Técnico celebrated this Monday its 105th anniversary with a solemn ceremony attended by the President of the Portuguese Republic, professor Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and the Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education, professor Manuel Heitor.
As in previous years, a ceremony to honour IST employees for 25 years of service took place.
Professors João Paulo Silva (1st cycle) and Virgínia Infante (2nd cycle) received the IST Outstanding Teaching Award, which recognises and promotes excellence in education.
Professor Amilcar Sernadas, professor at the Department of Mathematics, was honoured with the award “IST distinguished Professor”, which recognises the most influential professor in scientific and educational fields according to the highest academic standards. The professor was chosen by a jury “for his outstanding contributions to scientific and academic leadership, in the field of Logic and Computation”.
The president of Técnico, professor Arlindo Oliveira, made a short speech saying that “managing Técnico has not been easy”, and highlighted that “we must count on everyone to make sure that the next generation will not be sacrificed by the current needs. Investing in our youth is key to ensure the future of the country.”
Professor António Cruz Serra, rector of Universidade de Lisboa, gave a speech in line with that of the president of Técnico and took the opportunity to “thank the President of the Portuguese Republic for his contribution in the elaboration of school’s statutes.“
Professor Manuel Heitor, professor at Técnico and currently Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education, also left a message to the audience “Dia do Técnico (…) is certainly a day to celebrate, but it is also important to reflect. Investment in knowledge is our commitment to the future.” The Minister also highlighted what he considers to be the four great challenges of Higher Education: promoting and ensuring research in the universities, link to society, internationalisation and, finally, to foster the creation of a scientific culture.
Professor Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa gave a very personal speech, and considered Técnico “the best example” of “a great school.” He also thanked the president of Técnico “for all he have done for the school”. “We are all witnesses of your dedication to this school.”
“I can only say that the President of the Portuguese Republic, on behalf of all Portuguese, thanks Técnico for 105 years at the service of Portugal”, he said.
