During the upcoming academic year, Instituto Superior Técnico will welcome questions from children on various topics, including satellite construction, nanotechnology, radiation, the water cycle, sustainability, trains, the universe, and the connection between music and mathematics. The initiative, titled “Explain it Like I’m 5” – Science talks at Técnico for curious children and adults, is back at Técnico – Alameda campus (Great Hall), featuring seven Técnico researchers who will share their expertise with children.
The third season of the initiative, the first to be held entirely in person, will kick off on 8 October and will run throughout the 2025/2026 academic year, targeting pre-school and primary school students.
“We will fill the Great Hall of Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon with curious children every month”, anticipates Joana Lobo Antunes, deputy director to the president for Communication, Image, and Marketing at Técnico.
The programme began at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic during lockdown, with “a first season comprising 21 episodes that were broadcast entirely online from 23 May 2020 to 24 July 2021, aimed at families on Saturday mornings”. This was followed by “a short series of live episodes, also broadcast online, featuring four episodes from 6 November 2021 to 11 November 2023”, she explains.
The format remains the same – “we start with an intriguing question, which a Técnico researcher will answer in the first half hour of the session, followed by a question-and-answer session – which, in our experience, is always very lively and well attended”, says Joana Lobo Antunes.
Individual and school registrations are now open. Teachers interested in registering their classes should select their three preferred sessions and await contact from the “Explain it like I’m 5” team. The sessions will be recorded and shared later with everyone curious. Additionally, there will be an online session for questions directed at the scientists.
Técnico aims to “continue investing in the connection between science and children, more specifically scientists and children”, says the professor and researcher at Técnico. “Science communication activities aimed at this audience have been very well received by children […]; they are delighted with science and want to know more”, she concludes.
Sessions:
- 8 October 2025, 10 a.m.- “Como funciona um satélite?” – Joao Paulo Monteiro (ISR-Lisboa)
- 12 November 2025, 10 a.m. – “Como funciona um laboratório que pode viajar na palma da tua mão?” – Vania Silvério (INESC-MN)
- 14 January 2026, 10 a.m. – “Para que serve a radiação?” – Joana Madureira (C2TN)
- 6 February 2026, 10 a.m. – “Sabiam que há cidades onde cada gota conta… e outras onde ela simplesmente se perde? – Filipa Ferreira (CERIS)
- 18 March 2026, 10 a.m. – “Qual é a magia dos comboios?” – Hugo Magalhães (idMEC)
- 29 April 2026, 10 a.m. – “Universo – Infinitamente grande ou Infinitamente pequeno?” – Pedro Abreu (LIP)
- 13 May 2026, 10 a.m. – “Podemos medir a música?” – Diogo Oliveira e Silva (CAMGSD)
More information: Registration I All episodes
