Physical Review Letters (PRL) recently featured, in open access, the article “Unveiling the Hidden Pathway: How Axion-Plasmon Conversion Reshapes Our Search for Dark Matter”, authored by lecturer and researcher Hugo Terças (DF/ISEL), due to the relevance of the topic.In the article, the ISEL professor, in collaboration with Tito Mendonça (GoLP/IPFN) and Robert Bingham (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory), unveils a new mechanism for axion conversion in neutron stars that could significantly reshape the way we search for dark matter. The researchers found that, before converting into detectable radio signals, many axions silently transform into plasma waves (plasmons) within the magnetospheres of these stars, thereby reducing the expected signals.This discovery challenges current approaches and calls for a reassessment of detection strategies, reinforcing the role of theoretical research in advancing Astrophysics and positioning ISEL at the forefront of fundamental Physics.It is worth noting that Physical Review Letters is a highly prestigious, peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes high-impact research in Physics and related fields. Known for its editorial rigor and fast publication process, PRL is one of the leading platforms for the dissemination of groundbreaking discoveries, making significant contributions to the global advancement of scientific and technological knowledge.Below is the article’s descriptive text:Dark matter constitutes approximately 85% of the matter in our universe, yet its fundamental nature remains one of the most profound mysteries in modern physics. Among the leading candidates are axions—hypothetical particles originally proposed to solve a fundamental symmetry problem in quantum chromodynamics. These elusive particles could simultaneously explain dark matter and resolve a decades-old puzzle in particle physics.Neutron stars, particularly magnetars with their immensely powerful magnetic fields, have emerged as natural laboratories for axion detection. As dark matter axions stream through these extreme environments, they should convert into detectable radio waves through a process known as axion-photon conversion. This mechanism has formed the basis for numerous observational campaigns using the world's most sensitive radio telescopes.In groundbreaking research recently published in Physical Review Letters, Hugo Terças from ISEL's Department of Physics (Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa), in collaboration with Tito Mendonça from GoLP/IPFN and Robert Bingham from the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, has revealed a previously overlooked phenomenon that substantially alters this picture. The research team discovered that before axions can convert into detectable radio waves, a significant portion instead convert into plasma waves (plasmons) deep within the neutron star's magnetosphere. This "silent" conversion pathway acts as an energy drain, diminishing the expected radio signals that astronomers search for.This discovery, emerging from ISEL's growing research excellence in fundamental physics, forces a major reassessment of dark matter detection strategies. The anticipated radio signals from axion conversion may be substantially fainter than previously predicted, meaning current experimental constraints may be too optimistic, and future searches must account for this damping effect. This interdisciplinary work connects fundamental particle and plasma physics with astrophysical observations, demonstrating how theoretical insights from engineering physics can reshape our understanding of the cosmos.The journey to detect dark matter requires not just powerful telescopes but also deep theoretical insights into how these elusive particles manifest in observable signals. This discovery of axion-plasmon conversion represents exactly this type of insight—one that moves us from looking for what we expect to see to understanding what we might actually find, while positioning ISEL at the forefront of cutting-edge astrophysical research.

José Sobral, a faculty member at ISEL in the Department of Mechanical Engineering (DEM/ISEL), was awarded a Certificate of Merit at the PAMDAS 2025 – International Conference on Physical Asset Management and Data Science. The recognized paper, titled "Optimizing asset management through reliability data analysis", was presented by the professor and researcher at the event, which took place on July 17th and 18th, 2025, at the Instituto Superior de Engenharia of the Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra.In an era where the Digital Transition (DT) is impacting all areas of industry and human life, PAMDAS 2025 brought together researchers who, through plenary talks, thematic sessions, and workshops, shared their work and established connections with peers interested in the challenges and opportunities presented by DT in Physical Asset Management, Data Science, and related fields.

AERIS (Aerospace Engineering and Rocketry at ISEL) is the latest project developed by students at ISEL, within the scope of the Aerospace Engineering Student Group (NEA). Its main goal is the design and construction of experimental rockets, integrating various fields of engineering and promoting the practical application of knowledge acquired in an academic context.Currently, the group includes students from the undergraduate programs in Electronics, Telecommunications and Computer Engineering (LEETC), Electrical Engineering (LEE), Applied Physics Engineering (LEFA), Mechanical Engineering (LEM), and the Master's in Electrical Engineering (MEE). It is open to students from any university who share an interest in engineering and space exploration. The team’s first official meeting took place on October 3, 2025, marking the beginning of an initiative that offers ISEL students the opportunity to make their mark on the European aerospace engineering scene.AERIS will be developed across several missions, each corresponding to a unique rocket designed and built by the students, with support and guidance from ISEL faculty. The ultimate goal is to participate in the European Rocketry Challenge (EuRoC), the largest experimental rocketry competition in Europe, where university teams from across the continent present and launch their projects.Speaking about the spirit behind the project, Miguel Monteiro, AERIS mentor and LEFA student, emphasizes: “At AERIS, we bring together knowledge, innovation, and team spirit to develop experimental rockets and represent ISEL in international competitions. Each member contributes with their talent and dedication, because we believe that alone we go fast, but together we go far.”The project is promoted by the Aerospace Engineering Student Group (NEA), recently created by ISEL students, with the following goals:Involve students from different courses at the institute;Strengthen collaboration between students, faculty, and industry;Showcase ISEL’s capacity for innovation and applied research.

Continuing the “Sharing Space” project, the ISEL Eco-Campus program presents the “Circular Economy Closet,” designed for the entire academic community, promoting reuse, reducing waste, and reinforcing the spirit of sharing and mutual help.This space, located on the ground floor of Building P, is intended to function as an autonomous exchange point for goods in good condition, such as clothing, accessories, books, stationery, and other useful items for personal and academic daily life. Non-perishable food items and meal vouchers for the ISEL canteen are also available (which can be picked up at office A. 1.16, in Building A), intended to support community members in need. Esta iniciativa está alinhada com vários Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) das Nações Unidas. Contribui para a erradicação da pobreza e da fome (ODS 1 e 2), ao disponibilizar gratuitamente alimentos e outros bens essenciais, e para a redução das desigualdades (ODS 10), ao assegurar acesso equitativo a recursos para toda a comunidade académica. Torna, também, o Campus mais inclusivo e colaborativo (ODS 11), promove padrões de consumo e de produção mais responsáveis (ODS 12) e ajuda a reduzir o impacto ambiental associado à produção de novos produtos (ODS 13). A colaboração com a Associação de Estudantes do ISEL (AEISEL), os Serviços de Ação Social do IPL e diversas entidades externas cria sinergias fundamentais para dinamizar e manter o espaço ativo (ODS 17).Toda a comunidade académica é convidada a participar e contribuir para este projeto. Os bens podem ser colocados diretamente no Armário, entregues no gabinete A.1.16, ou, caso não seja possível, pode ser combinada a sua recolha, através do e-mail sustentabilidade@isel.pt.Pequenos gestos fazem a diferença e contribuem para construir um ISEL mais sustentável e solidário. 

Aiming to connect students with the professional world and reinforce ISEL's role as a benchmark in training qualified engineers, another edition of the ISEL Job Fair was held from September 30th to October 2nd.This year, the event featured the participation of 96 national and international companies from various fields of engineering, chemistry, physics, and technology. They are seeking qualified young talent at ISEL, prepared for the challenges of the job market. Over the three days, the event registered approximately 600 registrations from students seeking internship, employment, and networking opportunities with leading companies.The participation of companies demonstrates the growing recognition of the quality of education and the technical preparation of ISEL students, as well as the interest in integrating professionals trained at an institution that combines tradition with innovation and proximity to industry.The Job Fair is, therefore, more than just a recruitment opportunity; it is essentially a bridge between higher education and the business world. This event actively contributes to career development and strengthens the employability of future engineers.With this edition, ISEL consolidates its role as a privileged space for connecting talent and opportunity, reinforcing its commitment to continuing to train professionals who are up to the challenges of an increasingly demanding and dynamic market.   [flickr-photoset:id=72177720329541434, size=q, num=10]Ver no flickr

ISEL participated in Naval-REX25, part of REPMUS 2025 (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Maritime Unmanned Systems), the world's largest exercise in robotics and unmanned vehicles at sea. The event, organized by the Portuguese Navy, began on September 8th in Tróia and Sesimbra and attracted over 2,000 participants from 32 countries.ISEL was represented by Professor Carlos Gonçalves (DEI/ISEL) and Alexandre Figueiredo, a student in ISEL's Master's in Informatics and Multimedia Engineering program. He participated in the initiative as part of his Master's thesis, which consists of developing a cyber-physical system for autonomous control of Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) vessels. The system is being developed in a modular, expandable format, focused on the integration of multiple motors, sensors, and communication interfaces, ensuring robustness and adaptability to different operational scenarios.This participation was in collaboration with the Infante D. Henrique Nautical School (ENIDH), which led the Portuguese team, also bringing together members from the Instituto Superior Técnico and Universidade Nova. The presented works covered areas such as robotic sailing, autonomous vessels, communications, solar energy, and navigation algorithms, reflecting the national commitment to integration between academia and the defense and security sectors.This participation represents ISEL's commitment to supporting academic projects connected to the professional environment and current technological challenges.