On November 12th, students from the Department of Civil Engineering had the opportunity to visit the Railway Operational Command Center (CCO) of Infraestruturas de Portugal, S.A. (IP), in Braço de Prata. The visit, accompanied by professor Luísa Teles Fortes (DEC/ISEL), provided students who are currently studying curricular units in the Communication Routes area of ​​the Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Civil Engineering, with a global view of the model implemented by IP in terms of Railway Traffic Management and Control, including processing and processing of information in real time. This multidisciplinary center of excellence, equipped with the most modern support systems for railway operations, commands, controls and manages railway circulation in its area of ​​coverage, covering a total of 1,200 km. The ISEL group was received by one of those responsible for the Center, Dr. João Bento, providing a great opportunity to watch the operation of a unit of this kind.     Imagem capa: Infraestruturas de Portugal 

Professor Elisabete Alegria (DEQ/ISEL) is co-author of an article recently published in the magazine Catalysis Science & Technology, where she was featured on the cover of the issue. The work entitled “Bioinspired copper-catalysed nitrous oxide reduction with simultaneous N–H or O–H bond oxidation” addresses the use of biomimetic copper catalysts in the reduction of nitrous oxide (N₂O), accompanied by the oxidation of N–H or O bonds –H. This study proposes an approach that uses affordable catalysts to promote relevant chemical reactions efficiently, contributing to the recovery of industrial waste and the mitigation of greenhouse gases.  

On November 21, 2024, as part of the celebration of World Philosophy Day, Mem Martins Secondary School held a lecture dedicated to the intersection between Philosophy and Artificial Intelligence. The event, led by Professor Pedro Santa Rosa, brought together around 60 secondary school students and teachers from different areas. The lecture featured a speech by Professor Pedro Santa Rosa entitled "Threshold: Technique and Post-Humanism - Philosophy and Artificial Intelligence", followed by a presentation by Professor Nuno Datia (DEETC/ISEL), entitled "Artificial Intelligence: fascination or threat?". Participants had the opportunity to explore critical perspectives on the impact of artificial intelligence on contemporary society, reflecting on the ethical and philosophical challenges of this emerging technology.   Imagem: Nuna Datia    

As part of the Curricular Unit of Construction Materials Technology I, integrated into the Degree in Civil Engineering (LEC), ISEL students carried out a technical visit to the Obra dos Peixinhos carried out by the company NVE Engenharia e Construção. The visit to the buildings of the Obra dos Peixinhos Phase 1/2 condominium, located in the Graça neighborhood, in Lisbon, took place on November 13th and was accompanied by professor Maria Idália Gomes (DEC/ISEL). The visit guidance was led by engineers Luís Correia and Luana Dantas and André, alumni of LEC.

As part of the Chemical and Biological Reactors discipline, part of the Degree in Chemical and Biological Engineering (LEQB) course, ISEL students participated in a visit to the facilities of the company Synthomer. The main objective of this visit was to provide students with direct contact with the production process and operation of the manufacturing unit. The activity included a classroom presentation on the production process, followed by a guided tour of Synthomer's manufacturing facilities and laboratories. The visit to the factory took place on October 8, 2024, and the students were accompanied by professor JJaime Puna (DEQ/ISEL), José Palmeira (DEQ/ISEL), Luís Minhalma (DEQ/ISEL) and Ana Sofia Figueiredo (DEQ/ISEL).  

ISEL has signed a collaboration agreement with Bet Solar, aiming to create a space dedicated to the demonstration and testing of sustainable technologies. The main objective of this agreement is to support the practical training of students and promote the use of renewable energy solutions. Under this agreement, the “Bet Solar Laboratory” will be created, located in ISEL’s Building E, where various equipment provided by the partner company will be demonstrated and tested. The devices provided include solar panels, inverters and batteries, allowing students to gain practical experience with cutting-edge technologies. This agreement stands out for its impact on the training of qualified professionals and the promotion of sustainable technologies, allowing ISEL students direct access to real-world equipment and practices. The partnership between Bet Solar and ISEL reflects the commitment of both institutions to promote the development of technical skills and innovation in the renewable energy sector, thus strengthening the sustainability ecosystem in Portugal.