Researcher, University of Rwanda, Mozambique
Classio João Mendiate is a senior transport consultant and researcher specializing in transport engineering and urban planning. He currently serves as a lecturer at the University of Rwanda and has extensive experience teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Mendiate holds a Ph.D. in Transportation Planning from the Technical University of Madrid, where his research focused on cycling in Sub-Saharan Africa. He has published nine peer-reviewed journal articles and serves as a peer reviewer for international journals such as CITIES and Sustainability. His professional work includes leading major urban mobility projects like the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan for Maputo and the TRANS-SAFE project funded by the European Union. Mendiate has earned several honors, including travel grants from the Volvo Research and Educational Foundation. His research contributions, professional expertise, and academic leadership make him a strong candidate for the Research for Excellence in Research Award.
Profile:
Education
Classio João Mendiate holds an impressive educational background that underpins his expertise in transport planning and engineering. He earned his Ph.D. from the Technical University of Madrid between 2017 and 2020, graduating with Distinction Cum Laude. His thesis focused on identifying key explanatory variables for cycling in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly through a case study in Quelimane, Mozambique. Prior to his doctoral studies, Mendiate obtained a Master of Science in Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation from the University of Twente in the Netherlands from 2009 to 2011, specializing in urban planning. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning at Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique between 1999 and 2005. His diverse educational experiences have equipped him with a solid foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical applications in the field of transportation, enhancing his effectiveness as a researcher and educator.
Research Skills
Classio João Mendiate possesses a robust set of research skills that underpin his significant contributions to the field of transport engineering and planning. His extensive experience in data collection and analysis, particularly in urban mobility studies, enables him to identify key factors influencing transportation patterns in Sub-Saharan Africa. Proficient in advanced modeling techniques using tools such as PTV VISSIM and PTV Visum, he excels in traffic simulation and forecasting, ensuring accurate predictions that inform sustainable transport solutions. Mendiate’s ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals demonstrates his strong writing and analytical skills, effectively communicating complex research findings to diverse audiences. Additionally, his roles as a peer reviewer for international journals highlight his critical evaluation capabilities and commitment to enhancing the quality of academic research. Through supervising graduate students and leading collaborative projects, he fosters an environment of knowledge exchange, further enriching his research acumen and expanding his influence in the transportation research community.
Professional Experiences
Classio João Mendiate boasts extensive professional experience in the field of transport engineering and planning. Currently serving as a senior transport consultant at the Maputo Metropolitan Transport Agency (AMT), he leads critical initiatives such as the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan for Greater Maputo, focusing on alleviating congestion and pollution. Additionally, Mendiate coordinates the TRANS-SAFE project, funded by Horizon Europe, aimed at transforming road safety in Africa through innovative living labs. His previous roles include significant contributions to the planning and design of Bus Rapid Transit systems in Maputo and traffic modeling for the city’s transport infrastructure. He has also led projects assessing the impact of urban form on walking behaviors across several Mozambican cities. Mendiate’s rich blend of consultancy and research has positioned him as a key figure in advancing urban mobility solutions in Mozambique, demonstrating his commitment to improving transportation systems and policies in the region.
Award And Recognition
Classio João Mendiate is a distinguished scholar and practitioner in the field of transport engineering and planning, recognized for his significant contributions to urban mobility research. He has received several prestigious accolades, including the OGE Fellowship from Mozambique’s Ministry of Education and the Netherlands Fellowship Program from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His commitment to advancing transportation knowledge has been acknowledged through travel grants from the UN Habitat Youth Program and the Volvo Research and Educational Foundation, allowing him to participate in vital conferences and workshops. Mendiate’s academic excellence is further highlighted by his Ph.D. awarded with distinction from the Technical University of Madrid and his role as a peer reviewer for prominent journals such as CITIES and Sustainability. His dedication to fostering innovative transport solutions and enhancing academic discourse positions him as a leading figure in the transportation sector, making him deserving of recognition for his exceptional achievements.
Conclusion
Classio João Mendiate exemplifies excellence in research and education in the field of transportation planning and engineering. His impressive academic background, highlighted by a Ph.D. with distinction from the Technical University of Madrid, lays a solid foundation for his contributions to urban mobility studies. Mendiate’s extensive publication record, comprising nine peer-reviewed articles, showcases his commitment to advancing knowledge in transport challenges specific to Sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, his leadership roles in significant projects, such as the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan for Maputo and the TRANS-SAFE initiative, underline his ability to translate research into impactful solutions. His involvement as a peer reviewer for reputable journals further emphasizes his influence within the academic community. Given his substantial achievements, innovative research, and dedication to teaching and mentoring the next generation of transport professionals, Mendiate is a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Excellence in Research Award, embodying the spirit of excellence and advancement in the transportation sector.
Publication Top Notes
- Exploring cyclists’ travel behaviour in different attitudinal market segments: Case study of Quelimane, Mozambique
- Authors: Mendiate, C.J., Nkurunziza, A., Soria-Lara, J.A., Monzon, A.
- Journal: Urban, Planning and Transport Research
- Year: 2023
- Citations: 0
- Cycling in sub-Saharan African cities: Differences and similarities with developed world cities
- Authors: Mendiate, C.J., Nkurunziza, A., Soria-Lara, J.A., Monzon, A.
- Journal: IATSS Research
- Year: 2022
- Citations: 7
- Clusters of Bicycle Taxi Operators and their Main Service Operation Patterns: Case Study of Quelimane, Mozambique
- Authors: Mendiate, C.J., Nkurunziza, A., Mendonça, F., Vicente, P.
- Journal: East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation
- Year: 2022
- Citations: 0
- Exploring Users’ perceptions of factors influencing cycling route choice: A perspective from Quelimane, Mozambique
- Authors: Mendiate, C.J., Nkurunziza, A., Soria-Lara, J.A., Monzon, A.
- Journal: Transportation Planning and Technology
- Year: 2022
- Citations: 0
- Pedestrian travel behaviour and urban form: Comparing two small Mozambican cities
- Authors: Mendiate, C.J., Nkurunziza, A., Machanguana, C.A., Bernardo, R.
- Journal: Journal of Transport Geography
- Year: 2022
- Citations: 9
- Identifying clusters of cycling commuters and travel patterns: The case of Quelimane, Mozambique
- Authors: Mendiate, C.J., Soria-lara, J.A., Monzon, A.
- Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Transportation
- Year: 2020