Sérgio Pequito, Vice President for Research, Development and External Relations at DEEC and researcher at the Evolutionary Systems and Biomedical Engineering Lab (LaSEEB) of the Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR), received the distinction, promoted by Deloitte, during Técnico Day celebrations. The event took place on May 22 at the Técnico Innovation Center.

The distinction stems from the development and implementation of a virtual tutor based on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in pedagogical practice. The initiative aims to create more personalized, accessible, and interactive learning experiences. “The goal was to develop a pedagogical tool grounded in teaching, learning, and assessment principles, and to implement it rigorously within Técnico’s Cyber-Physical Systems Control course. This virtual tutor was designed to complement video modules, support students in consolidating knowledge, assist with preparation for assessments, and be integrated into active learning activities during classes,” he explains.

In Técnico’s case, this project shows that there is the capacity to experiment with, evaluate, and implement new digital solutions in service of students.

Sérgio Pequito, DEEC faculty member and LaSEEB / ISR researcher

In addition to its implementation in the selected course, the project has also become the basis for training initiatives. The initiative already involves approximately 200 faculty members and 140 PhD students. Looking ahead, the researcher hopes these numbers will continue to grow and that these systems can be adapted to different teaching contexts, helping strengthen the relationship between faculty and students.

This work is also part of a broader vision regarding the role of artificial intelligence in higher education, seeking to demonstrate that the response should not be passive resistance, but rather the critical, responsible, and pedagogically grounded integration of these tools. Sérgio Pequito adds that the project aims to reflect Técnico’s core values, namely collaboration, innovation, excellence, integrity, and respect: “Collaboration, because these tools only have real impact when they are shared and adapted by different faculty members and students. Innovation, because they challenge us to rethink pedagogical practices. Excellence, because they require technical and pedagogical rigor. Integrity, because they demand the responsible and transparent use of Artificial Intelligence. And respect, because they always place students and faculty at the center of the process,” he notes.

More than recognizing a specific tool, I see this award as recognition of the importance of thinking about technology in the service of learning.

Sérgio Pequito, DEEC faculty member and LaSEEB / ISR researcher

The professor highlights that this distinction has a “very special meaning,” as it values initiatives that stand out for bridging technological innovation and the modernization of pedagogical practice. He notes that throughout his time at the School, he has had the privilege of “seeing firsthand much of the excellent work being carried out in Portugal, particularly at Técnico.” For this reason, he dedicates the award to “all colleagues who, day by day, strive to improve students’ learning experience” and emphasizes that this recognition is “an opportunity to celebrate an academic community that continues to experiment, innovate, and invest time, energy, and creativity” in this field.

In conclusion, Sérgio Pequito challenges Técnico faculty members to experiment with these tools during the next training session, scheduled for July 1.

Knowledge should be accessible to everyone, and pedagogical innovation becomes stronger when it is shared.

Sérgio Pequito, DEEC faculty member and LaSEEB / ISR researcher