributions to experimental aeroacoustics.
