Renata Castelo-Branco and João Brandão are the Portuguese students chosen to participate in TNC23, as part of the Future Talent Programme, and will participate in the event's Lightning Talks. Through a 5-minute presentation, they will share their work, detailing how it utilizes technological resources in the IT and computing networks fields.
Annually, the GÉANT and the FCCN Unit leave a challenge to the higher education student community in Portugal – to share a story or project at the world's largest annual networking conference. This is the concept behind the challenge. Lightning Talks, through which students from all over Europe will take to the stage in June, during the TNC23, in Tirana, Albania.
From applications submitted by the FCCN Unit Two participants were chosen for the program: Renata Castelo-Branco, a PhD student in Computer Science at the Instituto Superior Técnico, and João Brandão, a Master's student in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP).
"Disseminating the work developed is an integral part of a researcher's life," emphasizes Renata Castelo-Branco. The doctoral student will present her work, which addresses the integration of computing in architecture, and believes that, through this experience, she will be able to take a fresh look at the project, "using any and all feedback to improve it."
Renata Castelo-Branco's project is titled The Algorithmic Design Sketchbook and focuses on the field of algorithmic design. "The use of programming and the changes this approach imposes on traditional design processes have limited its use to industry giants," explains the researcher. In this sense, the project seeks to "make algorithmic thinking more accessible, complementing it with visual and dynamic development and explanation mechanisms, thus promoting its widespread use in industry."
João Brandão will present the research he has been conducting as part of his master's dissertation, which aims to assess the value of renewable energy communities. "It will be a good opportunity to challenge myself and showcase the work I've been doing," the student emphasizes.
João Brandão's work specifically examines the impacts of these communities on users and the energy system. "This topic is quite pertinent, since, due to the need to accelerate the energy transition and ensure compliance with established decarbonization targets, Renewable Energy Communities have experienced rapid growth," he explains.
Focus on communication
Participation in the Lightning Talks Challenge It involves a training component, which focuses on communication skills. This aspect is particularly valued by participants. "As researchers, we often communicate our findings in a highly technical manner, as the communication is aimed at an equally technical and specialized audience," emphasizes Renata Castelo-Branco, adding that initiatives like the LTC "inevitably lead to an effort to summarize, simplify, and focus on real contributions to society."
João Brandão also emphasizes the importance of this aspect of the experience, stating that he has "high expectations." "It will certainly help develop my communication skills, learn about innovative projects from diverse backgrounds, and expand my network of contacts," he concludes.
