Pedro Vapi, Head of the ICT Infrastructure Division – Information and Communication Technologies -, at University of Coimbra, began participating in the FCCN Conferences even before this meeting had its current name, and in 1998 it was the first time that he was present at an FCCN event.
Being one of the oldest of the FCCN Conferences, according to himself, Pedro Vapi told us about his experience at this event, over the years, referring to the initiative as a MUST!”
“Undeniably, it is one of the most important and remarkable events for the academic technical community” Pedro Vapi.
Topics in this article:
What motivated you to be present at the event in 2023?
The certainty of finding interesting topics, captivating partnerships, stimulating news, and a unique and unmissable social environment.
What did you like most or what exceeded your expectations in the 2023 edition of Jornadas FCCN?
It was crucial to discover new technologies. For example, we're still implementing a project presented by the VoIP team at this event. Speaking with technology partners, for example, allows us to present some of the University of Coimbra's challenges and needs and discuss possible solutions.
The opportunity to experience an environment I'm not used to exceeded my expectations: a naval base, with discipline and rigor present in many places, yet still able to encounter human warmth and friendliness. I was surprised by some of the activities shared by the naval school, demonstrating the very high level of quality of what is done in Portugal. It was unique!
Did the Conferences allow you to gather useful information for your daily life?
I took away a lot of important knowledge that was essential in helping us overcome some difficulties. In my specific case, the shares that I benefited most from were within the scope of VoIP, Eduroam, Security and Cloud.
The sharing of problems, cyber attacks, limitations and creativity in solving them by other Higher Education Institutions has become a inspiration to continue our journey with more vigor.
Do you think the FCCN Conferences are important for the national Teaching and Research community?
Undeniably, it is one of the most important and memorable events for the academic technical community. I'm not just counting on the sharing of knowledge, technologies, and solutions, but also on the recurring and consistent way in which we find a rare and healthy ecosystem of human interaction.
The contacts that are exchanged and shared are essential for Higher Education Institutions to reach an increasingly higher level.
Finally, despite having severe vision and hearing difficulties, I find in these events a warmth, concern, and respect that allows me to continue to have the courage to go, without fear of getting lost or left alone. This is unique!
Would you recommend this event to others?
Clearly. It doesn't seem easy to me to justify or explain what can only be felt and experienced live.
For those who are undecided, I recommend giving it a try. If you regret it, it'll be because you'll realize what you've been missing and won't be able to stop going to future events.
What do you expect from the 2024 edition?
If that's what we've been experiencing, I'd be satisfied. However, FCCN has accustomed us (badly!) to exceeding expectations every time we attend a new event.
So, I wait for what comes next.
You can find other testimonials from people who attended the FCCN Conferences at https://www.fccn.pt/blog/
