Sandra Pinto, Communication Manager

Sandra Pinto, Communication Manager (BIAL Foundation)

• Years when you began working at INESC TEC and when you left: 2000 – 2021
• Service at INESC TEC where you worked: Communication Service (SCOM)

What have you been doing professionally since you left INESC TEC?

I left INESC TEC in 2021 to embrace a new challenge at BIAL Foundation, a patronage organisation created in 1994 by the pharmaceutical company BIAL and the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities (CRUP). The BIAL Foundation awards several health sciences prizes and research grants in the field of neurosciences to researchers from all over the world. The communication of the BIAL Foundation was ensured by the BIAL Communication Office, but there was a significant increase in the initiatives promoted by the Foundation; hence, it became necessary to hire someone to fully ensure these duties. Since June 2021, I’m the Communication Manager at the BIAL Foundation, a task that has been quite challenging, but also rewarding.

How did your experience at INESC TEC contributed to your professional history?

I am still very proud to have been part of INESC TEC – and for so many years! When I joined INESC Porto, in 2000, the Communication Service (SCOM) hadn’t been created yet; that would only take place many years later. The team increased significantly, and so did the skills and responsibilities, following the evolution of the Institute – which would become a major reference in Portugal in its areas of expertise. INESC TEC was more than a university. I have learned so much from so many people: my colleagues at SCOM, co-workers from other Services and Centres, coordinators and managers, and members of Academia! And SCOM was like a “baby”, which grew and paved its way to becoming a mature and professional adult. I believe that I left a “well assembled machine” with highly skilled and dedicated professionals, under the guidance of the amazing Joana Desport Coelho – especially since I’ve been witnessing – through channels like INESC TEC’s website, BIP and social media – that the Institute evolves, transcends, and reinvents itself every day. What I learned over the years was crucial to start all over again, at the communication department of another institution; but now I have a record of more than 20 years of experience. It’s the best of both worlds. I felt rejuvenated because the challenge is different, yet very interesting. I now ensure the entire communication cycle: from planning and strategy to execution and evaluation, which motivates me a lot and makes me learn something new every day.

When you think about INESC TEC, what comes to your mind?

I must admit that it’s the people. Many people left their mark. I made a lot of true friends with whom I currently may not speak as much as I would like, but who I constantly remember, because they became friends for life. I’m not naming anyone – because thankfully, there are too many! I also remember the moments that made history, in which I participated. Some of them quite serious, like the FCT evaluations or high-level institutional visits, and others more informal that strengthen the ties between employees and unite us in a common purpose. A part of me will always belong to INESC TEC. Even today, I still use the word “us” when I refer to INESC TEC.