On October 21st, the Main Auditorium of ISEL hosted the traditional solemn session for the opening of the 2026/27 academic year. The event brought together members of the academic community, institutional representatives from the Polytechnic University of Lisbon (UPL), and guests. The group Rocktonight kicked off the ceremony with a musical performance.
The new institutional video of ISEL was presented, a piece portraying the institute's identity, dynamics, and ambition. The President of ISEL, Professor José Nascimento, addressed the academic community with words of recognition, stating: “The ISEL brand conveys a very clear message. We have the solution.” This was followed by speeches from student Daniel Santos, a member of the AEISEL Directorate, and Professor Cristina Borges de Azevedo, Vice-Rector of UPL.
Academic merit awards were presented, granted by the Santander Portugal Foundation, to the best undergraduate and master's students. The Francisco da Fonseca Benevides Award was also given, recognizing students with exceptional academic merit in courses taught by the Department of Physics (DF). The Best Student in Telecommunications Award distinguished the student with the best academic performance in study cycles associated with the Department of Electronics, Telecommunications, and Computers (DEETC). The European Quality Seal Distinction recognized ISEL faculty and researchers for excellence and pedagogical innovation. Finally, medals were presented to staff members marking 25 years of service to ISEL.
“"The ISEL brand conveys a very clear message. We have the solution"
The solemn session concluded with a performance by the Estudantina Académica do ISEL, followed by a reception that brought participants together in a celebratory atmosphere to mark the start of another academic year.
