The IEEE Portugal began the new year with a new Executive Committee (ExCom), kicking off a term that combines renewal, strategic continuity, and a strengthened commitment to the national technical and scientific community.

With a partially renewed team, the new leadership’s priority is to consolidate the role of IEEE Portugal as a platform connecting academia, industry and students, promoting technical excellence, innovation and social impact in a context where engineering and technology play an increasingly decisive role in society.

Carlos Ferreira takes over as Chair

At the Chair of the ExCom is Carlos Ferreira, who defines the IEEE as a true ‘land of opportunities’: a space where each member can take on an active role, contribute in the areas that motivate them most, grow personally and professionally, and become part of a global community.

The new Chair highlights the genuinely international character of the IEEE as a source of pride, accompanying its members throughout their journey, from students to fellows, promoting gender equality, sustainability, and a strong humanitarian aspect. On a personal note, he reveals that he has a particularly keen memory for dates.

Leadership based on experience and proximity

Eliana Silva, Vice-Chair, first encountered IEEE during her first year of undergraduate studies at Instituto Superior Técnico (IST). She became a member while working on her master’s thesis, when she began submitting scientific papers to IEEE conferences, consolidating her active involvement in the Portuguese Section at the beginning of her doctoral studies.

What initially motivated her was access to the most advanced technical and scientific references in her field of research. What made her stay was the direct impact of the connections between members and volunteers in the scientific and student community in Portugal. She also highlights the accessibility and openness of the community, both nationally and in Region 8, where she has made lasting friendships. Among her personal curiosities, she highlights her visual memory, her attention to graphic detail, especially in presentations.

João Oliveira, also Vice-Chair, recalls as his most memorable moment the moment he realised that IEEE is more than just the largest professional organisation in the world: it is a community capable of generating real impact for the benefit of humanity and the planet. To those considering joining, he leaves a clear invitation: it is a space where curiosity is nurtured, knowledge is deepened, and each member is challenged to go further. For him, curiosity is, in fact, indispensable in everyday life.

Davide Morgado, also Vice-Chair, highlights as one of the main lessons learned the recognition that theory does not always align with practice, making it essential to anticipate unforeseen events and prepare alternative plans, B, C or even D, to ensure success. He describes the IEEE environment as a space where lifelong bonds are formed, combining technical growth with solid human relationships. In a word, he sums up the experience: unity.

Continuity and growth

The Secretary, Catarina Reis, first came into contact with the IEEE through publications and conferences during her PhD. Her connection with the Portuguese Section began in 2019, when she participated as a speaker at IEEE WIE ILS in Porto, giving a talk on Blockchain, and later joining the Local Blockchain Group.

She defines IEEE as ‘the place where I continue to grow, both as an engineer and as a person, as a member of a global community.’ Among her personal notes, she highlights the fact that she is Azorean, born in São Miguel, maintaining her accent despite several years away from the region.

The position of Treasurer will be held by Diogo Pereira, who describes IEEE as a space for exploration, experimentation and evolution, where he can give free rein to his creativity and attention to detail in an environment of innovation built by inspiring people.

When asked about balancing his professional and personal life with volunteering at IEEE, he acknowledges that balance is not always easy. Time management, achieved through trial and error and with the support of those around him, is essential. He seeks to align motivation and responsibility, accepting that not every day is perfect, but that there is always an opportunity to continue the next day. If he could ‘press pause,’ he would do so in moments when he is fully immersed and time seems to slow down, prolonging moments when everything makes sense.

A new cycle for IEEE Portugal

The new Executive Committee takes office with a commitment to strengthen IEEE Portugal’s presence on the national scene, support students and young professionals, and promote initiatives aligned with the values of technical excellence, professional ethics, sustainability, and inclusion.

With this leadership, IEEE Portugal begins a new cycle, focusing on a closer, more dynamic community that is prepared to respond to the technological challenges of the future.