On 24 October, Instituto Superior Técnico welcomed a delegation from the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) to sign a memorandum of understanding establishing a new framework for cooperation between the two institutions. The signing ceremony, which took place at Alameda campus, aims to promote joint initiatives in academic mobility (through the creation of mobility grants), scientific research and advanced training.
The visit of the Chinese delegation, led by SHENG Jianxue, Secretary-General of the CSC, underscored the shared commitment to strengthening ties between the two countries in the field of higher education and science. “We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the hospitality and invitation from Instituto Superior Técnico”, said SHENG Jianxue, highlighting the importance of this partnership for the development of talent and innovation. “We are very interested in supporting the training of highly qualified professionals and creating new foundations for the future through these scholarships”. The Secretary-General also invited Técnico to visit the Chinese Scholarship Council’s facilities, reinforcing the desire to continue the collaboration.
After signing the protocol, the delegation had the opportunity to visit three research units affiliated with Técnico, where they could learn more about the various projects that showcase the School’s scientific and technological diversity. At the Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR-Lisboa), the robot ‘Chico’ greeted them, serving as an introduction to projects focused on human cognition and human-robot interaction, including gesture-based communication systems. The team also presented autonomous systems designed for the exploration of the Atlantic Ocean and underwater environments, demonstrating the intersection of engineering and biology in an interdisciplinary way.
The tour continued at the Aerospace Engineering Laboratory, where attention focused on rocket prototypes, propulsion systems and electric aircraft developed for civil protection support missions. Técnico students showed how these technologies can map areas affected by fires and identify safe routes for emergency teams, putting technological innovation at the service of society.
The visit ended with a visit to the Structures and Strength of Materials Laboratory and the Laboratory of Construction at the Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, where the delegation learnt about infrastructures designed to study the behaviour of materials and structures. Equipped with climatic chambers and seismic simulation systems, the laboratories allow for the assessment of structural safety and the development of strategies for the preservation of built heritage, underlining the “importance of experimental research and international collaboration in responding to contemporary engineering challenges”.
For Técnico, this agreement represents a “consistent step in the School’s internationalisation strategy”. Leonel Sousa, coordinator of the Doctoral School, emphasised the importance of creating open and globalised academic contexts: “It is essential that doctoral students develop applicable skills and are prepared to collaborate with industry and institutions from different countries”, noting that “more than 30% of [Técnico] doctoral students are international”.
