Federal University of Sergipe | Brazil
Dr. Ricardo Oliveira Freire (🎓 b. 29 May 1977, Aracaju, Brazil) is a distinguished Brazilian chemist renowned for his pioneering work in theoretical and computational chemistry, particularly involving lanthanide complexes. A Level 1C Researcher of Productivity at CNPq, Dr. Freire is currently an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Sergipe (UFS). With over two decades of dedication to research and teaching, he has led numerous innovative projects, developed the renowned LUMPAC software package, and significantly advanced the Sparkle model. His scientific influence spans Brazil and beyond through prolific publications, international collaborations, and impactful mentorship.
Author Profile👤
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Strengths for the Awards✨
Dr. Ricardo Oliveira Freire stands out as a highly accomplished researcher in the field of theoretical and computational chemistry, particularly in lanthanide luminescence and semiempirical quantum methods. With a prestigious CNPq Level 1C Productivity Fellowship, he reflects national recognition for sustained excellence. Dr. Freire has authored over 123 peer-reviewed publications, accumulating over 5,800 citations and achieving a Google Scholar h-index of 39, indicating both productivity and influence. His projects like LUMPAC and Sparkle/RM1 models have made significant contributions to computational chemistry and spectroscopy, especially for lanthanide complexes with biomedical and photonic applications.
He has mentored numerous students at undergraduate, Master’s, Ph.D., and postdoctoral levels, showcasing a robust commitment to research training. His involvement with more than 40 scientific journals as a reviewer and editorial board member, including JACS, Inorganic Chemistry, and J. Phys. Chem., reflects his thought leadership and service to the scientific community. Furthermore, his work has been acknowledged with multiple national and international awards, including listings in AD Scientific Index Top 10,000 Latin American Scientists, a cover feature in Dalton Transactions, and honors for impactful conference presentations and guidance.
🎓 Education
Dr. Freire earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the Federal University of Sergipe in 2002, where he explored the theoretical design of highly luminescent lanthanide complexes. He pursued both his M.Sc. (2002–2004) and Ph.D. (2004–2007) at the Federal University of Pernambuco under Prof. Alfredo Mayall Simas, focusing on the development and enhancement of the Sparkle model for lanthanides. His academic trajectory laid a robust foundation for high-level research in physical and theoretical chemistry.
👨🏫 Experience
Since 2007, Dr. Freire has been actively involved in teaching and research at UFS, where he has held various academic and administrative roles including Head of the Chemistry Department and Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Chemistry. He also collaborates with the Federal University of Pernambuco and has taught post-graduate courses at leading institutions like UNICAMP and USP. A sought-after reviewer for over 40 top-tier journals, he exemplifies excellence in both pedagogy and peer contribution.
Dr. Freire’s research delves into semiempirical methods and computational modeling of lanthanide complexes, with notable contributions to the RM1 and Sparkle methods. He leads the LUMPAC (Luminescence Package) project, enabling accurate predictions of photophysical properties. His interdisciplinary work spans materials science, bioinorganic chemistry, and quantum mechanics, collaborating globally with teams from the US, India, Russia, Portugal, and more.
🏆 Awards
Dr. Freire has received numerous accolades including the Latin America Top 10,000 Scientist (2021, 2023), BRICS Top 10,000 Scientist (2021), and recognitions from prestigious institutions like the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Brazilian Chemical Society. He was honored with cover features in journals, mentoring awards, and commendations from academic and government bodies, solidifying his reputation as a leading scientific voice in Latin America.
📄 Publications
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RM1: A reparameterization of AM1 for H, C, N, O, P, S, F, Cl, Br, and I
Authors: GB Rocha, RO Freire, AM Simas, JJP Stewart
Year: 2006
Cited by: 936
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Cytotoxicity and slow release of the anti-cancer drug doxorubicin from ZIF-8
Authors: IB Vasconcelos, TG da Silva, GCG Militão, TA Soares, NM Rodrigues, …
Year: 2012
Cited by: 330
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LUMPAC lanthanide luminescence software: Efficient and user friendly
Authors: JDL Dutra, TD Bispo, RO Freire
Year: 2014
Cited by: 277
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Sparkle model for the calculation of lanthanide complexes: AM1 parameters for Eu(III), Gd(III), and Tb(III)
Authors: RO Freire, GB Rocha, AM Simas
Year: 2005
Cited by: 195
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Spectroscopic Study of a UV‐Photostable Organic–Inorganic Hybrids Incorporating an Eu³⁺ β‐Diketonate Complex
Authors: PP Lima, RA Sá Ferreira, RO Freire, FA Almeida Paz, L Fu, S Alves Jr, …
Year: 2006
Cited by: 151
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3-phenyl-4-benzoyl-5-isoxazolonate Complex of Eu³⁺ with Tri-n-octylphosphine Oxide as a Promising Light-conversion Molecular Device
Authors: R Pavithran, NS Saleesh Kumar, S Biju, MLP Reddy, SA Junior, RO Freire
Year: 2006
Cited by: 133
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Sparkle/PM7 Lanthanide Parameters for the Modeling of Complexes and Materials
Authors: JDL Dutra, MAM Filho, GB Rocha, RO Freire, AM Simas, JJP Stewart
Year: 2013
Cited by: 130
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Sparkle/PM6 Parameters for all Lanthanide Trications from La(III) to Lu(III)
Authors: RO Freire, AM Simas
Year: 2010
Cited by: 124
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Tb³⁺ → Eu³⁺ Energy Transfer in Mixed-Lanthanide-Organic Frameworks
Authors: MO Rodrigues, JDL Dutra, LAO Nunes, GF de Sá, WM de Azevedo, …
Year: 2012
Cited by: 123
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Energy transfer mechanisms in organic-inorganic hybrids incorporating europium (III): a quantitative assessment by light emission spectroscopy
Authors: PP Lima, SS Nobre, RO Freire, SA Junior, RA Sá Ferreira, U Pischel, …
Year: 2007
Cited by: 101
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Sparkle model for AM1 calculation of lanthanide complexes: Improved parameters for europium
Authors: GB Rocha, RO Freire, NB da Costa Jr, GF de Sá, AM Simas
Year: 2004
Cited by: 100
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Tuning of the excitation wavelength from UV to visible region in Eu³⁺-β-diketonate complexes: Comparison of theoretical and experimental photophysical properties
Authors: V Divya, RO Freire, MLP Reddy
Year: 2011
Cited by: 97
✅ Conclusion
With an illustrious career marked by innovative research, international impact, and unwavering academic leadership, Dr. Ricardo Oliveira Freire exemplifies the qualities of a “Best Researcher Award” recipient. His dedication to advancing theoretical chemistry, mentoring future scientists, and fostering global collaboration positions him as a pillar in the scientific community. This nomination not only honors his achievements but inspires continued excellence in chemical sciences.
