The new Técnico Doctoral School was launched today, November 4, during the opening of the 10th edition of PhD Open Days – the annual event for PhD students to meet. The presentation was made by Leonel Sousa, the program coordinator, full professor at the DEEC, and former head of the department, at the Técnico Innovation Center.

Electrical and Computer Engineering and Aerospace Engineering are part of the 31 doctoral programs at Técnico. Both are coordinated by Paulo Jorge Coelho Ramalho Oliveira, professor at the DEEC (in the field of Systems, Decision, and Control).

This new structure will implement a program focused on transversal skills development, offer a Fast Track program for Master's students from Técnico to enter the 3rd cycle, promote internships in national companies or international environments, including co-supervised PhDs, as well as support the PhD Student Hub (a platform bringing together the doctoral community around shared experiences and interests), among other initiatives. A compilation of funding opportunities for PhD students, including all scholarships offered by the 23 research units associated with Técnico, is also available.

The school has announced four transversal skill courses available this academic year for approximately 1,000 students in the 3rd cycle: Science Communication, Artificial Intelligence and Society, Research Methodologies and Thesis Project, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship Seminars with Industry. There are plans to introduce six additional transversal courses next year, as stated by Leonel Sousa, a professor at Técnico and coordinator of the Doctoral School.

These PhD Programmes allow our students not only to acquire knowledge and skills in these fields that we have identified as crucial for their academic career and professional futures but also to connect and interact with one another.

Professor Leonel, coordinator of Técnico Doctoral School

'As there are students from various scientific backgrounds spread across our campi, we thought it was important to have moments where they could meet, exchange experiences and ideas that could enrich their work and personal growth. Técnico’s Doctoral School aims to promote a comprehensive and complete training for students, thereby supporting the advancement of science and research in society,' he adds.

Faster transition between Master’s and PhD programmes and stronger links between doctoral students and industry

The Fast Track is one of the Doctoral School’s most important initiatives, which aims to attract the most talented students with the motivation to continue their academic careers. It allows them to start their doctorate earlier, while still doing their master’s programme at Técnico, by designing a research project that guarantees continuity of work between the two cycles, shortening the time it takes to obtain a doctorate.

We’re also going to encourage links between doctoral students and companies and industry, by carrying out joint research projects. The entrepreneurial spirit will be stimulated, starting by supporting the creation of patents whenever there are innovative results from their research.

Professor Leonel, coordinator of Técnico Doctoral School

The company internships will be an integral part of Técnico’s doctoral programmes and can be credited with up to 18 ECTS (equivalent to three typical doctoral curricular units).

The Doctoral School will have a room in the Main Building, at Técnico – Alameda campus, where PhD students and the PhD Student Hub can meet, work, discuss ideas and strengthen scientific and interpersonal connections.

‘The creation of the Doctoral School as a transversal structure at Técnico is an ambition that has now been fulfilled, and we believe that our PhD graduates will leave Técnico with enhanced training and better preparation for their careers, either in academia or industry,’ stresses Rogério Colaço, president of Instituto Superior Técnico.

Article: Técnico

Photography: Daniela Leonardo