Academic seminar discusses ‘The Power of Programming Marathons’

6/6/2025

“The Power of Programming Marathons” was the theme of this Wednesday’s (4) academic seminar. Samuel Eduardo da Silva, a PhD student in Computer Science who has been participating in marathons since he was an undergraduate, shared his personal experiences, training tips and career opportunities with IMPA Tech students. The meeting was organized by Professor Uéverton Souza, who is also Samuel’s doctoral advisor at the Fluminense Federal University (UFF).

During his talk, Samuel highlighted the benefits of marathons, such as developing logical thinking, the ability to solve complex problems and stimulating innovation. “Programming marathons are more than competitions, they are an intense environment that shapes your way of thinking, boosting essential skills for any career. Participating in these challenges stimulates creativity and academic discipline, preparing students for graduate programs and collaborations in innovation projects,” he said.

Samuel highlighted other qualities that the marathons offer, such as the development of English skills, since most of the challenges are in English, and the possibility of traveling to external competitions. “In addition, these experiences attract the attention of technology companies, acting as a natural differential in selection processes,” he added.

Among the tips he shared, the lecturer suggested studying in groups, which makes it possible to develop solutions more quickly and share knowledge. Samuel also encouraged students to write problems, thinking about the inverse logic of the solution. “It’s at these times that you go after properties, theorems, which are nice to explore. What’s more, it’s good for the community because we raise new issues.”

The speaker has an extensive curriculum of achievements and participations in programming competitions. He took part in the national phases of the SBP Programming Marathon in 2016 and 2018; he won a bronze medal in the 2016 competition in Minas Gerais; he came 1st in the CEFET MG Sul Mineira and 1st in the IV Winter School of the Programming Marathon. He also came 4th in Algar and 1st in the 2019 UFF Programming Marathon.

Student Lucas Fraga, who is an OBI (Brazilian Computer Olympics) medalist, has already had contact with the initial phases of programming marathons. For him, the seminar was very useful. “I’ve always liked the subject and I was excited about Samuel’s seminar, because he has experience in the area and gave good tips for us, who are still starting out in this universe.”

In May, Lucas took part in Phase Zero of the Programming Marathon promoted by the SBC (Brazilian Computer Society). In the IMPA Tech laboratory, the student’s group managed to solve six problems. “It was good because we learned a lot. For a first experience, it was very cool and fruitful, but we’ve already identified mistakes not to make next time”, he said.

On that occasion, in addition to Lucas, 70 other students took part in the competition, under the supervision of Professor Uéverton. In September last year, a group of students from class 2024 went even further and represented IMPA Tech in Phase One of the marathon. The team solved five problems and was among the 10 best trios in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

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