Date: 29 April
Hour: 10 a.m.
Venue: Great Hall, Técnico – Alameda campus

The Universe – Is it infinitely large or infinitely small?

In this session, we will talk about things that are extremely big and extremely small. What questions do you have about them? Are they all connected?

On 29 April 2026, at 10 a.m., live at Técnico – Alameda campus, we will be joined by Pedro Abreu, researcher at the Laboratory of Instrumentation and Experimental Particle Physics (LIP), who will answer these questions.

Biography

Pedro Abreu attended primary school – the 1st cycle of basic education – at Escola Básica (Preparatória) Conde de Oeiras (in “Nova Oeiras”) between October 1970 and June 1974. He graduated in physics from the Faculty of Sciences of Universidade de Lisboa in 1986 and defended his PhD in 1996 and his Aggregation Exams in 2007 at Instituto Superior Técnico.

As an experimental particle physicist – those who study matter and space at the smallest scales – he worked (and continues to work) on the DELPHI/LEP experiment at CERN from 1987 to 2014, at the Pierre Auger Observatory since 2006 and on the SWGO project since 2019.

He has devoted a large part of his time to promoting physics since 2003, launching in 2005 and coordinating in Portugal the International Masterclasses in Particle Physics (for secondary school colleagues), the Teacher Training Schools at CERN in Portuguese language since 2007, and speaking at many schools every year since then.

In 2022, the Agência Ciência Viva awarded Pedro Abreu the distinguished Ciência Viva Education Prize for his efforts in promoting and engaging with schools. Since March 2025, he has been President of the Portuguese Physical Society (until March 2028).

About the Programme

“Explain it like I’m 5 – Science talks at Técnico for curious children and adults”, is designed for young people, opening a door to get to know Técnico research and to ask our scientists a question.

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