On May 22, Técnico Innovation Center welcomed hundreds of faculty members and students as part of the celebrations marking Técnico’s 115th anniversary. Throughout the day, faculty members and teaching assistants were recognised for their excellence in teaching, while students were distinguished for their academic merit. The event featured the recognition of three DEEC faculty members. Sérgio Pequito, DEEC Vice-President for Research, Development and External Relations, received the José Tribolet Award for Digital Innovation in Teaching 2026, sponsored by Deloitte. Fernando Pereira and Leonel Sousa, faculty members and researchers at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, were honoured with the title of «Distinguished Professor».

The morning began with the opening session, featuring remarks by Professor Miguel Teixeira, President of the Pedagogical Council, and student Jorge Marques, Vice-President of the Pedagogical Council. Jorge Marques congratulated the distinguished students and faculty members and thanked all the friends and family members who support them on a daily basis. He also highlighted that this recognition values not only academic results, but also individual dedication and commitment. «Being Técnico means experiencing the School to the fullest», he stated, also emphasising the work developed through extracurricular activities.

Your success today is the guarantee of a bright future tomorrow.

Jorge Marques, Vice-President of the Pedagogical Council

Next, the academic excellence diplomas were awarded. These distinctions are granted annually to undergraduate and master’s students who achieved an average grade equal to or above 18 out of 20, corresponding to an “A” according to the ECTS grading scale. Throughout the ceremony, several students from Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Data Science and Engineering, and Energy Engineering and Management took the stage.

Following the student awards, the teaching excellence diplomas were presented to faculty members and teaching assistants who received the highest evaluations from students at the end of each semester.

The morning concluded with the presentation of the José Tribolet Award for Digital Innovation in Teaching 2026, sponsored by Deloitte, to Sérgio Pequito, recognised for developing an artificial intelligence tool for teaching practice. The professor stressed the importance of modernising education in line with technological developments and highlighted that artificial intelligence can never replace the role of teachers. «At a time when knowledge changes rapidly, our mission is not only to teach answers, but to educate people capable of continuing to learn, think critically, act with integrity and solve complex problems», he stated.

I receive this distinction with gratitude, but also with responsibility. In my view, this award does not only distinguish a tool; it distinguishes a vision for higher education.

Sérgio Pequito, winner of the José Tribolet Award

The afternoon began with speeches by Rogério Colaço, President of Técnico, and António Jarmela, President of the Students’ Union. The student representative highlighted that the event represents an opportunity for the academic community to reflect on its history and future perspectives. During his speech, he also reinforced the impact of student groups within the academic community: «across all these projects, we are talking about 2,500 students and about 3.1 million euros moved annually by these students. If this is not considered impact, I do not know what can be considered impact». António Jarmela also addressed some of the ongoing changes in education legislation and encouraged the community to become involved in academic decision-making.

The ceremony continued with the presentation of the departmental diplomas for teaching excellence and academic success. The diploma for the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering was presented to Nuno Horta, Head of the Department.

Following the diploma presentations, the event continued with a tribute to Técnico staff members (faculty, researchers, technical and administrative staff), including a moment dedicated to new hires, career progressions, retirements, and the celebration of 25 and 40 years of service.

Next, the “Distinguished Professor 2026” title was awarded to Professors Fernando Pereira and Leonel Sousa.

Fernando Pereira highlighted the fundamental role of Professor Carlos Salema in his academic career. He recalled part of his journey, including his time in Italy during his PhD, which led to collaborations and lasting friendships. He also thanked Professors Nuno Horta, Mário Figueiredo and José Santos-Victor: «without them, I would not be here; we understand that alone we cannot get very far», he noted. He also expressed gratitude for the excellent scientific environment fostered by colleagues and staff members at Técnico and the Instituto de Telecomunicações, as well as for the recognition of his work. Finally, he thanked all the students he had the opportunity to mentor, along with his family and friends, and highlighted the importance of human relationships beyond the professional dimension, stressing that without empathy there can be no good teachers.

Teaching and research are profoundly human. What truly matters are the empathies, collaborations, friendships, students and colleagues with whom we shared this journey; that is what really matters, and as human beings we must feel empathy for others.

Fernando Pereira, Distinguished Professor 2026

Fernando Pereira also highlighted the importance of human relationships in the context of technological evolution: «No AI system will smile at a student, make a face at them, or give them a hug when they need it most. That belongs to us», he stated. The professor concluded his speech by recognising this distinction as a synonym of responsibility towards excellence in teaching at Técnico.

After Fernando Pereira’s speech, Leonel Sousa took the floor. The professor began by thanking the jury, Professors Nuno Horta, Mário Figueiredo and José Santos-Victor, as well as Professor Isabel Ribeiro, the first Distinguished Professor from DEEC. He then recalled part of his journey, from his arrival at Técnico, where he chose to pursue his master’s degree. He highlighted the role of Professor Moisés Piedade, who supervised him throughout his academic career, and spoke about his integration into INESC-ID: «there was an environment where hierarchy was not oppressive and where, at the beginning of our careers, we at least believed we could do anything, and that was decisive in my path». He also highlighted the contribution of Professors João Lourenço, Jorge Marques and Luís Vidigal, who had the ability to motivate computer science students to take an interest in electronics and microelectronics.

Leonel Sousa served as President of INESC-ID for six years, Head of DEEC for four years, and currently leads Técnico’s Doctoral School. During his speech, he thanked all the colleagues involved in managing the different institutions, from directors to staff members, as well as all the PhD students with whom he had the opportunity to collaborate.

The professor also highlighted the constant transformation experienced at Técnico and the importance of the School strengthening its internationalisation capacity and promoting a culture of risk-taking, valuing attempts even when they involve failure, for example in the development of startups.

Taking risks responsibly is essential in research and innovation and is a good antidote to inertia and stagnation.

Leonel Sousa, Distinguished Professor 2026

Leonel Sousa concluded his speech by thanking his family for their support and for the awarding of this distinction.

The event concluded with the closing session, featuring remarks by Luís Ferreira, Rector of the University of Lisbon.

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