Where are you now?

Every month INESC TEC sends highly qualified individuals into the market. These individuals often then go on to occupy important positions in some of the best national and international companies or they opt to form spin-offs. As the best way to perform technology transfer is through individuals, this section is dedicated to collaborators that trained at INESC TEC and now star in other companies and institutions.

MARTA NILZA FONSECA, WINSIG, INFORMATION SYSTEM CONSULTING

• INESC Porto: 2010-2011
• INESC Porto Unit: Manufacturing Systems Engineering Unit (UESP), Innovation and Technology Transfer Unit (UITT)

“I am currently working with Winsig, a company that provides PHC tool integrated management systems. This is quite a recent change (New Year, new life) but I am very happy with my future plans for the next months as I will be able to broaden my knowledge of information systems in industrial management.

This is my second job since leaving INESC Porto. My first was working in a consultancy firm as an Innovation Consultant. Although this experience was important and helped me progress professionally, it also showed me that in the short- medium term (Long-term is too long to say) it was not the area that I would like to pursue.

The main area that INESC Porto (the Manufacturing Systems Engineering Unit in particular, where I spent most of my time) and Winsig have in common is their strong link with industry.”

ÂNGELO MENDONÇA, ENERCON, NETWORK MODELS AND SIMULATION DEVELOPMENT

• INESC Porto: 2000-2008
• INESC Porto Unit: Power Systems Unit (USE)

"I left INESC Porto in 2008 when I concluded my PhD. This closed a cycle of knowledge and experience. At the same time, it was the ideal time for new challenges and to apply what I had learnt at the institute. During a consultancy project, the opportunity arose to work with ENERCON, a leading company known in Portugal for the production of wind turbines. Therefore, I moved to the small town of Aurich in Germany where I began my adventure that even today keeps me motivated and interested.

I am currently working in R&D at ENERCON in one of the network model and simulation groups. I have been able to apply and broaden all the knowledge I obtained at INESC Porto. I have been able to work in the integration of wind energy in energy networks, one of INESC Porto’s areas of expertise and at the same time participate in research for new technological solutions from a manufacturer’s perspective.” 

My experience at INESC Porto put me in contact with a large number of companies that work in the wind power industry, such as network operators and wind farm promoters. This direct contact with industry via consultancy projects helped me adapt to my new role at ENERCON. However, what I value most from my time at INESC Porto is the high level of scientific and professional training that I received and am still reaping the rewards of.

DIANA VIEGAS, CABELTE, RESPONSIBLE FOR THE QUALITY LABORATORY

• INESC Porto: 2003-2010
• INESC Porto Unit: Optoelectronics and Electronic Systems Unit (UOSE)

When I left INESC Porto I immediately joined Cabelte and began my training to learn about the company and its products. Once I had completely adapted to the company I was made responsible for the Quality Laboratory. This is where we run all of the non-electric cable trials to verify the standard requirements.

INESC Porto was my “school” in terms of my scientific development and practical experience. As I was comfortable working in a laboratory I was able to easily adapt to the laboratory environment at the company. The principles of quality and dedication that I was used to at INESC Porto were also qualities that the company valued in my work.

Since I left INESC Porto, the institute has grown immensely, both in terms of human resources and in terms of its prestige and success in both research and consultancy projects as INESC TEC.