Paulo Sergio Medeiros dos Santos

Academic Trajectory: Professor Medeiros dos Santos began his academic career at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), where he obtained his doctorate in Systems and Computer Engineering from COPPE. During his studies, he deepened his knowledge of Philosophy of Science and Scientific Methodology, but realized greater potential for impact in Software Engineering, an area strongly influenced by industry. After a three-year period away from academia, he resumed his research career and reoriented his focus towards evidence-based practice and learning in Computing. Currently, he works to strengthen dialogue between academia and industry, bringing students closer to market realities.

Scientific Contribution: Professor Medeiros dos Santos has a research line focused on evidence-based practice in Software Engineering, addressing primary studies (software inspection, code refactoring) and secondary studies (reference architecture, use of Kanban). He also works with evidence aggregation, bringing new perspectives to the structuring of scientific knowledge in the area. His most impactful publications include research on source code comprehensibility, the use of AI in software development, and action research methodology.

Contribution to the PPGI: Within the PPGI-UNIRIO, Professor Medeiros dos Santos integrates Software Engineering methodologies with research in Information Systems and computer science learning. He seeks to structure new learning and documentation processes for software development technologies, using strategies such as automation with Natural Language Processing (NLP) to transform industry-produced materials into computer science learning objects. He also coordinates the Software Residency, a project that connects students with companies and facilitates their transition into the job market.

Researcher Training: Professor Medeiros dos Santos emphasizes the importance of student autonomy and interdisciplinarity. He encourages his advisees to explore rigorous methodologies to produce evidence on software development technologies and, more generally, on information systems. He also seeks to increase student participation in scientific publications and projects with real impact.

Key qualities highlighted by Professor Medeiros dos Santos:

1. Strategic Vision and Interdisciplinarity

• • Connects Software Engineering, Philosophy of Science, and Scientific Methodology.
  • Applies evidence-based practice in Software Engineering.
  • Strengthens academic and industrial collaborations.

2. Academia-Industry Connection

• • Coordinates the Software Residency program, connecting students to companies.
  • Develops applied projects in partnership with startups.

3. Methodological Rigor

• • Integrates quantitative and qualitative methods into research.
  • Explores new forms of documentation and learning in Computing.

Plans for 2025-2028:

Prof. Medeiros dos Santos has developed strategic actions to strengthen research in Software Engineering, seeking to bring academia closer to industry and improve the practical application of knowledge generated in academia. Among his initiatives, the application of Action Research in Software Engineering stands out, enabling studies to be conducted in collaboration with industry, making the results more relevant and applicable.

Furthermore, he is working on structuring the documentation of development tools as learning objects, facilitating access to more organized and effective educational content for students and professionals in the field. Another important aspect of his work is the integration of quantitative and qualitative methods in Software Engineering, seeking a methodological balance that strengthens the theoretical and practical foundations of research.

Despite these advances, he highlights challenges, such as the need for greater understanding of the Information Systems area, which he considers essential to broaden the vision of Software Engineering within the PPGI-UNIRIO. In addition, he emphasizes the importance of institutional support for submitting projects to funding opportunities, since adequate funding is crucial to enabling new research and expanding the academic and industrial impact of his studies.

1. Deepening interdisciplinary collaborations

• • Partnerships with Information Systems specialists.
  • Understanding AI as a tool for building Information Systems.

2. Expanding academic and industrial impact

• • Creation of a research center on evidence-based practices.
  • Expand the Software Residency program as an institutional benchmark.

3. Increase the visibility of research.

• • Publication in high-impact journals.
  • Raise awareness of the importance of evidence-based practice among professionals in the field.
  • Popularize understanding of the quality factors of technical knowledge in the field.

4. Consolidate the training of students and new researchers.

• • Structure a mentoring program for research in organizations and software companies.
  • Search for funding and grant opportunities.