Miguel Romariz (CTM) and Sofia Maciel (SCOM)

Miguel Romariz (CTM)

“The CTM coordinators would like to nominate the researcher Miguel Romariz. This nomination stems from the professionalism, availability and quality of the work carried out by Miguel in the multiple activities in which he was involved, reaching extraordinary contributions – especially in the CINDERELLA and HfPT projects. Miguel is responsible for the integration of the tools and algorithms developed in these two projects, as well as for the development of the necessary components for integration with the tools of the projects’ partners. During the month of October, Miguel greatly exceeded the objectives, in a critical phase of both projects, where it was necessary to demonstrate the technologies; in this situation, Miguel’s involvement was fundamental. During this period, Miguel’s availability was exceptional, largely due to the simultaneousness of needs in both projects, and his performance and contributions were widely praised by the projects’ partners”.

– CTM coordinators

Miguel is involved in the CINDERELLA and HfPT projects, in the integration of tools and algorithms. Can you describe, a little more specifically, the work developed in each of the projects?

The work carried out within the scope of the projects is very similar: developing a communication pipeline with external companies, so they can use our algorithms and obtain results.

Which results would you like to highlight regarding the two initiatives?

Although the work is similar for the two projects, the main goal is very different. Regarding the CINDERELLA project, I’d like to highlight that, thanks to this communication work, the developed algorithms are being used by medical professionals from different countries; it allows them to obtain wide-ranging feedback and, more importantly, a greater diversity of data for improvement and development of algorithms. As to the HfPT project, I’d like to emphasise how easy it will be for healthcare professionals to generate reports and annotate clinical data, through the web interface that relies on our algorithms.

What are the main challenges associated with your work?

I would say that the main challenge is synchronising my work with the teams from other companies. For example, in the case of CANKADO, their IT team is in India; the time difference makes it challenging to work together.

Which aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

Being able to work on two areas: my main field, computer science, and health, which I really like. Also, the feeling that I’m developing something that could have a positive impact on people.

How do you comment on this nomination?

I am proud to know that my work and effort are recognised by the coordinators.

Sofia Maciel (SCOM)

“SCOM would like to nominate Sofia Maciel for her work on the Science Bits podcast, since she took on this challenge in early 2022. Thanks to her high-quality work, the podcast was nominated for the only Portuguese podcasts festival (PODES) – ‘Science, Technology and Education’ category. Although we did not win the first place, it’s was a great recognition of the work we’ve been carrying out in terms of Science Communication. Sofia is entirely responsible for this podcast: from preparing the interviews (which requires a significant research work) to the discussion with the participants, recording and editing the podcast”.

You’ve been responsible for Science Bits for approximately two years; can you provide a brief portrait of what this work has been like? Main challenges, goals achieved, future objectives, etc.?

I often say that Science Bits is part of the job, but at the same time, it’s not work. Leading this podcast for almost two years has been an excellent challenge. On the one hand, it allows me to talk to researchers about different topics every month – this year, for example, I went “underwater” with our UX-1Neo robot, before exploring topics like power and energy, agriculture, and industry; in fact, I still do not know exactly how this year’s season will end. On the other hand, Science Bits has allowed me to delve into a realm that was already so familiar to my ears, but not in practical terms: the podcast. And it’s been quite a challenge. I took it knowing that I was leading a two-year project, which had been promoted, with tremendous dedication, by my colleagues. But I was also happy to explore a format that I had never worked on before – despite listening to podcasts almost every day. Above all, because it is shows much potential to grow, all over the world.

At INESC TEC’s Communication Service, our goal is to turn Science Bits into a place people can share science and technology stories. In fact, a space not only for sharing stories about projects, technologies, but above all, about people: our researchers. And so far, the clearest sign that we’re on the right track is the fact that our researchers are always available and eager to accept our challenge, to present their work and path thus far. In addition, we feel we are building a community around Science Bits, and this pushes us forward.

We are nearing a period characterised by a need to reflect on what’ve done; but considering our future goals and objectives, I can only say that we will continue to explore our podcast and use it to take science, technology, and innovation (through the voices of our community) outside our doors.

The podcast was nominated for PODES; how important is this recognition, and how does it translate into motivation for the future?

It’s an outstanding acknowledgment! We were very happy with it, because we understand that this nomination – within the scope of the PODES – validates the work we have been consistently doing over the last four years, putting us at the forefront of what is done in terms of Science Communication in Portugal. Being among the five nominees in the “Science, Technology and Education” category reinforces our dedication to this podcast, the quality of the content we produce, and our contribution – not only in the dissemination of science and technology, but also in promoting discussion and reflection around the different themes that we are addressing each episode. This nomination also means responsibility; but above all, it encourages us to keep working: consistently, innovatively, and boldly.

Which aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

This is a difficult question, because Communication, in particular, Science Communication, can be as exciting as it is challenging. Still, I would say that what I appreciate the most about my work is asking questions. Let me explain: I like the challenge of being able to demystify and dissect things – which is a big part of the production work of Science Bits. In this sense, it is necessary to study, research, ask, learn, and ask again – as often as necessary. Being curious is the first step to being able to communicate, but it is difficult to communicate something you do not understand. So, asking too many questions (or the right ones at least) is the main aspect of this work.

How do you comment on this nomination?

I am very happy with this nomination. It couldn’t be any other way, especially because it relates to Science Bits – which is (as I said before) part of the job, but at the same time, it’s not work. Oh! Hold on. Let me finish this another way. A way that is dearest to me: a question. By any chance: have you listened to Science Bits?