Higher Education students in Portugal can submit a proposal for a presentation at the largest and most prestigious annual conference of European academic networks (NRENs): the TNC23. Lightning Talks Challenge (LTC) is open until February 25th.

For several years now, the Future Talents Programme has challenged students from various European countries to share their ideas and study/research projects in the area of technologies, namely IT or computer networks. Every year, the sharing takes place during TNC, the largest annual networking conference, during the final presentations of the Lightning Talks Challenge.

As in previous years, the FCCN Unit is once again collaborating with GÉANT to offer this possibility to Portuguese students. Registration is now open and the focus will be on sharing a story, a project, a demonstration or an invitation to collaborate. The maximum presentation time is 5 minutes, with GÉANT stressing that, within the limited presentation time, participants have "carte blanche" to be as creative as they wish.

The candidates chosen to participate in TNC23 will not be alone in the process. They will have the opportunity to attend practical and interactive workshops in public speaking preparation, as well as support in creating a video presentation. This guidance, provided by GÉANT, will be personalized and focused on each participant's project. On the other hand, travel and accommodation costs will also be covered by the organization. 

The Lightning Talks Challenge is open to all students enrolled in IT and Networking courses, but also to young professionals starting their careers in these areas. Portuguese participation has been registered since 2017. In 2022, students from the University of Porto, Ana Rita Carneiro and Bruno Vaz, were selected. Their presentations can be viewed online.

Applications

The deadline for sending applications to FCCN is February 25. FCCN will make a pre-selection and choose the three best candidates for submission to GÉANT.
Interested students should send their proposal to the following email address: c.imagem@fccn.pt. The proposal must be sent in English and include: Title of the presentation; Description of the presentation; Name of the presenter(s) and the organization where they study; Name of the Author(s) and the organization where they study [if different from the presenter(s)] and Telephone contact.

For more information about applying (requirements, deadlines, etc.), please visit the dedicated challenge page and the announcement flyer.

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