“When, later on, I learned of his career, I thought it was a natural thing and I rejoiced at his success. We could easily foresee a successful professional career. I knew when he became a full professor and now he has reached the top of a deserved career”. Maria Clemência Cardoso is a former Physics teacher of Luís Oliveira e Silva, full professor at Técnico and researcher at IPFN – Institute for Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion, and recalls the path of the young student “Luis”. It is an example of many teachers who inspired so many students to study at Técnico and follow a scientific and academic career.

The annual surveys conducted on students admitted to Técnico point to “information from secondary school teachers” as the third most influential factor in students’ choice, after the former students’ opinion and parents’ opinion. Gustavo Paneira, assistant professor at Técnico and researcher at CERENA, recalls his teacher Maria João Ribeiro: “Her enthusiasm and passion for science, and her rigorous lessons (but with many moments of huge laughter in the classroom) led me to follow a career as a researcher and teacher, influenced by the same enthusiasm and passion”.

We celebrate the World Teachers’ Day with four stories and testimonies of teachers and students, on Técnico social media.

Dulce Evangelho & Bruno Soares Gonçalves
«You were an excellent student, you showed commitment, curiosity and interest in knowing / learning more and… more! You defended your ideas with strong conviction. No topic scared you, you always wanted to go further. (…) Bruno, I wish you the greatest happiness. I feel very proud that you have become a great MAN of SCIENCE and that I have made a small contribution to your life. »
(Dulce Evangelho, a former teacher of “Bruno”, at Secondary School Gago Coutinho, in Alverca)

“At a time in life when everything is fascinating, teachers are the guides who, although not defining the path, point us in directions. (…) I will be eternally grateful to teacher Dulce Evangelho. I didn’t become an astronaut, but I work in nuclear fusion that aims to bring a small star to Earth!”
(Bruno Soares Gonçalves, professor and researcher at Técnico / IPFN – Institute for Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion and former student of “Dulce”)

Maria João Ribeiro & Gustavo Paneiro
«Gustavo soon revealed himself as a brilliant student, very grumpy, with very critical thinking, a fantastic person who stood out from the rest for his education, humility, honesty, altruism, generosity, friendship and, above all, for his interest in scientific knowledge. I am extremely proud of your academic and professional career. »
(Maria João Ribeiro, a former teacher of “Gustavo” at Agrupamento de Escolas Madeira Torres)

“It was September 1994 and a new school year was just beginning. We met our Earth and Life Sciences teacher, who was a very young and determined woman, full of energy and very “cool”. I wouldn’t imagine that, in that year and in the following school year, Maria João, with whom I still have a sincere friendship today, would mark my professional life forever.”
(Gustavo Paneiro, professor and researcher at Técnico / CERENA – Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambiente and former student of “Maria João”)

Maria Clemência Cardoso & Luís Oliveira e Silva
«When, later on, I learned of his career, I found it natural and I rejoiced at his success. We could easily foresee a successful professional career. I knew when he became a full professor and now he has reached the top of a deserved career. Congratulations my dear Luís Silva». (Maria Clemência Cardoso, a former Physics teacher of “Luís” at Liceu Nacional de Queluz/E.S. Padre Alberto Neto)

“Her rigour and kindness, her demand and encouragement, her dedication and commitment have become synonymous with physics and have inspired me to do my best as a teacher. Thank you very much, professor Clemência, for stimulating my interest in learning physics, for transmitting your guidance and advice, for inspiring me!”
(Luís Oliveira e Silva, full professor and researcher at Técnico / IPFN – Institute for Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion and former student of “Maria Clemência”)

Odete Moreira & Margarida Silveira

«It is with great pleasure I remember her as an excellent student (I believe she had the final classification of 19) not only in academic terms but also in human relationships with teachers and colleagues. Years later, I met her at Técnico, and she was already a professor at this prestigious institution. In fact, nothing is more rewarding to a teacher than seeing the success of former students.”
(Odete Moreira, a former physics teacher of “Margarida” at Escola D. Pedro V)

“I loved teacher Odete’s classes. She was demanding and rigorous, but she explained concepts so clearly that the most complex problems looked simple. She prepared us so well to get into university that about 15 colleagues from my school were admitted to Técnico».
(Margarida Silveira, professor and researcher at Técnico / ISR Lisboa – Institute for Systems and Robotics and former student of “Odete”)