Lucas Nissenbaum takes part in a panel at the Energy Summit

20/06/2024

IMPA project scientist Lucas Nissenbaum took part in the “Energy Research” panel at the Energy Summit on Wednesday (19) in Rio de Janeiro. The discussion addressed the changes needed in teaching and research in Brazil to train the professionals of the future, especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics – STEM.

The tools and knowledge needed for today’s job market and valuing Brazilian professionals were also on the agenda. In this sense, the creation of IMPA Tech, IMPA’s first undergraduate program, was used as an example. With an interdisciplinary curriculum and practical classes in state-of-the-art laboratories, the degree in Mathematics of Technology and Innovation aims to train young people ready for the job market.

“The design of the degree was developed with a view to providing modern training for the professionals of the future. We want to train students to use tools such as machine learning, to know a lot about computing and to have mathematics as a fundamental basis for all these areas,” said Nissenbaum.

Comprehensive training begins with a basic cycle of one and a half years. Students then choose between four emphases: Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science and Physics. For Nissenbaum, this is the curriculum that will enable them to effectively enter the technology and innovation market. “Mathematics is the basis for understanding more about the area itself and for working on applications in related disciplines,” he said.

Romildo Toledo, director of UFRJ’s technology park, and Marcelo Gattass, vice-rector for innovation at PUC-Rio, also took part in the debate, which addressed the technological revolution in the sciences and the search for innovation in educational models.

IMPA Tech students were also invited to take part in the Energy Summit. Maria Eduarda Martins, an 18-year-old student from Teresina (PI), found the experience innovative. “I learned a lot at the event! I was able to attend different lectures on various topics. The debates on nuclear energy and green hydrogen were the ones I enjoyed the most. It was a very good experience and I was also able to visit the City of Arts, a very beautiful place in Rio de Janeiro,” she said.

David Jonathas, a 19-year-old student from Mairiporã (SP), also took advantage of the debates and learned more about the innovation and energy market. “We had access to very mature knowledge and ideas about companies, the market and opportunities in the clean energy sector,” said the student.

The Energy Summit is a global event in Rio de Janeiro. The panels and lectures are points of connection and discussion for the next steps in the world’s energy transition and sustainability. This year’s edition took place between June 17 and 19 at Cidade das Artes. Find out more on the event’s website.

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See also: IMPA Tech graduate receives OBMEP medal in Rio