Dr. Pedro Pereira | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award
Universidade de Évora, Portugal
Author Profile
🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Pedro Miguel Martins Pereira’s journey into the world of geoscience began with an insatiable curiosity about the Earth’s inner workings. This passion took root during his undergraduate studies at the University of Aveiro, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering, a program that also included formative time at Charles University in Prague. These dual academic settings allowed Pedro to develop a solid foundation in geological sciences while benefiting from international exposure. His early work focused on fracture characterization in granite massifs, reflecting a hands-on approach to structural geology and laying the groundwork for his future interest in complex subsurface systems.
Driven by a deepening interest in resource exploration and earth modeling, Pedro pursued a Master’s in Geological Resources at the University of Aveiro. There, he specialized in geostatistical seismic inversion methodologies, gaining expertise in interpreting geophysical data to understand geological variability in the subsurface. This phase of his academic life sharpened his analytical thinking and computational skills, key assets that would define his doctoral work.
In 2016, Pedro commenced a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), University of Lisbon, one of Portugal’s premier institutions. His thesis—Integration of geological constraints in geostatistical seismic inversion for reservoir characterization and monitoring—not only reflected his command over complex geophysical methods but also revealed his capacity to integrate multidisciplinary knowledge in solving real-world challenges related to reservoir modeling and resource monitoring.
🏗️ Professional Endeavors
Pedro’s professional endeavors are as robust as his academic achievements. As a seasoned geomodeller, geophysicist, and engineer, he has been involved in a series of prestigious European Union–funded research initiatives. In each project, he has not only contributed technically but also taken on roles of leadership and coordination, particularly in areas relating to subsurface modeling, CO₂ storage, and hydrogen storage.
He emerged as a technical and scientific leader in the PilotSTRATEGY project, part of the EU Horizon 2020 Programme. Here, Pedro managed a wide array of tasks—from analyzing geophysical anomalies and interpreting seismic reflection data, to developing conceptual geological models and conducting dynamic simulations of CO₂ plume dispersion. His work directly contributed to the assessment of potential CO₂ storage sites in Portugal, ensuring that geological and geophysical data were seamlessly integrated into 3D static and dynamic models.
In parallel, Pedro has also contributed to the CTS (CO₂ Transport and Storage) project, exploring ship-based solutions for offshore storage. His work has focused on techno-economic evaluations, life-cycle analyses, and value-chain integrations, providing insights into how CO₂ can be transported efficiently to offshore storage sites.
Perhaps most impressively, Pedro currently serves as the Principal Investigator (PI) for the H2GeoStore project, which explores hydrogen geological storage. This cutting-edge initiative not only pushes the envelope in energy transition science but also underscores Pedro’s role at the forefront of sustainable energy research.
🧪 Contributions and Research Focus
Pedro’s research centers on subsurface geoscience applications for the energy transition, including CO₂ geological storage, hydrogen storage in porous media, and seismic inversion techniques. His expertise lies in connecting geological complexity with engineering solutions, making use of 3D geological modeling, uncertainty analysis, and geomechanical simulations.
His methodological contributions are particularly evident in the integration of geological constraints in geostatistical seismic inversion, allowing for more accurate reservoir characterization. His research also extends to life-cycle assessments and techno-economic analysis of carbon storage strategies, offering not only scientific insights but also operational guidance for energy planners and policymakers.
Pedro’s interdisciplinary approach—bridging geology, engineering, data science, and economics—reflects a rare combination of technical proficiency and strategic foresight. He doesn’t just model reservoirs; he helps define the rules of sustainable subsurface utilization.
🏅 Accolades and Recognition
Pedro’s excellence in geoscience research has been recognized through his involvement in high-profile EU projects and his visibility across major academic databases. With a Scopus Author ID, ORCID, Web of Science Researcher ID, and Ciência ID, Pedro’s work is well-documented and easily accessible to the global scientific community. His leadership roles in European consortia are themselves testaments to his scientific credibility and collaborative strength.
His ability to bridge academia and applied science has made him a valued asset across several research institutions, including UEVORA, and collaborative networks such as BRGM, IGME, IFPEN, CERTH, NORCE, and many others.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Pedro’s influence extends beyond scientific circles into energy policy and infrastructure planning. His work in the PilotSTRATEGY, CTS, HySTORIES, and StrategyCCUS projects has directly supported Europe’s efforts toward carbon neutrality and hydrogen economy development. By identifying and characterizing geological formations suitable for CO₂ and hydrogen storage, Pedro is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of low-carbon energy systems in Europe.
Moreover, his scientific outputs are actively informing national and regional strategies, helping ensure that geological resources are sustainably managed in the face of climate change.
🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions
Pedro Miguel Martins Pereira is not merely contributing to existing paradigms—he is actively building new frameworks for how we understand and utilize the Earth’s subsurface. His ongoing research into hydrogen interactions in porous media, coupled with his commitment to technological integration, places him at the heart of a global shift in energy infrastructure.
Looking ahead, his legacy will likely be characterized by a balance of scientific precision, environmental responsibility, and visionary leadership. With the ability to combine theory, technology, and societal need, Pedro is set to remain a leading voice in geoscience and sustainable energy research for years to come.
📝Notable Publications
Hydrogen geological storage in saline aquifers based on seasonal and hourly cyclic profiles and the effects of integrating cushion gas
Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Year: 2025
Hydrogen Storage in Heterogeneous Reservoirs: Evaluating Well Configurations and Cushion Gas Impact
Conference: 5th EAGE Global Energy Transition Conference & Exhibition
Year: 2024
Learnings from 3D Facies Modelling for CO2 Geological Storage in the Offshore of Lusitanian Basin, Portugal
Conference: Fifth EAGE Conference on Petroleum Geostatistics
Year: 2023
Assessing Offshore Prospects for CO2 Storage in Portugal: From Pilot-Scale to Commercial Site
Conference: The Fourth EAGE Global Energy Transition Conference and Exhibition
Year: 2023
Economic Evaluation of CCUS Scenarios in the Lusitanian Basin
Conference: 7th APEEN Annual Conference
Year: 2023