Daniel Gonçalves, a full professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico, is the first winner of the José Tribolet Award for Digital Innovation in Education, powered by Deloitte. The prize was awarded at Técnico’s 114th anniversary ceremony (“Dia do Técnico”), on 23 May, at Técnico Innovation Center powered by Fidelidade.
In his speech, the researcher at Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores – Investigação e Desenvolvimento em Lisboa (INESC-ID) emphasised the need to use technology ‘as something more transformative’. He argued that merely applying technology to the ‘traditional model’ of teaching ‘is unsufficient, as we do not live in a traditional world’. Therefore, what is required is not just the use of technology but genuine innovation, he explained. This concept was the driving force behind the gamification of a subject, which he turned into a game. He noted that “great changes were observed in terms of commitment, interest, and involvement” among students as a result of this approach.
Regarding the relationship between teaching and research, the award-winner said that there are ‘always communicating vessels’ between the two. ‘What we learn in research ends up being reflected in what we teach. I like to look at this experience […] as a very positive integration of the two fields, since research is essential and has been actively conducted in the area of gamification in teaching’, he concluded.
The award’s name was also praised by the winner. The President of Instituto Superior Técnico, Rogério Colaço, referred to the scientist José Tribolet as a “source of inspiration” and an “example of an academic.” Rogério Colaço highlighted Tribolet’s tendency to ‘think outside the box’, noting his ‘ability to create plans and paths that may seem nearly impossible but ultimately materialise’. Not always going well is, according to Rogério Colaço, ‘what is expected of academia, just like a laboratory that is always experimenting, looking to the future, exploring what we can do differently and better.’
Also present at the ceremony was Rui Pedro Vaz, representing Deloitte. The Técnico alumnus said that the school is the ‘main source of qualified engineering talent’. Rui Pedro Vaz explained that this award aims to ‘recognise and encourage the development of methodologies and digital tools that, without compromising rigour and technical demands, are able to communicate with the new generations and prepare them to solve the complex problems of the future’.
Established in 2024 by the Pedagogical Council, the José Tribolet Award, powered by Deloitte, aims to recognise and promote the development, implementation, and use of new technologies, tools, and digital methodologies in engineering education in Portugal.
José Tribolet is a retired full professor at Instituto Superior Técnico, where he created the Undergraduate Programme in Computer Science and Engineering and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. He was the founder and president of INESC – Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores. As a researcher, he dedicated himself to the application of digital signal processing.
