During the Técnico Day celebrations, José Santos-Victor, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and researcher at the Institute for Systems and Robotics, was recognized for his scientific leadership, his contribution to education, and for raising the visibility of Técnico both nationally and internationally. He was also honored for his role in the research and development of biologically inspired computer vision systems. José Santos-Victor expressed his gratitude for being named a Distinguished Professor with a short speech in which he reflected on his journey at Técnico.

Beginning with his time as a student, he highlighted the support of Professors Isabel Ribeiro and João Sentieiro: “They introduced me to control and robotics and were fundamental throughout my career. I learned essential concepts with them,” he said. João Sentieiro also supervised his master’s thesis, where he explored the use of neural networks and advanced computing applied to robotic visual perception. For his PhD, he focused on 3D reconstruction using sequences of images captured by a moving camera.

José Santos-Victor later joined the Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR) under the leadership of Isabel Ribeiro, João Sentieiro, and Victor Barroso, and became part of the team that developed the iCub robot, considered “the most advanced humanoid robot in the world.” The project brought together psychologists, neuroscientists, and engineers to contribute to the study of the brain and cognition.

In 2001, he helped establish LARSyS, a laboratory focused on multidisciplinary research including cognitive robotics. Five years later, he assumed the presidency of ISR.

It was an opportunity to understand the challenges of managing a research unit—with organizational difficulties, limited resources, bureaucracy, and constantly shifting regulations.

José Santos-Victor

He also recalled his time as Vice President and later President of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, during which he oversaw key moments such as the adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic, the restructuring of Técnico's academic programs, and the creation of impactful initiatives like Eletroday and DEEC Day.

Throughout his speech, marked by the word “improbable”—a reflection of many unexpected moments in his academic and professional path—he emphasized the resilience, collective spirit, and ambition that define Técnico: “If we want it, we fight for it,” he stated. He concluded with a message to students, encouraging them to follow Técnico’s example and contribute not only to the advancement of science, but also to the promotion of values.

Look around and be inspired by the many examples at Técnico—from resilience and critical thinking to ambition. Always believe—there are no half-empty glasses, they are always half-full.

José Santos-Victor

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