Instituto de Telecomunicações is featured in this month's issue of "Mais Magazine."
For more than three decades, the Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT) has brought together scientific research, advanced training, industry, and innovation to develop technologies addressing some of the major challenges of a connected society.
As an Associated Laboratory, the IT conducts fundamental and applied research in Information, Communication and Electronic Technologies, with a particular focus on telecommunications. Its research is structured around five interconnected areas: Wireless Technologies; Optics and Photonics; Information and Data Sciences; Communication Networks; and Basic Sciences and Enabling Technologies.
This multidisciplinary approach supports research across a broad range of emerging technologies and applications, from 6G and beyond 6G, quantum technologies and artificial intelligence to smart mobility, sensing, cybersecurity, space and defence. The IT's research increasingly moves beyond the laboratory, with technologies being tested and developed in real-world environments. One example is the Aveiro Living Lab, which comprises 16 km of optical fibre and 44 smart poles equipped with communication and sensing systems.
From research to technological impact
The connection between research and application is also reflected in the IT work in strategic sectors such as space and defence. Researchers contribute expertise in antennas and propagation, optical technologies, quantum communications, resilient networks and sensing technologies, including radar and LiDAR.
The IT has participated in initiatives such as ISTSat-1, Portugal's first CubeSat, developed within the European Space Agency's Fly Your Satellite programme. Another example is the Pampilhosa da Serra Space Observatory (PASO), developed in partnership with the Ministry of National Defence and the Municipality of Pampilhosa da Serra, integrating a radio telescope, radar and optical telescope for space surveillance and tracking.
Research developed at the IT has also contributed to the creation of spin-offs and companies, including BITalino, CardioID, Is4health, MyDidimo, PICadvanced, PLUX, Veniam'Works, LampsyHealth and Wavecom, among others. These examples illustrate how scientific knowledge developed by research teams can lead to new technological solutions and applications.
A growing research community
The IT brings together researchers, engineers, students and specialised professionals across a multipolar national structure, combining expertise from different scientific and technological fields. Attracting new talent remains an important part of strengthening this research ecosystem and developing new perspectives for emerging technological challenges.
Today, IT has 16 research clusters, 8,000 m² of laboratory facilities, 355 international partners and 281 patents. Its scientific activity also includes 7,778 journal articles, 11,588 conference papers, 795 PhD theses and 4,392 master's dissertations.
By connecting research, innovation, academia and industry, the Instituto de Telecomunicações continues to develop knowledge and technologies aimed at a more connected, intelligent and secure society, while preparing the next generation of researchers and technologies for the challenges of the future.
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“Mais Magazine” is a monthly periodical publication focused on business, institutional and thematic content, frequently distributed alongside leading newspapers in Portugal, such as the weekly “Expresso”.
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