On 27 and 28 October, the Técnico Innovation Center powered by Fidelidade was filled with voices, questions and discoveries. Amid scientific posters, debates and presentation sessions, more than a hundred Técnico PhD students presented their research projects, exchanged ideas and reflected on the journey of those who choose to devote themselves to science, at the 11th edition of PhD Open Days, organised by the Técnico Doctoral School.
During the opening session, Rogério Colaço, the president of Técnico, highlighted that the PhD Open Days began over a decade ago with the goal of connecting students who often “worked in isolation in their laboratories” and fostering collaboration across different fields. “Today, with the Doctoral School and new dedicated spaces, we aim to transform this community into one that values cooperation, employability, and interaction with the business world”, he said.
Among more than 110 scientific posters exhibited, a “scientific story” took shape – a problem, a hypothesis, a method, a discovery. In front of a poster on bioactive compounds, Janice Lopes, a PhD student in Biotechnology and Biosciences, explained the use of ionising radiation to valorise grape pomace. “There is always something new to discover”, she said, highlighting the “teaching quality” as a factor to continue her career at Técnico.
In the poster corridors, people discussed methods and results, as well as doubts, time, and persistence. Carolina Reis, a PhD student in Environmental Engineering, shared her study on the effects of air pollution on human health. “A PhD is both demanding and enriching”, she said. “PhD Open Days are an opportunity to learn about other projects and understand what is being done in other fields of knowledge. We feel that we are part of a larger community”. She left a note for those considering starting a PhD: “You really have to like your PhD topic, because you will spend years working on the same issue – the motivation has to come from within”.
Reflections on the PhD journey were also addressed at the round table “Navigating the PhD: Voices from Students and Alumni”, where students and former PhD students discussed the less visible dimensions of research – breaks, balance, and managing uncertainty. “Plans change and that’s part of it”, shared Filipe Santos, a 5th-year PhD student in Mechanical Engineering. “The important thing is not to be afraid to take a step back and understand that if you are changing, it’s because you are improving.”
In another poster session, Henrique Araújo, a Chemical Engineering PhD student at Técnico, described the challenge of developing membranes and electrodes for electrolysers, with the aim of making green hydrogen production more economical. “Traditional electrodes use rare metals that are expensive and difficult to obtain. I am testing more accessible solutions, such as nickel or stainless steel, which maintain efficiency and reduce environmental impact”, he explained. “It is a challenge that combines fundamental science and practical application, and that motivates me”.
João Rodrigues, another Chemical Engineering PhD student at Técnico, is researching alternatives to the metals used in lithium-ion batteries, focusing on abundant organic materials. “Working with tetrathiofulvalene allows us to think about batteries in a different way – with less dependence on scarce resources and more adaptable solutions”, he said. “Events like these demonstrate the benefits of engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds, as sometimes the best ideas emerge outside our immediate context”.
Scientific careers were a topic approached repeatedly during round tables and informal conversations. In the session “From a PhD to an ERC Grant,’ which focused on the challenges of an academic career and the creation of excellent research, Marco Piccardo, a professor and researcher at Técnico, recalled the importance of keeping scientific curiosity alive. “We do this because we want to understand better and get involved – even amid numerous demands, it is essential not to lose interest in our work”, he shared. André Martins, also a professor at Técnico, reflected on the journey of those conducting cutting-edge research and the importance of balancing ambition and purpose. “What counts is not the number of articles published, but their impact and quality”, he said, highlighting the importance of communication and collaborative work. “Learning to present ideas effectively, seeking feedback and continuously improving is an integral part of the scientific process”.
The second day culminated in the Pitch Competition, one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the event. In three-minute presentations, 19 students took to the stage to present the work they had developed throughout their research projects. Before a jury composed of professors and researchers from Técnico, each participant’s pitch aimed to test their ability to synthesise, clarify and communicate their ideas. “Effective communication is almost as important as the work itself”, commented Miguel Ayala Botto, a professor at Técnico and president of the jury. “It is an exercise in both synthesis and confidence”.
Pedro Prates Gonçalves received the Best Pitch award for his project on new drug delivery strategies. Honourable mentions went to Beatriz Malcata Martins and Pedro Martin for their work on mercury mobility in Arctic ecosystems and 3D representation optimisation, respectively. In the Poster category, Gonçalo Botelho Teixeira won the award for “best scientific poster”. Catarina Louro and Sofia Martins received honourable mentions for the scientific quality and originality of their work.
Dídia Covas, vice-president of the Scientific Council at Técnico, closed the session by encouraging doctoral students to maintain their enthusiasm for knowledge and confidence in their contribution to the future of science. “Each one of you is important and every contribution counts”, she said, emphasising that the two days were a “portrait of the vitality and diversity of research conducted at Técnico”.
