The ceremony marking the 115th anniversary of Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa began to take shape as students and faculty took their seats. Among the approximately 1,000 people present at Dia do Técnico 2026, friends and family witnessed the recognition of the academic achievements of hundreds of students and faculty distinguished for their excellence, in the hall of the Técnico Innovation Center powered by Fidelidade, on May 22.
“He’s happy with his academic journey so far. I know it’s been demanding, but in a (good) way—it’s challenged him”, said Nicole Almeida, who was attending the ceremony where her brother André Almeida, a master’s student in Medical Physics, was to be honoured. A few seats further ahead, Cristina Fernandes, mother of Matias Fernandes, one of the Aerospace Engineering students honoured with the academic excellence diploma, believes that, “for those who have goals”, a degree at Técnico sets “an extremely high bar”. She confessed to being “extremely proud” and happy for her son, and emphasised that it was a “well-deserved” award.
“This year there are even more of us at this ceremony, and the only conclusion I can draw is that there are more of us because we are getting better and better”, stated Miguel Cacho Teixeira, president of the Pedagogical Council, regarding the recognition of 531 faculty (Outstanding Teaching Diplomas) and 439 students (Academic Excellence Diplomas). Comparing the Técnico community to a large family marked by “pride” and “love for the institution”, the professor reflected on the importance of dialogue without “extremism” and concluded: “We can rest assured: a glorious past, an excellent present, and the future of Técnico, with this community, is exceptional.”
Rogério Colaço, president of Técnico, emphasised that the institution reached its 115th anniversary through confidence and a “shared vision for the future”. “Técnico is what we’ve seen here today: a vibrant, dynamic community and, above all, happy and joyful”, he said. Recalling his arrival at Técnico, he shared: “40 years ago, Técnico was, above all, about the excellence and quality of its teaching. Today it is that and more. It is cutting-edge research and innovation and a unique experience for its students”. He noted that upcoming legislative and institutional changes will have a “profound impact” on the institution’s future.
Academic Excellence Diplomas were awarded to approximately 439 undergraduate and master’s students and 531 Outstanding Faculty Members. For Jorge Marques, vice‑president student of the Pedagogical Council, this represents “115 years of history, but above all, of merit”. Addressing his fellow students, he congratulated them on their “resilience” and merit. “Your success is the guarantee of a bright future”, he concluded.
Margarida Pereira, Leonardo Ramos, and Manuela Abreu are among the Biotechnology master’s students who received the academic excellence diploma. Manuela Abreu, who joined Técnico to pursue the master’s programme, remarked on student‑professors’ engagement, which she found to be “very important” for her motivation and interest. “Professors are there to help; everyone is ready to assist. That makes learning much more accessible”, said Margarida Pereira. “It feels good to be recognised for our work”, added Leonardo Ramos.
“You aren’t excellent because you made it here; you made it here because you are excellent, not just in your studies, not just in teaching, but in everything you decide to do”, said Nuno Moura Pinto, a student who spoke on behalf of students. Sara Fava Gonçalves, also representing students, called for collaboration. “Try to make Técnico a more welcoming, inspiring, and cozy place for everyone here”.
“Let us never forget to continue training, above all, people who are connected to one another”
The morning ceremony concluded with two award ceremonies: Outstanding Teaching Awards and José Tribolet Award for Digital Innovation in Education, powered by Deloitte.
“This award also recognises students”, said Miguel Tribolet de Abreu about the “motivated and easy-to-motivate” students he taught in Differential and Integral Calculus, which earned him the Outstanding Teaching Award, recognised by students through the course quality assurance system for the 2024/2025 academic year. Ana Azevedo, awarded for the second time, shared that there is “no greater validation” for a professor “than realising that your message has reached its destination”. Considering human connection in academia essential, she said: “At Técnico, we train some of the best engineers and scientists in the country; let us never forget to continue training, above all, people who are connected to one another”.
The José Tribolet Award for Digital Innovation in Education, powered by Deloitte, was presented at the end of the morning session. Rui Pedro Vaz, a representative from Deloitte, emphasised the importance of “finding new pedagogical approaches that balance rigour, innovation, and a close relationship with students”, and highlighted the role of the award in “recognising those who lead this transformation”. Noting that “no artificial intelligence can replace the role of pedagogy”, Sérgio Pequito, the award winner, underscored the role of professors. “Our mission is to educate people capable of continuing to learn, think critically, act with integrity, and solve complex problems”.
Solemn Session celebrated the “scientific and human atmosphere” at Técnico
“This is a time for us to look at our school, see how we got here, and imagine what we want it to be like in the future”, said António Jarmela, president of the Técnico Students’ Union (AEIST). Highlighting the 2,500 students and the 3.1 million euros generated by the Técnico Students’ Organisations, he concluded that “the future of Técnico is promising”. “Let us strive to deserve the next 115 years of history”, he concluded.
To celebrate Técnico’s guiding values, Raquel Aires Barros, the Ombudsperson at Técnico, spoke on behalf of the School’s 70 ambassadors. “Every name we see here, on the screen, represents a person who has accepted this commitment”, she stated. Expressing her hope that this programme “continues to grow and strengthen”, she added: “The guiding values live in people, in their attitudes, in the way each of us chooses to be a part of Técnico every day”.
The event also featured a session honouring Técnico’s employees, newly hired members, those who have progressed in their careers, and recently retired employees, as well as those who have completed 25 and 40 years of service. Hermínio Fonseca Costa, who has been an administrative staff member for 40 years, shared a brief retrospective on his journey at Técnico, reflecting on his path from the metallurgy department to the audiovisual department. He expressed gratitude for his time at what he called his “second home”.
During the afternoon, the 2026 Distinguished Professor Awards were also presented to Professors Fernando Pereira and Leonel Sousa. Describing the occasion as “one of the highlights of his life”, Fernando Pereira, a professor at Técnico, thanked both the staff and colleagues for the “excellent scientific and human environment” they have helped “create over the years”, as well as the students for their “constant encouragement”. Describing “teaching and research as deeply human”, he also highlighted the importance of empathy for others and the increased responsibility to continue transmitting Técnico’s guiding values.
Leonel Sousa shared that, during his master’s programme at Técnico, he found “an environment conducive to teaching and research of excellence”. Thanking his colleagues, he noted that “Técnico’s staff are the backbone of the institution”. He concluded his speech with great pride and emotion, noting that investing in internationalisation and risk-taking is “essential for innovation”, and he expressed his appreciation for his family.
“Técnico refuses to be a mere observer of the state of the art; Técnico defines the state of the art”, declared Luís Ferreira, rector of Universidade de Lisboa. Noting that, in recent years, this “extraordinary school of engineering, science, technology, and architecture” has been an “unequivocal demonstration of scientific vigor, intellectual audacity, and social impact”, he highlighted some of the School’s historic milestones, including the raising of 27.2 million euros to establish the Sustainable Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (SAIL), a centre of excellence dedicated to environmental, energy, and economic impacts of artificial intelligence.
The rector believes that the School will “design the reliable and sustainable AI of the future”, and emphasised: “This is not just about raising funds; it is about leading the international scientific agenda”. Without ignoring the instability and regulatory changes in legislation, which “have immediate consequences”, Luís Ferreira recalled “the strength of those who have shaped the country’s engineering and technological and scientific landscape” for 115 years. “The most important discoveries are still those yet to be made”. The ceremony culminated with “Happy Birthday” to Técnico, which included the sharing of two cakes and performances by the Grupo de Cantares Tradicionais do Instituto Superior Técnico, Tuna Mista do Instituto Superior Técnico, Tuna Feminina do Instituto Superior Técnico and Tuna Universitária do Instituto Superior Técnico.
On the eve of the ceremony, the 2nd Técnico Alumni Charity Gala was held in the Great Hall of Alameda Campus, raising over €40,000 to support students facing financial difficulties with scholarships through the Técnico Alumni Solidarity Fund. The gala also honoured three alumni: João Bento, Marta Oliveira and Joana Pinto.
Photo gallery (available soon)
