Pedro Vilaça is a Professor at the School of Engineering of Aalto University, where he is the Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The Department aims at world top-level performance in teaching, research, and innovation in science and technology with a team of about 30 professors and 300 academic staff members. Previously, Vilaça worked at the Tecnico, University of Lisbon, from 1995 to 2013.

Vilaça's research interests include welding technology, solid-state-based manufacturing, non-destructive testing, hydrogen-related technology, materials science, and materials safety. Before starting at Aalto University, Vilaça was president of the Portuguese Society for NDT, since 2009. There is a growing focus on innovation in manufacturing and NDT, towards new competitive industrial solutions and commercialization, supported by IPRs and promoting spinoff actions. During his career, he has built a large collaboration network with scientists around the world. Vilaça has mature experience in leading R&D teams on fundamental science and support of industrial activities including the energy and aeronautic industry.

Pedro Vilaça has an h-index = 32 (Scopus) from a publication record including 113 scientific papers in international peer-reviewed journals, 18 papers in national journals, 1 book, 4 book chapters, and about 170 conference-related publications.