Around 180 rectors and decision-makers from Europe’s leading science and technology institutions are meeting in Lisbon this week to discuss how scientific research can transform countries’ technological and industrial capabilities.
Artificial intelligence and digital technologies, space and the sea are the three main areas of discussion, Rogério Colaço, president of the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), told Lusa news agency, emphasising that the aim of these meetings is to influence European policies with recommendations arising from scientific debate.
The annual meeting of CESAER (Conference of European Schools for Advanced Engineering Education and Research) – an association that includes more than 50 universities across 25 countries – is taking place at the IST from tomorrow until Friday.
With the overarching theme of technologies that can prepare Europe to face the challenges of the future, the conference serves as an opportunity for reflection in light of the ground lost to the United States and China in these areas.
With regard to the sea, Colaço acknowledges the importance of defence and sovereignty, which may feature in the discussion, alongside issues of biodiversity and maritime affairs.
“There will be a discussion on the ways in which universities can contribute to this development,” he said.
“I imagine defence will also feature in some of the panels, particularly at this very moment in time, when it is a very pressing issue and when defence-related matters are also highly scientific and technological. There is a great deal of development and innovation taking place right now,” the IST president added.
Organisers aim to explore how Europe can strengthen its capacity in critical technologies, while preserving “the openness, excellence and international collaboration that underpin scientific progress”, according to the conference programme.
Source: LUSA
Natasha Donn
Journalist for the Portugal Resident.