Márcio de Oliveira Barros

Academic Trajectory: Professor Barros has a well-established trajectory in Computer Science, particularly in ​​Software Engineering. Throughout his academic career, he deepened his studies in the area by completing a Master’s and a Doctorate in Software Engineering.

During his Doctorate, he worked with mathematical modeling and project management. Subsequently, he moved into software design and optimization within Software Engineering. His work has always focused on team organization and efficiency in large-scale software development.

Currently, he is in a period of transition, seeking new perspectives both within and outside of Software Engineering. Among his recent interests, the application of Large Language Models in Software Engineering stands out, though he remains critical of this trend.

Scientific Contribution: Professor Barros has a well-established scientific activity, with regular publications in high-quality journals, contributing to the advancement of research in ​​Software Engineering.

Currently, he is involved in a research project with Professor Mello, exploring the applications of LLMs in Software Engineering. Initial results have been promising, opening new possibilities for the field.

Contribution to the PPGI: Professor Barros’ work at PPGI-UNIRIO has been marked by a strong commitment to student training. Even with a recent reduction in the number of advisees, he maintains a presence in supervising undergraduate and graduate students, ensuring quality oversight and encouraging scientific output within the program.

In addition to his dedication to academic training, the professor plays an active role in discussions on institutional evaluations and PPGI-UNIRIO goals, contributing to the development of guidelines that shape the program’s evolution. He also reflects on the need for greater cohesion among faculty, highlighting the importance of alignment to strengthen the program’s evaluation within academic bodies.

His participation in these areas demonstrates a commitment to the growth and consolidation of PPGI-UNIRIO as a center of excellence in computer science research.

Researcher Training: Professor Barros has been actively committed to training students, seeking to balance academic guidance with job-market preparation. In 2023, he lost four Master’s students, reflecting a broader problem in postgraduate studies: the increasing difficulty of retaining students.

He recognizes that Master’s and Doctoral degrees pose challenges for students, but believes that this training improves critical thinking skills and promotes professional development, making graduates better prepared to face market challenges.

Despite his involvement in academic research, most students pursue careers in the job market rather than continue in academic research. This scenario highlights a trend in the field of computer science, where professionals find numerous attractive opportunities outside academia, reinforcing the importance of an education that balances theoretical rigor and practical applicability.

Visibility and Impact in the Scientific Community: Professor Barros emphasizes the importance of scientific interaction in advancing research and building collaborations, but acknowledges challenges in this area. Lately, there has been a decrease in the publication of articles at scientific events, mainly due to a lack of funding, which has prevented his participation in these spaces.

Thus, he has focused on publications in journals, seeking greater impact and visibility for his research. However, he recognizes that scientific events remain essential for building collaborations with other researchers.

His presence on national and international committees has been a distinguishing factor in his work, especially at the Brazilian Symposium on Software Engineering (SBES) and at events in the field of Search-Based Software Engineering, where he contributes to academic debate and research evaluation.

His interinstitutional collaborations continue with researchers from COPPE, UFF, and UCL (London), although he has faced a gradual distancing from these partnerships due to less participation in international conferences.

Strategies for Disseminating Knowledge: Professor Barros adopts a traditional approach, emphasizing direct information exchange and classroom interaction. His dissemination occurs predominantly through word of mouth, allowing his research to organically reach students and colleagues within the academic environment.

During the pandemic, he intensified his activities by giving lectures on his research, helping disseminate his work when face-to-face interaction was limited. However, he maintains a discreet presence on social media, without a structured strategy to increase the visibility of his research on digital platforms.

He also reflects on the relevance of writing books in the digital age, recognizing this medium’s role in consolidating long-term knowledge. However, to date, there are no plans to publish a book.

Plans for 2025-2028:

1. Exploring New Research Areas

• • Continue investigating possibilities for a career transition.
  • Maintain research on LLMs in Software Engineering.

2. Strengthening Academic Production

• • Balancing publications between journals and conferences to ensure impact and networking.
  • Seeking funding for participation in events, promoting greater international engagement.

3. Improving Scientific Dissemination

• • Evaluating alternative strategies for disseminating research, in addition to interpersonal communication.
  • Encouraging students to share research on scientific networks.

4. Enhancing Institutional Collaboration

• • Strengthening interactions with national and international institutions.
  • Working to mobilize faculty for greater alignment with program goals.