The Department of Industrial Electronics of the School of Engineering of the University of Minho, represented by José Rui Gomes, and Sérgio Gonçalves, researcher at the ALGORITMI Research Centre of the University of Minho, participated in the 4th European Researchers’ Night – Armamar, at the invitation of the Portuguese Business Intelligence Association (APBI), contributing to the promotion of science, technology, and innovation within the local community.

Integrated into the science station “Data Transforming the Future: Business Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Serving Society”, this participation gave visitors the opportunity to explore projects, technologies, and research activities developed at the University of Minho, highlighting the impact of scientific innovation on society.

The Department of Industrial Electronics showcased a multimedia presentation displayed throughout the event, presenting its educational programmes, research areas, technological developments, and innovation activities carried out at the University of Minho. Visitors also had access to institutional brochures and promotional materials, enabling them to learn more about the department’s academic offerings, laboratories, research projects, and opportunities available to future students and researchers. This initiative aimed to strengthen the connection between academia and society while inspiring younger generations to pursue careers in engineering, electronics, automation, robotics, and emerging technologies.

One of the main attractions for visitors was the presence of MARLAB – Mobile and Anthropomorphic Robotics Laboratory, a research laboratory integrated within the ALGORITMI Research Centre of the School of Engineering at the University of Minho, located at the Azurém Campus in Guimarães.

Representing MARLAB, Sérgio Gonçalves presented a robotic arm and an autonomous mobile robot vehicle, demonstrating some of the advanced technologies and innovative solutions being developed within the laboratory. These live demonstrations allowed visitors to observe practical applications of robotics, automation, and intelligent systems, generating significant interest among attendees of all ages and showcasing the cutting-edge research carried out at the University of Minho.

The event also featured, at the invitation of APBI, the participation of the Faculty of Economics of the University of Porto (FEP), represented by Flora Ferreira, who conducted activities related to Mathematics and Information Systems, demonstrating how these disciplines contribute to transforming data into knowledge and supporting informed decision-making.

Also participating was CEOS.PP/ISCAP – Centre for Organisational and Social Studies of the Polytechnic of Porto, represented by Célia Gonçalves and Maria José Gonçalves through the science station “From Information to Knowledge – CEOS”, where research projects and practical applications in information science, knowledge management, and organisational innovation were presented to the public.

Speaking on behalf of the Department of Industrial Electronics, José Rui Gomes highlighted the importance of scientific outreach and strengthening links between higher education institutions and society, demonstrating how research and innovation developed at the University of Minho contribute to addressing current and future technological and societal challenges.

The Department of Industrial Electronics of the University of Minho would like to express its gratitude to the Portuguese Business Intelligence Association (APBI) for the invitation to participate in this important scientific outreach initiative.

The Department also congratulates ARMA-Sci – Association for the Promotion of Scientific Capital in Armamar, particularly its coordinator Raquel Branquinho, and the entire organising team for their professionalism, commitment, and excellence in delivering another outstanding edition of the European Researchers’ Night.

Special recognition is also extended to the Municipality of Armamar and the leadership of Gomes Teixeira Primary and Secondary School Grouping for their support and collaboration, which were essential to the success of the event and to promoting science among students and the wider community.

This initiative once again demonstrated that science and research know no geographical boundaries and that inland regions play an increasingly important role in fostering scientific culture, innovation, and knowledge.

It was a privilege to participate in this event and contribute to bringing the University of Minho closer to the community, inspiring young people and adults alike towards science, technology, engineering, and innovation.