The buzz of conversation mingles with the constant flow of visitors entering the Lisbon International Fair (FIL). Amidst bags of leaflets, quick questions and demonstrations that catch the attention of passers-by, the final day of Futurália, on 14 March, created an engaging atmosphere marked by an increased presence of families. Over the weekend, secondary school students arrive accompanied by parents and relatives, in a joint effort to better understand the options available for their academic future.
In the aisles of Hall 2, where Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, is showcasing its academic offer, conversations are buzzing about access to higher education and academic life at Técnico. Sofia, a 12th grade student, is making her way around the venue looking for answers to help her make an upcoming decision. Torn between Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering at Técnico, she came to the fair to “get a better understanding of what sets each course apart and to explore the subjects covered”. For the student, visiting Futurália is important for clarifying her options. “I really value the spirit of mutual support among students and the close relationship with the professors”, she notes.
Her father, Jorge, follows her closely but tries to “keep the necessary distance”. “I’m here mainly to support whatever decision she ends up making”, he explains. Convinced by his daughter to visit Futurália, he says he sees this moment as a natural stage in her educational journey. “The most important thing is that she doesn’t see higher education as an obligation. I hope that she finds enjoyment in whatever field she chooses to study and that she manages to forge her own path”.
Tomás is visiting the Técnico exhibition stand, looking for information. Persuaded by his mother – who told him it was “his last chance before the application deadline” – he talks with Técnico students about the undergraduate programmes in Applied Mathematics and Computation, and Engineering Physics. “I’ve always loved these two subjects since I was a child and I’d like to find a way to combine them”, he says. For him, choosing Técnico is like opting for a “national benchmark”. “It offers the best conditions for pursuing the engineering fields I wish to study”. For now, he is trying to gather as much information as possible before making his final decision.
The scientific demonstrations in the central area of the Universidade de Lisboa exhibition stand are constantly attracting new visitors. One of the activities invites the public to observe how different structures react to simulated seismic movements. With the aid of a shake table, students and professors from Técnico explain how Civil Engineering uses experimental models to understand the behaviour of buildings and develop solutions that minimise damage during earthquakes. “We have close links with the professional sector, through internships, technical visits and projects in collaboration with various companies”, explains Marta Furtado, a final-year Civil Engineering student at Técnico, when asked about the opportunities for future civil engineers.
“Throughout the morning, people asked us lots of questions about what it’s like to study at Técnico and the opportunities available outside the classroom”, says Marta. “There’s a lot of interest in understanding what campus life is like – students’ organisations, university sports and academic activities. I told our visitors that Técnico isn’t just about study and that the university experience is also built on these aspects”.
“Above all, I want to be an engineer”
During the afternoon, another highlight catches the eye of passers-by. “Rocky”, a quadruped robot, slowly moves around the stand, stopping occasionally to interact with curious visitors and greeting them with its paw. The robot dog participated in a demonstration focused on the application of robotics and artificial intelligence in the exploration of mineral and energy resources, part of the Undergraduate Programme in Mining and Energy Resources Engineering at Técnico. “Rocky is a way of showing how technology has evolved and how we can use it to respond to specific challenges in the industry”, says Ana Sousa, a professor at Técnico. “It showcases Técnico’s commitment to staying at the forefront of knowledge and using new technologies to benefit society”.
The professor emphasises that “rather than simply presenting technologies, we want to show how engineering education seeks to boost critical thinking in students”. For Ana Sousa, the ability to analyse information, adapt to new contexts and work with advanced technologies are core skills for any field of study. “This combination of scientific knowledge, access to laboratories and exposure to cutting-edge technologies enables us to prepare students for increasingly complex challenges”.
Small queues of visitors form as they wait to ask questions to Técnico students and professors. Margarida, a 12th grade student, is walking around the venue with a group of friends. For her, visiting Futurália is already a tradition. “I have been coming every year since 9th grade”, she says. Now, the experience carries a different weight: “the time to choose a course is drawing near”.
Torn between Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering at Técnico, there is one thing the two options have in common: “Above all, I want to be an engineer”, she says. “I believe that Técnico, given its reputation, is where I will have the best opportunities to pursue this career path”. Some of the things she values most are the opportunities to “work on projects and apply knowledge in practical contexts throughout the course”.
Throughout the 17th edition of Futurália, students and professors from Técnico showcased academic programmes – 18 undergraduate programmes (and an integrated master’s programme) – and introduced prospective students to the various fields of engineering, architecture, science and technology taught at Técnico.
For many visitors, one of the “next steps” is to attend Técnico Open Day on 18 April 2026. “Futurália gives us a general idea and helps clear up some doubts, but the Open Day offers the chance to get to know the School better from the inside”, shares Pedro, a 12th grade student. “Visiting the laboratories, talking with students and professors, and getting a feel for the campus atmosphere can help us make a more informed decision.”
