The 10th edition of the Shaping the Future programme took place in Caparide from June 30 to July 2, bringing together 37 professors and researchers. The event featured lectures, workshops, and extensive programming, culminating in a cake celebration to mark its first decade. The programme continues to provide training and support for new professors and researchers at Instituto Superior Técnico, enhancing their professional and academic performance while instilling the institution’s values.
“Teaching is about touching people and inspiring them; it’s not just about the subject we teach”, stated Rogério Colaço, the president of Técnico, during his speech. “We must remember that our students are in a transitional phase—they’re not merely students; they are becoming students. They deserve respect and will carry the lessons we teach with them for the rest of their lives”, he continued, expressing hope that all attendees would aspire to be great professors.
For three days, the agenda covered topics such as academic leadership, the positive impact of sabbaticals, finding a balance between teaching and research, and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance teaching. Coordinators, directors, presidents, and heads of various bodies and services at Técnico participated in the event (both in person and via video), sharing insights about their roles and how they can assist those embarking on their academic and scientific careers at Técnico.
Catarina Barata, a researcher at the Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR Lisboa) and now a professor in the area of systems, decision, and control, has had a diverse career at Técnico. She began as a student in both the Undergraduate and Master’s Programmes in Biomedical Engineering. Transitioning from student to professor has been “a very interesting experience,” she noted, as it allows her to “establish connections with the students”. She particularly highlighted a seminar by physicist Petra Rudolf, which she found “empowering” because it showcased the story of a woman who began her teaching career at the age of 40. Emphasising the networking opportunities during the event, she remarked that it is “always very positive to hear the perspectives of fellow faculty”, underscoring that Shaping the Future is “an initiative that should be continued”.
Fábio Augusto Faria was also inspired by Petra Rudolf’s talk, stating, “If I had attended this presentation ten years ago, my professional life would have been completely different, without a doubt”. The Técnico professor from Brazil now teaches in the field of artificial intelligence and emphasised the “professional growth opportunities” available at Técnico, as well as the “quality of the work” that results from it. He highlighted that the initiative Shaping the Future “is essential for new faculty and researchers, as it encourages them to understand the institution’s ‘overall’ structure and values”.
During a break between lectures, Gerardo Vargas expressed his satisfaction with his new professional and personal role as a professor at Técnico. “I’m very happy here, and I feel that the atmosphere is great”, said the Mexican professor, who teaches probability and statistics at Oeiras Campus (which he described as a “very beautiful campus” with “very committed” students). Having travelled extensively, with a doctorate from Brazil and a post-doctorate from Canada, he emphasises the proficiency he has found in Portugal, stating, “I have a very good impression of Técnico – I think it’s well known that its students are very good and Portuguese researchers are very well prepared”.
Later, during lunch at a nearby building, there was another opportunity to meet new colleagues and exchange experiences. Still outside, after taking a group photo, Luís Lemos Alves shared some behind-the-scenes insights into this support programme for faculty and researchers.
The Coordinator for Accompaniment and Development for Faculty and Researchers is known by the acronym CADDIe. As in golf, his role is to support and assist faculty without being the central figure in their functions. Luís Lemos Alves is the one who draws this metaphor. He is the coordinator of the Shaping the Future programme and the organiser of the three-day workshop in Caparide, and shares that Técnico is “investing and making a very conscious effort to help these people develop their careers.”
