The Summer Internships organised by the Department of Chemical Engineering (EstVerDEQ’2026) returned for their 9th edition. From 6 to 17 July, 35 undergraduate students from four higher education institutions and eight different degree programmes participated in practical laboratory activities, visited the department’s facilities and attended seminars on current topics in chemical engineering. Over the course of two weeks, they also carried out research projects under the supervision of professors and researchers from Técnico, at the Alameda campus of Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa.
In one of the laboratories at the Interdisciplinary Building, Bernardo Suzano and Tiago Pires were working on the development of optical sensors for detecting biomarkers associated with disease diagnoses. Under the supervision of Professors Pedro Paulo and Rui Galhano, the students used a highly sensitive fluorescence microscopy technique capable of detecting the fluorescence emitted by a single molecule.
Bernardo Suzano, an Applied Chemistry student at another university in Greater Lisbon, believes that this internship allowed him to explore a new aspect of chemistry. “There are many areas of chemistry with which we can be more aligned, and for me, this was another opportunity to explore one of them”, he said.
Together with his colleague Tiago Pires, he used gold nanoparticles to create a method for identifying RNA (ribonucleic acid) molecules in blood that can serve as cancer biomarkers.
Tiago Pires already knew his way around the place. The Biomedical Engineering undergraduate student at Técnico believes that internships offer an opportunity to combine different fields of knowledge. “In the Chemistry department, we synthesise nanoparticles, and in the ‘Chemistry Tower’, in the Bioengineering department, we develop DNA fragments that we conjugate with these nanoparticles to detect RNA molecules”, he explained.
In addition to the scientific aspect, Tiago Pires highlighted the support provided by the professors. “They are incredible people and help us take these first steps in acquiring knowledge”, he said.
Bernardo Suzano shares the same view and emphasises the close relationship with the department’s researchers. “I feel I can ask any question, and often the answer opens doors to other topics and other areas of curiosity. It’s always very rewarding”.
For Pedro Paulo, a professor at Técnico and one of the project’s coordinators, these weeks provide an opportunity to introduce students to scientific research and raise awareness of the work carried out within the department. “We offer this opportunity so that the interns can gain an insight into scientific research and, at the same time, to promote our master’s programmes and, potentially, attract prospective students interested in the research areas and activities we carry out at Técnico”, he said.
The sensors for biomarker detection were just one of several projects developed during the initiative. In another laboratory, Vasco Pinto, a student of Technological Chemistry at the Faculty of Sciences (Universidade de Lisboa), was working on the catalytic oxidation of α-pinene, aiming to convert lower-value compounds into products with greater market value.
According to the student, the internship enabled him to gain laboratory experience in an area that is not covered in great depth in the undergraduate programme. “My course mainly consists of theoretical curricular units. I don’t have any practical laboratory experience in areas such as catalysis and catalytic processes, which is why I’m really enjoying it”, he explained.
On the final day, the participants attended a presentation session on the master’s programmes offered by the Department of Chemical Engineering, participated in a pitch session where they presented the projects they had developed over the two weeks, and received their certificates of participation.
Leonor Rodrigues, a biochemistry student at the Faculty of Sciences (Universidade de Lisboa), wanted to explore a field outside her area of study. Under the supervision of Professors João Tomé and Pedro Santos, she participated in a project focused on developing radiolabeled photosensitisers for cancer diagnosis and treatment. “The aim was to develop compounds that could combine both fluorescence and radiolabeling, linked to diagnosis, as well as photodynamic therapy, which is a more therapeutic approach to treating cancer”, she explained.
According to the student, the internship proved to be “a very enriching experience”. “I managed to develop skills I never thought I’d acquire in such a short time, and I’m very grateful to the professors who supported me”.
As organiser of EstVerDEQ’2026, Pedro Paulo emphasises the importance of fostering “a love of science” and providing students with “an insight into the world of scientific research”. “In every edition, we try to ensure that there is always a good match between what they expect from this experience and what we can offer as a School of Science and Technology”, he said.
The professor also expressed his gratitude to all the researchers and professors who welcomed students into their laboratories. “It is an enriching activity, which requires willingness and generosity”.
