P.P. Freitas got his “Licenciatura” in physics from the U Porto in 1981, followed by a PhD in physics from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh in 1986. After a postdoctoral appointment at IBM T.J.Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, in 1988 he joined INESC where he created the Solid State Technology Group, later INESC Microsystems and Nanotechnologies, and in 1990 joined IST-Lisbon, where he is presently full professor of Physics. From 2008 till Feb 2024 he was Deputy Director General of the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory. Research activity focusses on nanotechnologies and spintronics and aplications in sensing, health and smart farming. He has authored/co-authored over 500 research articles, several patents, and advised about 20 PhD students. He is also active in the technology transfer and innovation arenas, fostering collaborations between RTOs and companies.