On May 23, the Técnico Day celebrations took place at the Técnico Innovation Center, marking the 114th anniversary of the institution. Throughout the day, faculty members and teaching assistants were recognized for their active contributions to high-quality teaching, and students were honored for their academic excellence. Among them, José Santos-Victor, researcher and professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (DEEC), received the title of Distinguished Professor 2025.

The morning began with an opening ceremony featuring Professor Miguel Teixeira and Laura Zappavigna, Vice-President of the Pedagogical Council and student representative. Both highlighted the high standard of education at Técnico. This was followed by the awarding of Academic Excellence Diplomas to undergraduate and master's students who achieved an average grade of 18 or above (equivalent to an “A” on the ECTS scale). These included students from Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications and Informatics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Engineering and Data Science.

After the student awards, faculty and teaching assistants who received the highest ratings from students at the end of each semester were also recognized, underscoring their dedication to teaching. The event continued with awards for the top professors at Técnico for both first and second cycles of studies, as well as the winner of the first edition of the José Tribolet Prize. The morning concluded with closing remarks by Técnico President Rogério Colaço.

The afternoon program began with the inauguration of a community piano at the Innovation Center, followed by the opening of the “Art with Science” exhibition by artist Leonel Moura, who blends art and robotics through autonomous painting robots. Moura, who has been working with algorithms for nearly 20 years, stated that he is not afraid of the evolution of artificial intelligence.

Following the opening session led by Rogério Colaço, Fernando Almeida Santos, President of the Portuguese Order of Engineers, spoke and participated in the signing of a cooperation protocol between the Order and Técnico, alongside António Carias de Sousa, President of the Southern Regional Council.

António Jarmela, President of the Técnico Students’ Union and an aerospace engineering student, addressed the audience, reinforcing Técnico’s role in knowledge creation and its responsibility in combating misinformation. He also drew attention to challenges faced by students, especially regarding mental health, and urged the academic community to stay attentive to these concerns.

During the afternoon, Departmental Diplomas for Excellence in Teaching and Academic Success were awarded, with a highlight on the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (DEEC). The diploma was accepted by Nuno Horta, head of the department.

Following a segment dedicated to new hires, career progression, retirements, and 25-year service recognitions, the event celebrated the Técnico Guiding Values Ambassadors and awarded the title of Distinguished Professor 2025 to José Santos-Victor and Teresa Peña. During his speech, Santos-Victor reflected on his journey from undergraduate studies to his current roles. If he had to summarize his career in one word, he said it would be "unlikely", due to the unexpected opportunities and challenges he encountered — from interdisciplinary collaborations to leadership roles.

The session concluded with a speech by Luís Ferreira, Rector of the University of Lisbon.

The day ended with the Técnico Alumni Gala, where the Young Entrepreneur Award was given to Maria Vilar, founder of Immersiv Studios, and the Alumni Career Award was presented to António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations — both alumni of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

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