ISEL is launching a new PhD program in Decarbonization and Energy Transition, scheduled to begin in the 2026/2027 academic year. This is the institution’s second doctoral program, coming just two months after the launch of the program in Cyber-Physical Systems for Sustainable Development.The PhD program in Decarbonization and Energy Transition aims to train highly qualified specialists in this field—namely, professionals with a strong background in Engineering or related areas, capable of performing at the highest level in companies, regulatory bodies, higher education institutions, and/or research units. Their work will focus on the relevant and emerging areas of decarbonization and energy transition, from a dual perspective: technical, related to the design, sizing, and implementation of sustainable energy systems; and economic, enabling the assessment of financial resources involved, their profitability over the operational period, and their integration into energy markets.To achieve these goals, graduates are expected to acquire in-depth knowledge of energy source accessibility, energy generation and supply systems, environmental and sustainability implications, clean and low-carbon technologies, resource economics, constraints on implementation and operation, alignment with global energy issues, tariff-setting and regulatory strategies, and integration into global and regional energy markets.In addition to the coursework component, doctoral candidates will develop a thesis focused on specific aspects of this field, ensuring integration between Economics and Management and Engineering components. The theses will address real-world problems (even if conceptually), of high complexity, and will preferably be developed in a business environment. The study cycle will be taught entirely in person, with a total of 210 ECTS and an approximate duration of three and a half years.The teaching staff consists of PhD-qualified professors from ISEL in the fields of Engineering, Economics, Management, and Energy. Seminars featuring business-sector specialists, representatives from energy regulatory bodies, and researchers in these areas are also planned.

On May 23rd, Algés Beach once again hosted another initiative promoted by the Eco-Polytechnic of Lisbon, in collaboration with the Eco-Schools Councils of the various Organic Units and the Blue Flag Association for Environment and Education (ABAAE).The initiative was part of two complementary activities: the Ride Bike IPL, a cycling tour dedicated to promoting sustainable mobility, and the Clean Beach IPL, a coastal cleanup action focused on environmental awareness and the preservation of marine ecosystems.The Ride Bike IPL took place in the morning, starting at the Lisbon School of Health (ESSL) and ending at Algés Beach, encouraging more sustainable mobility habits.During the Clean Beach IPL action, various types of waste were collected, mostly small fragments of plastic, highlighting the importance of continuing to develop awareness and environmental intervention initiatives.The event was attended by students, faculty, and non-faculty staff from various IPL units, including ISEL, ESSL, the Lisbon Higher Institute of Accounting and Administration (ISCAL), and the Lisbon Higher School of Music (ESML), as well as the IPL Presidency Services.The activities concluded with a social gathering for all participants, accompanied by a snack provided by the Social Action Services of the Lisbon Polytechnic Institute (SAS-IPL), promoting sharing and strengthening the spirit of community.ISEL Eco-Campus once again joined this initiative, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability, sustainable mobility, and the promotion of environmental citizenship.Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of this event!Partners:Images GCI/IPL

The AERIS team, the latest academic project focused on aerospace engineering and rocketry at ISEL, has achieved a fundamental milestone in its journey: the successful completion of the first and rigorous technical and logistical evaluation phase for the EuRoC (European Rocketry Challenge).The EuRoC, promoted by the Portuguese Space Agency, is widely recognized as the largest and most prestigious university aerospace engineering competition in Europe. The event annually attracts hundreds of leading students from the continent's best universities, challenging them to design, build, and launch their own high-altitude rockets under the strictest standards of scientific rigor and aerospace safety.Due to the high level of demand, the organization imposes several elimination phases. In the first major test, successfully passed, AERIS presented the planned engineering project for the future, flight simulations, logistical and operational data, as well as institutional documentation and identification of the ISEL students involved.With only nine months of existence, AERIS already has a solid structure of 31 members. The team proudly acknowledges overcoming this initial stage, recognizing the enormous value of competing on an international stage so early in its history. Despite being aware of the natural limitations of a young team, the group maintains the focus and internal support necessary for success. The main objective is to secure participation in the event later this year, but the primary goal is well-defined: to consolidate the structure, establish strategic partnerships, and ensure the development and safe flight of its first prototype.The team's first official mission already has a name: "Ascent". The technical objective of the project is to reach an apogee of 3,000 meters altitude with the highest possible precision.In order to accelerate the development of the prototype and expand the project, AERIS is currently focused on finding technological partners and sponsors, and is also open to recruiting new members who wish to join this aerospace challenge.The progress of AERIS demonstrates the innovative capacity and initiative of ISEL students, who continue to take practical engineering to new heights.AERIS Images

From May 11 to 16, ISEL hosted the in-person component of the blended intensive programme (BIP) “Smart Cities & Integrated Mobility – Innovative Solutions for Multimodal Public Transport Systems”, coordinated by Professor Matilde Pato (DEI/ISEL).The initiative provided an intensive learning experience focused on current challenges in sustainable urban mobility, highlighting the importance of programs that combine theoretical and practical training with international cooperation to reflect on the future of smart cities. The programme included online learning, in-person sessions in Lisbon, and applied work in real-world contexts, enabling participants to develop advanced skills in multimodal planning, public transport system integration, and intelligent mobility management.The BIP “Smart Cities & Integrated Mobility” brought together students and lecturers from universities in several countries (Portugal, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Georgia, and Poland), members of the U!REKA network. Its partners included the Lisbon City Council, Oeiras Municipality, and Parques Tejo.[flickr-photoset:id=72177720333771626, size=q, num=10]Ver no flickr

ISEL promoted a series of lectures and a technical visit as part of the activities of the Department of Civil Engineering (DEC) and the Civil Engineering undergraduate program.The initiatives addressed fundamental themes such as the design of reinforced concrete structures, the management and supervision of works, and the challenges associated with real-world construction cases, with the participation of professionals from the sector, namely:- Eng. Nuno Travassos, "Practical Cases in the Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures", March 24, 2026;- Eng. Edgar Pires, "Project Management and Supervision in Civil Construction", April 27, 2026;- Eng. Filipe Vasques, "Main Challenges and Solutions Found in the Construction of the Ferreirinha Bridge", May 7, 2026.In addition to the lectures, there was a technical visit to a remodeling project in Lisbon, promoted by the company HCI, allowing students direct contact with the real-world construction context.These activities, integrated into different curricular units of the undergraduate program, were open to the academic community and the general public, contributing to strengthening the link between theoretical training and professional practice.The initiative was promoted by the Coordinating Committee of the Civil Engineering undergraduate program and organized by Professor Maria Idália Gomes (DEC/ISEL).  

ISEL and the Port Authority of Sines and Algarve (APS) formalized a new institutional cooperation protocol on May 12, 2026, reinforcing ISEL's role as a strategic partner.The protocol was signed at APS facilities, bringing together representatives from both institutions. This agreement consolidates and deepens an existing collaboration in which ISEL has made a significant contribution.This partnership includes planned workshops and seminars in ISEL courses and participation in R&D projects in the areas of energy transition, digitalization, cybersecurity, and port security and protection.  Images APS