INESC-ID celebrates the 24th anniversary of Pavilhão do Conhecimento
INESC-ID marked the 24th anniversary of Pavilhão do Conhecimento (the “Knowledge Pavilion”) in style, on 25 July 2023, by organizing an engaging science outreach activity on computational biology titled “Digital Biology.” The event took place at the iconic science museum, known for promoting interactive and educational experiences for visitors of all ages. As part of the celebration, INESC-ID showcased the cutting-edge advancements in the field of computational biology and its implications for the future of healthcare and life sciences.
During the “Digital Biology” activity, INESC-ID researchers Ana Rita Baião, Rui Henriques and João Tiago Aparicio enthusiastically engaged with over 200 members of the public, including children and families, fostering a deeper understanding of how computational methods are revolutionizing the study of biological systems. Visitors were introduced to the fascinating world of genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics, where massive datasets are analyzed using powerful algorithms and artificial intelligence. Through an interactive demonstration where mutated DNA strands were fished out of a “gene pool”, participants had the opportunity to experience first-hand the techniques employed in modern-day biological research.
The event not only highlighted the significance of computational biology in advancing scientific knowledge but also emphasized its crucial role in addressing real-world challenges. Researchers from INESC-ID showcased how computational approaches are aiding in drug discovery, personalized medicine, and understanding complex diseases. Visitors were left inspired by the vast potential of “Digital Biology” to improve human health and the environment.
Ana Rita Baião, a PhD student at INESC-ID and the OLISSIPO Horizon 2020 project, expressed her delight at the overwhelming response from the public and emphasized the importance of science outreach activities in bridging the gap between researchers and the community. The 24th-anniversary celebration of Pavilhão do Conhecimento served as a perfect platform for INESC-ID to share its groundbreaking work and inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators.
In conclusion, the “Digital Biology” science outreach activity organized by INESC-ID at the 24th-anniversary celebration of Pavilhão do Conhecimento in Lisbon was a resounding success. The event provided an excellent opportunity for the public to delve into the fascinating world of computational biology and witness the incredible impact of this interdisciplinary field on scientific research and healthcare. As INESC-ID continues to push the boundaries of knowledge, events like these play a vital role in fostering a culture of scientific curiosity and collaboration, ultimately shaping a brighter future for science and society.
Upcoming Events
NII International Internship Programme Presentation and Q&A by Emmanuel Planas
On April 30, Emmanuel Planas, the acting director of the Global Liaison Office (GLO) and responsible for the internationalisation program at the National Institute of Informatics (NII) in Tokyo, Japan, will give a presentation to introduce the NII and its internship program to INESC-ID students and IST’s Master’s in Computer Science students.
Date & Time: April 30, 14h00
Where: Sala Polivalente, Técnico – Taguspark
“The NII International Internship Program is an exchange activity with students from institutions with which NII has concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement. This incentive program aims at giving interns the opportunity for professional and personal development by engaging in research activities under the guidance and supervision of NII researchers.
The NII Internship Program is open to Research Master’s and PhD students who are currently enrolled at one of the partner institutions that have signed an MOU agreement with NII.”
Educational Workshop on Responsible AI for Peace and Security (UNODA)
On June 6 and 7, The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) are offering a selected group of technical students the opportunity to join a 2-day educational workshop on Responsible AI for peace and security.
The third workshop in the series will be held in Porto Salvo, Portugal, in collaboration with GAIPS, INESC-ID, and Instituto Superior Técnico. The workshop is open to students affiliated with universities in Europe, Central and South America, the Middle East and Africa, Oceania, and Asia.
Date & Time: June 6 a 7
Where: IST – Tagus Park, Porto Salvo
Registration deadline: April 8
Summary: “As with the impacts of Artificial intelligence (AI) on people’s day-to-day lives, the impacts for international peace and security include wide-ranging and significant opportunities and challenges. AI can help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, but its dual-use nature means that peaceful applications can also be misused for harmful purposes such as political disinformation, cyberattacks, terrorism, or military operations. Meanwhile, those researching and developing AI in the civilian sector remain too often unaware of the risks that the misuse of civilian AI technology may pose to international peace and security and unsure about the role they can play in addressing them. Against this background, UNODA and SIPRI launched, in 2023, a three-year educational initiative on Promoting Responsible Innovation in AI for Peace and Security. The initiative, which is supported by the Council of the European Union, aims to support greater engagement of the civilian AI community in mitigating the unintended consequences of civilian AI research and innovation for peace and security. As part of that initiative, SIPRI and UNODA are organising a series of capacity building workshops for STEM students (at PhD and Master levels). These workshops aim to provide the opportunity for up-and-coming AI practitioners to work together and with experts to learn about a) how peaceful AI research and innovation may generate risks for international peace and security; b) how they could help prevent or mitigate those risks through responsible research and innovation; c) how they could support the promotion of responsible AI for peace and security.”