Asal Kiazadeh - Interview

To mark International Girls in ICT Day (April 24th), this issue features an interview with Asal Kiazadeh, a former PhD student in Organic Electronics under the supervision of our researcher Henrique Gomes. Originally from Iran, she came to Portugal and stayed, becoming a renowned researcher at CENIMAT/i3N. She holds a PhD in Electronics and Optoelectronics from the University of Algarve, conducted under the supervision of Henrique Gomes, our researcher and, at that time, Professor at the University of Algarve. 

1 - Could you please give a brief presentation about yourself and your journey to study in Portugal? What inspired you to come here?

Let’s say there are two main reasons why I’m in Portugal. First, I applied for a scholarship to pursue my PhD. Second, I didn’t feel fully accepted in the society that was supposed to be mine. Sometimes, we need to make a geographic correction, and I’m truly glad I found a place where I feel I belong. This feels like the country I was meant to be in.

2 - Along this journey, how did you come to choose telecommunications as your field of study? (Please tell us a bit about your academic path and the reasons behind your choice.)

Well, my academic pathway has primarily focused on electronics on emerging device technologies -particularly memristors. These are novel components that hold great potential for both computation and communication applications. So, while my core expertise has been rooted in electronics, my work gradually expanded into telecommunications as I explored how these new devices can enhance next-generation networks within the European project TERRAMETA. This fusion of disciplines has kept me both challenged and inspired.

3 - What was the focus of your PhD? What topics did you explore in your research?
The focus of my PhD was on resistive switching devices - more commonly known as memristors. My research explored their electrical behavior, material properties, and potential applications in next-generation electronic systems.

4 - As a woman studying in a foreign country, how would you describe your experience?
Well, it never really felt like a foreign country to me. From early on, I had the feeling that this was the right place for me to live, to work, and to be part of both the good and the challenging moments. I’ve felt truly connected here like I’ve found my place. I’m especially happy to be raising my two Portuguese children here - they were born in Portugal, and this is their home. Watching them grow up in this environment makes me feel even more rooted and grateful for the path I chose. It’s not just about studying or working; it’s about being part of a community, sharing my values, and embracing new opportunities, which have enriched both my family’s and my own experience.

5 - How would you describe your experience at the Instituto de Telecomunicações?
My relationship with IT has been truly wonderful. My supervisor, Professor Henrique Gomes was, not only a great mentor, but also a role model who taught me a lot - both technically and personally. I’m also happy to currently be working with other professors from IT in the TERRAMETA project. This collaboration has been very enriching, and I truly hope it continues to grow between our research center, i3N|CENIMAT, and IT. There’s a strong synergy, and I believe we can achieve even more together.

6 - After completing your PhD, what has your professional journey been like? What roles have you taken on since then?
After completing my PhD, I continued as a postdoctoral researcher. Following that, I was awarded an Auxiliary Researcher position through the CEEC (Scientific Employment Stimulus) competition. All of my work has been at CENIMAT/i3N, which provided me with a platform to establish a new field. The center is highly equipped and recognized as one of the top research centers in Portugal. In the meantime, there was an open call at the Department of Materials Science at NOVA University Lisbon, where I applied for an Auxiliary Professor position. I’m currently affiliated with the department in this role, where I continue my research and teaching activities.

7 - Is it easy to balance your personal and professional life? How do you manage both?
Well, that’s a very good question. Being a mother, a scientist, and a dedicated professor is certainly not an easy job, and I believe the same goes for fathers, too. There are moments when you feel like you're on the edge of burnout. But it’s not really anyone’s fault; it’s simply the nature of our work, which is very different from the past, when it was more common for someone to work part-time or have a slower pace. That said, when research is also your passion, even a half-time model wouldn’t fit anymore. That’s how I feel - I truly enjoy what I do, and that makes a big difference. One thing I really appreciate about Portugal is the strong respect for family life. It helps a lot. People here understand how challenging it can be, and sometimes, just knowing that you're not alone makes everything a bit easier.

8 – Any other comments you would like to make? 
Yes, one of my dreams is to create more job opportunities for our students. In our department, we train students in the fields of micro and nanotechnology, as well as materials science, and our graduates are well-equipped in the microfabrication of integrated circuits and chip design. As a professor at the faculty, I believe that one of our primary goals should be to bridge the gap between Portuguese industries and universities. This could be achieved by establishing pilot lines or small companies focused on technologies that Portugal is capable of developing, and which could contribute to Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem. Although we do not have a semiconductor foundry, we have the potential to innovate in areas such as design tools, specialized materials, and other niche technologies that can be developed in the global market. Finally, I would like to take a moment to thank my husband and my mother, who have been instrumental in helping me reach where I am today. I am truly grateful for their support. I would also like to thank all my mentors on this journey.