INESC-ID

Category: News

  • INESC-ID joins Current/OS Foundation

    INESC-ID joins Current/OS Foundation

    INESC-ID has signed an agreement to join as Affiliate partner of the Current/OS Foundation, a non-profit, independent and open EU foundation for the promotion and adoption of active Direct Current (DC) solutions.

    Established in 2021 in the Netherlands and managed by ABB, Eaton, Schneider Electric, Tridonic and UL Solutions, the Current/OS Foundation is leading research and innovation to shape a direct current (DC) standard, that enables partners to develop DC-certified products or services for the construction of DC buildings, including DC microgrids. These localised energy systems can operate independently or in conjunction with the main power grid. This emerging technology seeks to establish innovative DC solutions over traditional Alternating Current (AC) systems, modernising energy installations for a more sustainable future.

    Current OS is already a member of Shift2DC consortium, a Horizon Europe funded project lead by INESC-ID. Shift2DC intends to offer a new approach on the way direct current (DC) solutions are used in power systems by creating smarter, more efficient, and eco-friendly energy systems. Focusing on the integration of DC solutions in four main infrastructures – Datacenters, Ports, Buildings, and Industry – Shift2DC expects to reshape the use of electricity.

    As a Research and Development Institute with a research area specialised in “Energy Transition”, INESC-ID has now joined the list of Current/OS Foundation members. This collaboration will enable INESC-ID to actively contribute to the advancement of EU unified standards for the full adoption of DC systems, aiming to establish Current/OS as a worldwide standard for electrical distribution.

    Hugo Morais, INESC-ID senior researcher and Shift2DC project coordinator: “Integration of INESC-ID in Current/OS will bring us the opportunity to work closely with lead stakeholders in the development of DC solutions. Our main aim is to contribute with our knowledge and expertise in the planning and operation of distribution systems as well as in the developing and testing innovative power electronic interfaces. Finally, participation in Current/OS will also improve the collaboration in the development of pilots and experiments as the one that are being implemented in Shift2DC project related DC Ports.”

    Yannick Neyret, President, Current/OS Foundation, added: “We are extremely pleased to be strengthening our collaboration with the INESC-ID. Academics will play a key role in our community to ensure education of students to the direct current electrical distribution and to lead research to complete our knowledge of DC.”

    More about the Current OS Foundation here.

  • INESC-ID brings Smart Care, International Collaborations, and Scientific Excellence to “Ciência 2024”

    INESC-ID brings Smart Care, International Collaborations, and Scientific Excellence to “Ciência 2024”

    From July 3 to 5, the city of Porto became the center of science and innovation during the Science Meeting “Ciência 2024”, Portugal’s premier Science and Innovation event. Organized by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), Universidade do Porto, and Ciência Viva, the event brought together a vibrant community of national and international researchers to exchange cutting-edge results, knowledge, and experiences under this year’s inspiring motto: “+Science for One Health and Global Wellbeing”.

    INESC-ID once again showed a strong presence this year, co-organizing and participating in two impactful sessions. The first session, “Smart Care: The Bridge Between AI and Healthcare Systems According to Advances Made at INESCs”, brought together INESC-ID with partner institutes INESC TEC, INOV, and INESC-MN, along with key players from the healthcare sector.

    Aligned with our institute’s R&D Thematic Line – Life and Health Technology and mission to address pressing societal challenges, the discussion focused on key advances in Smart Care, through the emerging contributions of the INESCs institutes at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Health Systems. Rui Henriques, a researcher at INESC-ID, presented “Human Health Technologies: Ongoing Advances at INESC-ID,” highlighting the institute’s innovative R&D+i initiatives. His presentation covered a range of cutting-edge topics, including smart monitoring for intelligent care, precision decision-making for diagnosis and treatment, and advanced robotics for critical and social care, optimization, and molecular therapies.

    The second session, titled “Collaborative Projects within Portugal’s Partnerships with Carnegie Mellon Portugal Program, MIT Portugal Program, and UT Austin Portugal Program”, was hosted by the three programmes. The CMU Portugal session was moderated by INESC-ID President and co-director of CMU Portugal, Inês Lynce, and highlighted innovative initiatives, partnerships, and contributions to talent and academic development, industrial innovation and entrepreneurship.

    In the third session “ERC in Portugal: Sinergies and Good Examples”, a panel of researchers consisting of European Research Council (ERC) Grantees, former ERC Panel members, and ERC-Portugal participants, including INESC-ID researcher Nuno Santos, shared their valuable experiences and debated future opportunities.

    A highlight of the event was when José Tribolet, Founder of INESC and Professor Emeritus at Instituto Superior Técnico, was honoured with the prestigious Scientific Merit Medal by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Higher Education. This award celebrates individuals whose exceptional contributions have significantly advanced science and scientific culture in Portugal.

  • Nuno Santos honoured with Universidade de Lisboa / Caixa Geral de Depósitos Scientific Award

    Nuno Santos honoured with Universidade de Lisboa / Caixa Geral de Depósitos Scientific Award

    INESC-ID researcher, Nuno Santos, has been recognised with an award in the 2024 edition of the Universidade de Lisboa / Caixa Geral de Depósitos Scientific Awards (Prémios Científicos Universidade de Lisboa / Caixa Geral de Depósitos).

    Nuno Santos, researcher at INESC-ID in the Scientific Area of Distributed, Parallel and Secure Systems, and professor at Instituto Superior Técnico, received the award for his contributions in the field of Computer Science and Engineering, among 44 fellow nominees. The award ceremony took place in the evening of June 25, at the Salão Nobre da Reitoria in Universidade de Lisboa.

    The UL/CGD Scientific Awards and Honourable Mentions recognises researchers, across 26 scientific areas, celebrating their contributions and encouraging publications in renowned international journals.

  • INESC-ID Sparks Innovation at ElectroDay 2024

    INESC-ID Sparks Innovation at ElectroDay 2024

    Last Saturday, INESC-ID marked its presence at ElectroDay 2024, held at the Técnico Innovation Center (TIC), with its researchers  enthusiastically presenting several projects in the field of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

    In a venue completely packed with engineering enthusiasts, students, families and friends, the INESC-ID stand showcased projects at different stages of development, such as the “3D-CAVE Project”, presented by Nuno Neves, André Costa, Nuno Roma and Pedro Tomás (HPCAS); “European Processor Initiative (EPI)”, presented by Pedro Tomás, Nuno Neves and Tiago Rocha (HPCAS); “Cache-aware Roofline Model: HPC impact in EU projects”, presented by Aleksandar Ilic, José Morgado and Alexandre Rodrigues (HPCAS); “Embedded systems projects at INESC-ID”, presented by Gonçalo Tavares, Ruben Afonso and Fabian Näf (NCES); and “Shift2DC – Revolutionizing the way we use Electricity”, presented by Hugo Morais (SPS) and Guilherme Paraíso (GESC).

    The event provided a unique opportunity to highlight our researchers’ work and share their enthusiasm with both experts and curious attendees. Many visitors stopped by our stand to ask questions, listen to our researchers, and watch their demonstrations, supporting INESC-ID’s mission of expanding its science communication initiatives.

    ElectroDay is an initiative of Técnico’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (DEEC). The 2024 edition featured a diverse program with participation from various institutes, research centers, and student groups, showcasing their work and projects in fields such as electronics, computer science, IT, telecoms, and aerospace. Additionally, it included the ‘ElectroCap Demo Day,’ the final public presentation and prize awarding of the ElectroCap program, where 32 student teams organized to solve real engineering problems, aiming to integrate as many concepts learned during the first cycle as possible.

    Learn more about ElectroDay here.

    Images | © 2024 INESC-ID

  • Arlindo Oliveira elected member of the Academy of Sciences of Lisbon

    Arlindo Oliveira elected member of the Academy of Sciences of Lisbon

    Arlindo Oliveira, INESC-ID researcher in the area of Information and Decision Support Systems, was elected a member of the Lisbon Academy of Sciences, receiving the status of corresponding member of the science class, 8th section – Information Sciences and Technologies. The official diploma award ceremony will take place on July 4th, day of the Academy of Sciences, at its Salão Nobre.

    Aiming to foster scientific research, education and knowledge transfer, and other forms of national culture, the Academy of Sciences consists of two classes, Sciences and Letters, each divided into nine sections. The members can be any Portuguese citizen with scientific or literary work produced, and corresponding members are expected to attend plenary sessions, contribute to the academy’s work and increase the activities of their respective sections. Effective members, moreover, tackle activities of higher prestige, such as management of activities, presentation of their own reports, proposals, etc, and electing and being elected to academic positions.

    On 2023, INESC-ID researcher in the same scientific area, José Borbinha, was appointed corresponding member.

  • INESC-ID researcher Rui Castro publishes new book, “Engineering of Power Systems Economics”

    INESC-ID researcher Rui Castro publishes new book, “Engineering of Power Systems Economics”

    Rui Castro, an INESC-ID researcher under the Sustainable Power Systems Scientific Area and a Full Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico, has recently published a new book entitled “Engineering of Power Systems Economics” (Springer 2024). The book tackles engineering topics in power systems, and explains economic theory from an introductory level before applying it to systems.

    The volume, which includes worked examples and problems, is divided into two parts; one focused on classic economic theory, and other on applying the theory to specific real world situations. Through this practical approach, the author intends to further highlight the connection between economics and engineering, within the power system context, easing the application of the knowledge acquired into the reader’s everyday work.

    Covering all the fundamental principles of power systems economics, from an engineering point of view, the book is targeted at university master’s students. Nonetheless, it also represents a useful tool for PhD students and practicing engineers who seek to enhance their understanding of the matter.

    Learn more about the book here

  • Paulo Carreira, INESC-ID Researcher, named Fellow of Information Privacy from the International Association of Privacy Professionals

    Paulo Carreira, INESC-ID Researcher, named Fellow of Information Privacy from the International Association of Privacy Professionals

    Paulo Carreira, researcher at INESC-ID and Associate Professor at the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), was named a Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP) from the International Association of Privacy Professionals.

    The title acknowledges senior professionals who possess expertise in applying privacy laws, practices, and technologies to practical situations. To be eligible, candidates must exhibit continuous dedication and leadership regarding privacy and data protection, while also holding a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) certification, along with either a Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) or a Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT) certification.

    Paulo Carreira co-founded Sensei in 2017, and is a pioneer in the application of privacy-enhancing technologies in the smart retail industry. He has over ten years of teaching experience in information systems at IST and a longstanding participation in Instituto Superior Técnico’s course, focusing on privacy and security.

  • In the Media: Rui Castro writes on the urgency of electrification for Portugal’s Energy Plan on Jornal i

    In the Media: Rui Castro writes on the urgency of electrification for Portugal’s Energy Plan on Jornal i

    Rui Castro, INESC-ID Researcher under the Sustainable Power Systems Scientific Area, and Full Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico, authored an opinion article, published in the newspaper “Jornal i”, titled “Electrification of consumption: an urgent need” (Eletrificação dos consumos: uma necessidade urgente).

    In this article, Rui Castro raises concerns about future national electric energy consumption, noting that if the National Energy and Climate Plan is successful, the installed capacity in the National Electricity System (SEN) will double by 2030, greatly surpassing current demand.

    “We may have a problem of lack of consumption as early as 2030 if measures are not taken to promote the electrification of consumption, particularly in transport.”, states Rui Castro.

    According to the researcher, while these ambitious plans are a step in the right direction, they create a need for consumption of the produced energy. As Spain is also heavily investing in the installation of Renewable Energy Resources, exportation to Portugal’s neighbour country is hardly a viable option. Therefore, besides the natural intake from economy, families and industry, it is crucial to consider non-conventional intakes such as pumped hydroelectric power plants, and other innovative solutions.

    Additionally, Rui Castro  highlights two case studies to illustrate the issue, including a study carried out by a team at Instituto Superior Técnico, aiming to assess the needs for flexible power in 2030. Both cases show a probability for lack of consumption as early as 2030 if measures are not taken to promote the electrification of consumption. 

    Full article here (PT)

    (image source: Generative AI)

  • Key Insights from the “Leadership in Research and Innovation in the Age of AI” event

    Key Insights from the “Leadership in Research and Innovation in the Age of AI” event

    “AI-driven science extends beyond academia, fostering both innovation and economic growth,” declared the Deputy Director-General for Research and Innovation, Signe Ratso, while participating in the event “Leadership in Research and Innovation in the Age of AI”, an initiative of INESC Brussels HUB, co-organized with the European Commission and the NCBR Office in Brussels.

    Over 60 leading R&D administrators, managers, researchers, and policymakers gathered in Brussels, on June 5 and 6, to discuss this crucial topic in a workshop format, sharing insights and developing strategies to face the challenges posed by AI. INESC-ID President, Inês Lynce, who was one of the six INESC-ID community members participating in the event, emphasized the “diversity of the attendees” and the “strong expertise in public policies some of them possess.”

    The meeting was also an opportunity to discuss the EU strategy on AI since 2018 and initiatives like GENAI4EU and AI Factories and the “Living guidelines on the responsible use of generative AI in research”, as presented by Liviy Stirbat, Head of Unit for AI in Science in the DG for Research and Innovation at the European Commission. From the companies’ side, Ondrej Socuvka, Senior EU Public Policy and Government Affairs Manager at Google EU, shared how Google scientists are pushing AI’s boundaries responsibly.

    “Listening to different perspectives concerning the use of AI in research institutions, in order to help us work better and improve the way they function, is what I cherish the most from the two days with the Brussels Hub,” said Rui Prada, INESC-ID researcher within the Artificial Intelligence for People and Society research area. “These events give us the opportunity to reflect on subjects that we often do not have time to consider in our daily lives.”

    Inês Lynce also stressed the relevance of these immersive experiences: “It forces you to leave your comfort zone and think about the future of the institution and how we can make a difference.”

    Images | © 2024 INESC Brussels HUB

  • NOVA SBE & Meta Executive Meeting Event highlights AI’s Role in Open Innovation

    NOVA SBE & Meta Executive Meeting Event highlights AI’s Role in Open Innovation

    On June 17,  INESC-ID president, Inês Lynce, participated in an exclusive executive meeting event organised by NOVA SBE and co-organised with Meta, focused on “How can Artificial Intelligence foster Open Innovation.” This opportunity allowed industry leaders to engage and explore the transformative power of AI in driving open innovation.

    Discussions highlighted AI’s role as a catalyst for collaborative innovation, its ability to enhance R&D by analysing vast data sources, and the ethical considerations essential for responsible AI use, such as data privacy and fairness. Additionally, the event explored the future landscape of AI and open innovation, examining emerging technologies and their potential challenges and opportunities for business and society.

    (Image credits: Nova SBE Open & User Innovation Knowledge Center)