Promoting opportunities for exchange and scientific collaboration is one of the main objectives of the cooperation agreement between INESC TEC and the New Mexico State University (NMSU). This opportunity stemmed from the participation of a professor at NMSU, Olga Lavrova, in the first edition of INESC TEC International Visiting Researcher Programme (IIVRP) – an initiative that grants researchers from other countries the opportunity to carry out research activities at INESC TEC and NMSU, up to a maximum period of three months.
Focusing on the area of Power & Energy Systems, the collaboration protocol between INESC TEC and New Mexico State University favours – in addition to exchange opportunities involving professors, researchers and students from both institutions – “the development of R&D activities, the organisation of training actions and the preparation of project proposals”, as explained by Andreia Passos
The head of the International Relations Service at INESC TEC recalled that this endeavour stems from the participation of Professor Olga Lavrova (Klipsch School of Electrical and Computer Engineering – NMSU) in the first edition of INESC TEC International Visiting Researcher Programme (IIVRP). “Professor Olga Lavrova was at the Centre for Power and Energy Systems at INESC TEC for about two and a half months, collaborating with researcher Leonel Carvalho in a research of distribution systems with a high penetration of renewable energy. Despite providing a short mobility period, this initiative can be an excellent contribution to leverage or consolidate lasting institutional collaborations and promote knowledge sharing in favour of scientific and technological advancement”, stated Andreia Passos. This Memorandum of Understanding with NMSU is a prime example,” she added.
According to Ignacio Gil, a researcher in power and energy systems, one of the priorities of this collaboration is research in the area of planning and designing the power grids of the future. “This ideal planning will include criteria related to the integration of renewable energy, reliability, resilience and investment and operation costs, including protection and control schemes necessary to allow full integration into hybrid smart grids”, he said.
The research carried out by Olga Lavrova work complements Ignacio Gil’s focus on integrating renewable energy, reliability, and resilience into grid planning, highlighting the role of education and innovation in addressing energy challenges. “Modernising our energy systems is not just about integrating renewable resources—it’s about designing resilient, adaptive grids that can withstand disruptions and ensure reliable power for all communities. Through research on microgrids, power electronics, and advanced controls, we are building the foundation for a cleaner, more robust energy future while empowering the next generation of engineers to lead this transformation”, explained Olga Lavrova.
Additionally, according to Dr. Lavrova, it is very important to continue to motivate students to consider power systems engineering, power electronics and applications to smart grids and microgrids, as exciting careers. “A visitor exchange program creates exactly such an exciting opportunity – where students want to learn and participate in research projects in different countries”, she added. In addition, early next year, and under this collaboration, an INESC TEC researcher will travel to NMSU for an R&D internship. Alongside the energy area, there is also the possibility of extending collaborative opportunities to the agro-food sector.
Launched for the first time in 2022, the IIVRP provided 28 short-term internships to researchers from more than 10 countries. The 2024 edition welcomed 19 participants, some of whom are already carrying out research and development activities at INESC TEC.
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