On the morning of 4 June, the Abreu Faro Amphitheatre at Alameda campus hosted the JUNITEC Scholarships award ceremony. This scholarship programme, which this academic year has supported six students from different courses, has “a special meaning because it’s students funding students”, as the Vice-President of Técnico for Academic Affairs, Francisco Melo, pointed out.
The students expressed their gratitude for the opportunities provided by the scholarship. André Francisco (Undergraduate Programme in Naval Architecture and Oceanic Engineering) mentioned that the scholarship ‘allowed for both academic and personal development’. Dinis Henriques (Master’s Programme in Engineering and Management of Innovation and Entrepreneurship) appreciated being able to “focus one hundred percent on his thesis without the need to find a job”. Unlike in previous years, Joana Martins (Master’s Programme in Biomedical Engineering) was grateful as she was able “not to have to work” and “focus on what matters: keep learning and growing”.
The “requirements imposed” to obtain the scholarship were also a reason for gratitude. Leonardo Pereira (Undergraduate Programme in Engineering Physics) described his volunteering experience as rewarding, filled with “good moments” and “meaningful connections”. He reflected on his academic year as one in which he had the support of the JUNITEC scholarship, which allowed him “to grow and learn without worries”.
Vicente Rasteiro (Undergraduate Programme in Applied Mathematics and Computation) hopes to stay in Lisbon next academic year with the support of this scholarship, allowing him to “focus much more on teaching and mathematics, which is what I like to do”, after a year spending four hours each day commuting between Lisbon and Sesimbra.
Norberto Vieira (Undergraduate Programme in Mechanical Engineering) recalled that “knowledge is undoubtedly the basis of an evolved society, which enables personal grow, informed decision-making, and a deeper understanding of one’s surroundings. He concluded by expressing his gratitude: “Thank you, everyone”. The president of JUNITEC said that he felt it was his turn to “express gratitude as a student”, noting that the recipients are an ‘inspiration’ and their presence at the ceremony demonstrates their “personality, drive and willingness to take initiative”.
Carlos Caleiro, Vice-head of the Department of Mathematics, emphasised the importance of scholarship programmes at Instituto Superior Técnico, stating that “these initiatives are fundamental to making the school a more egalitarian, fairer, and supportive place.”
Also attending the event were course representatives: Luís Reis (Undergraduate Programme in Mechanical Engineering), Jorge Vieira (Undergraduate Programme in Engineering Physics), João Miguel Sanches (Master’s Programme in Biomedical Engineering), Tânia Varela (Master’s Programme in Engineering and Management of Innovation and Entrepreneurship) and Ângelo Teixeira (Undergraduate Programme in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering).
