João Filipe Papel is a JSPS Postdoctoral Research Fellow jointly affiliated with UNU-IAS and the Tokai University.
His research focuses on developing inclusive and innovative education technologies to improve learning outcomes for students with disabilities, particularly in developing countries.
Dr. Papel earned his PhD in Engineering Science and Technology from Tokai University, where his dissertation explored advanced sensor technologies to monitor activities of daily living, contributing to the early detection of cognitive decline among the elderly. His work highlights the intersection of technology, health, privacy and education, with a strong emphasis on practical applications in healthcare.
He earned his MBA from The University of the People in USA, his MSc from Handong Global University in South Korea and his BSc from Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique. His master’s thesis proposed an electronic patient record management system to enhance Mozambique’s healthcare infrastructure. During his bachelor’s studies, he developed the country's first Management and Information System for Technical and Vocational Education Institutions. The implementation of this system revealed that over 69,000 students were enrolled in technical and vocational education in 2015, a significant increase from the initially estimated 33,000.
Dr. Papel is the Vice-Chair of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Consumer Systems for Healthcare and Wellbeing (CSH) Technical Committee for the 2025–2026 term, and is an active member of the Application-Specific CE for Smart Cities (SMC) Committee. He has also served as a peer reviewer for several IEEE conferences.
Research Interests
Accessibility and assistive technologies
Advancing the circular economy through innovative technologies that optimize resource efficiency and reduce waste
AI & IoT applications for education, healthcare and agriculture
Inclusive education technologies
Sustainable development through innovation and technology