Can the future lie in science and technology? INESC TEC opens the doors to young people from the “Geração (IM)Provável” project

From Bioengineering to Communications and Power & Energy, a group of young people from the Associação ASAS de Ramalde had the opportunity to learn about the work developed at INESC TEC, speak with researchers, and visit research infrastructures. The visit confirmed the idea that “there is space for everyone and that each path is valid and inspiring.”

This is not the first time INESC TEC has opened the doors to young people eager to discover the world of science and technology. On this occasion, it welcomed a group from ASAS de Ramalde, within the framework of the “Geração (IM)Provável” project, promoted by this association under the CLDS-5G programme (Local Social Development Contracts – 5G).

In addition to a presentation on INESC TEC’s activities, the visit programme included testimonies from researchers, who shared their academic and professional journeys, as well as a tour of laboratories with demonstrations of equipment and technologies.

“It was a very positive initiative, which not only helped bring young people closer to science and technology, but also inspired them towards new opportunities for education and development,” said Susana Rodrigues and Margarida Gonçalves, from INESC TEC’s Human Resources team.

“One of the Institution’s commitments, in particular that of the INESC TEC Commission for Diversity and Inclusion, is to support and promote initiatives aimed at welcoming people regardless of their origin or social situation,” added Aurora Teixeira, Ana Lopes and Tiago Silva, members of the Commission, highlighting the Institute’s role in fostering inclusion and in building a fairer and more diverse community.

For the group, the experience was also highly relevant, particularly for the chance to discover not only the Institution’s scientific and technological work, but also a diverse and multidisciplinary environment – which they regarded as “an inspiring example of inclusion and collaboration.”

At the end of the visit, the ASAS de Ramalde technical team – composed of Francisca Cunha, Francisca Moreira and Leonor Ponte – emphasised that the visit to INESC TEC was one of the most significant and transformative moments of the association’s bootcamp. “Throughout the week we spoke with the young people about the possibility of experiencing other realities, believing in their dreams, and building a different future. We were received with closeness, care, and genuine dedication, and that welcoming attitude left a deep impression on us,” they stated.

“Meeting people from various nationalities, educational backgrounds, and fields of work showed these young people that there is space for everyone, and that each journey is valid and inspiring. That experience brought their dreams closer, more tangible and more real,” the professionals added, reinforcing their desire to continue collaborating with INESC TEC.

The initiative, which took place on 19 September, was jointly organised by the Human Resources Service and the Commission for Diversity and Inclusion, with the support of researchers in the fields of Bioengineering, Communications and Power & Energy. With more than 30 years of experience in community support, ASAS de Ramalde implements this project to promote the socio-professional integration of vulnerable groups, through the development of partnerships with organisations and companies, the design of awareness-raising sessions on equal opportunities and social responsibility, and the construction of a network of partners committed to inclusion.