Survival analysis and extensions

Development and comparison of statistical techniques and models for analyzing data where the response variable is the time until the occurrence of an event (e.g., an individual's death, seed germination, or reaching a specific weight). Such data are frequently censored—that is, they are incomplete observations where, for some reason, the occurrence of the event or the exact time of its occurrence cannot be observed—thereby introducing additional analytical complexities and the need for new methods. Classical and Bayesian approaches.
 

Experimental statistics

Development and comparison of techniques for the design of experiments and optimal designs. Development and comparison of statistical techniques and models—classical and Bayesian, univariate and multivariate—for the analysis of data obtained from pre-planned experiments and sampling studies, potentially accounting for spatial and temporal distributions and possible neighborhood effects.
 

Regression models and extensions

Development and comparison of techniques for linear, generalized linear, and nonlinear statistical models—using both classical and Bayesian approaches—for the analysis of discrete and continuous data, incorporating overdispersion, excess zeros, repeated measures, and growth curves. Genetic models.
 

Spatial and temporal models and extensions

Development and comparison of techniques in the fields of spatial statistics, geostatistics, and time-series and spatio-temporal analysis, using both classical and Bayesian approaches.
 

Analytical Chemistry Applied to Agricultural Sciences

Research in analytical chemistry applied to agricultural sciences, with an emphasis on fertilizers, soils, agro-industrial residues, and agricultural inputs. Work focuses on method development and validation, quality control, spectrometric techniques, and the application of digital tools and artificial intelligence in laboratories.
 

Physicochemistry of tropical soils

Application of the Rietveld method to the mineralogical quantification of soils; use of synchrotron-generated X-rays in studies of soil chemistry and mineralogy; and soil electrochemistry.
 

Applied Microbiology and Biological Control

Isolation, characterization, and evaluation of microorganisms of biotechnological interest, with an emphasis on prospecting for biological control agents and studying microorganisms with activity against phytopathogens of agricultural importance.

Chemistry of Natural Products and Bioactive Metabolites

Isolation, identification, and characterization of secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds from microorganisms and other natural sources, with an emphasis on bioprospecting and the evaluation of biological activities of agricultural and biotechnological interest.

Electroanalysis, Sensors, and Biosensors

Development and application of electroanalytical methods, sensors, and biosensors for the detection and monitoring of analytes of interest in food, environmental, biological, and technological contexts, aiming to produce sensitive, selective, and low-cost devices.

Functional and Nanostructured Materials

Development, production, and characterization of polymeric and nanostructured materials, nanofibers, and functional materials applied to the construction of sensor devices and to processes for the detection and removal of contaminants.                                     

Analytical Chemistry Applied to Food

Development and application of analytical methods for the assessment of food composition, quality, authenticity, and safety, with an emphasis on instrumental and spectroscopic techniques, optical methods, automation, and chemometric tools.

Sustainable Analytical Technologies and Valorization of Agro-industrial Waste

Development of environmentally friendly analytical methods and strategies aimed at reducing reagent consumption and waste generation, as well as at the utilization and valorization of agro-industrial waste and by-products.