There are research projects that stem from academic challenges. Others begin much earlier, through personal experiences that spark the desire to find solutions capable of improving people’s lives. Mariana Mendes’ dissertation, a student I had the privilege of co-supervising in the Master’s program in Digital Transformation at the University of Maia (UMAIA), clearly falls into this second category.

After two years of dedication, Mariana completed her master’s degree with a dissertation entitled “m-Health as a Tool for Digital Transformation in Peritoneal Dialysis,” a work that combines scientific research, technological innovation, and a strong human component.

A research project with an impact on health

The research led to the creation of MeuRim, a prototype mobile application designed to support the management of peritoneal dialysis, a treatment for people with chronic kidney disease.

The project sought to demonstrate how m-Health solutions can be effective tools for Digital Transformation in Healthcare, promoting better treatment management, supporting decision-making, and contributing to greater proximity between patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

Throughout the dissertation, Mariana had the opportunity to interact with patients, family members, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, listening to their experiences, identifying specific needs, and transforming that knowledge into a digital innovation proposal with potential social impact.

This work demonstrates that true digital transformation lies not only in technology, but above all in the ability to respond to real problems and improve people’s quality of life.

An investigation inspired by her grandmother

However, there is one aspect that makes this dissertation particularly special.

As Mariana herself shared, this research began long before the first bibliographic reference. It began with her grandmother, Olympia, who suffered from kidney disease for three years and whose experience was the main inspiration for the development of this project.

It was the desire to contribute to a better quality of life for people who face the daily challenges of chronic kidney disease that gave meaning to this research and motivated the creation of the MeuRim prototype.

Unfortunately, just one week after the dissertation presentation, Grandma Olympia passed away.

This circumstance gives the work a profoundly human and emotional dimension. More than an academic investigation, this dissertation represents a tribute to the person who inspired its development and highlights how science can be born from empathy, lived experience, and the genuine desire to make a difference.

An academic achievement that deserves to be recognized

As co-supervisor, it was a privilege to follow the evolution of this project and witness the commitment, dedication, and scientific rigor demonstrated by Mariana over these two years.

The path taken reflects what I consider to be one of the greatest virtues of applied research: using scientific knowledge to respond to concrete societal challenges, bringing academia closer to the people who can most benefit from the solutions developed.

Projects like this demonstrate that technological innovation gains true meaning when it is placed at the service of health, well-being, and quality of life.

Congratulations, Mariana!

I want to offer my sincerest congratulations to Mariana Mendes on this important academic achievement.

I am certain that this will only be the beginning of a professional and scientific journey marked by the same commitment, sensitivity, and dedication she demonstrated throughout this project.

I wish her the greatest success in this new stage and hope she continues to develop innovative solutions capable of generating a positive impact on organizations and, above all, on people’s lives.

Congratulations on this achievement and for transforming a life story into a research project with real potential for social impact.