The new programme of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), ‘FEUP Boost Engineering’, has been officially launched, a project aimed at secondary schools, offering them the chance to take part in the activities that are part of the project’s offer.
We’re talking about more than 40 activities, divided into workshops (activities for young people to ‘get their hands dirty’ in real-life application activities) and the engi talks (themed lectures on current topics from an engineering perspective).
And what is FEUP’s goal with this initiative? – “To bring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) concepts to schools and promote debate on current issues. Available throughout the year, the programme aims to raise awareness of scientific and technological culture among young people,” writes Álvaro Paralta, from the Talent Unit, in the article promoting the programme.
There will be several areas covered in these activities, including climate change, renewable energies, the circular economy, the internet of things and artificial intelligence.
At DEI, several teachers and researchers have been mobilised to foster curiosity in these young people and show them that knowledge and technology can solve very complex problems. Carlos Soares, Diana Sousa, Lázaro Costa and Luis Paulo Reis offer, respectively: (Ir)Responsible Artificial Intelligence, STEM Code: decode, play and learn!, Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence and Robotics: Challenges and Opportunities.
According to Luís Paulo Reis (DEI), “FEUP Boost Engineering provides students with an excellent opportunity to have direct contact with advanced scientific areas, enrich their training and identify interests and skills at an early stage in their lives. The activities will enable the development of essential skills such as collaborative work, complex problem solving, the use of emerging technologies and the ability to adapt to innovative contexts, which are fundamental to meeting the challenges of the future.” This is his conviction, which is clearly visible in the lectures he has given over the years, publicising STEM areas as crucial to the society we want to build.
All secondary schools are eligible and can submit their enrolment for the proposed activities at FEUP Escolas website.