What if, while solving programming problems, the machine we were using could identify our mistakes and help us correct them? This innovative idea earned Pedro Orvalho, a PhD graduate from Técnico, the third edition of the “Vencer o Adamastor” award, delivered during a ceremony held on 11 April at Técnico Innovation Center powered by Fidelidade. The award is an initiative of the newspaper “Público” and Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores (INESC).
‘MENTOR – Automated Feedback for Introductory Programming Exercises’ was developed to make it easier and quicker for students to clarify doubts on programming assignments. This tool allows teachers to focus on addressing more complex and conceptual questions. ‘The work is essentially designed to free professors from the difficult task of finding bugs in their students’ work,’ explained José Tribolet, a professor at Técnico and president of the award jury, moments before handing it over to Pedro Orvalho. After a brief presentation in which he summarised his research on MENTOR, the winner expressed gratitude to his family, friends, teachers and the institutions involved in the award’s creation.
“It is a project that demonstrates how artificial intelligence technologies can be effectively used to solve complex problems”, said Arlindo Oliveira, a professor Técnico and president of INESC, during his speech. “There were several very good applications – the jury’s decision is never easy – but Pedro Orvalho’s work was chosen based on merit”, he added.
Luís Oliveira e Silva, president of the School Council, said ‘it was a great pride having welcomed Pedro during his studies at Técnico and an even greater honour to see his scientific work recognised’ with the “Vencer o Adamastor” award. The Técnico professor thanked INESC and the Público newspaper for their ‘fruitful partnership’. Marta Moitinho Oliveira, deputy director at Público newspaper, recalled the importance of ‘disseminating science to everyone’, especially to ‘those eager to learn about scientific advancements’.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa delivered the closing remarks, recording a message thanking Pedro Orvalho for his “work, commitment, devotion, and contribution to the country.” The President of the Portuguese Republic highlighted the significance of the pedagogical act of offering practical and effective solutions to one of the biggest challenges faced by professors—personalising the feedback provided to students.
According to the Award’s website, ‘Vencer o Adamastor’ aims to reward ‘innovative works by young scientists, developed in Portugal, in the area of information and communication technologies that reveal not only scientific excellence, but also potential for economic development’.
