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Editorial
On June 7, 2024, the United Nations declared 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) to commemorate the 100 years of Quantum Physics. Indeed, major developments in this field took place after Louis de Broglie postulated the wave-particle duality of matter, in his 1924 PhD Thesis, and Erwin Schrödinger and Werner Heisenberg conceived what is now known as Wave-Mechanics and Matrix-Mechanics, respectively. Quantum Physics, a highly complex conceptual model of mechanics at the atomic scale, remains not fully understood even today. In fact, renowned scientists have even questioned whether humans will ever fully comprehend something that they cannot directly experience in their daily lives.
So, Quantum Physics had all the ingredients to be kept as an intriguing theoretical curiosity, without any practical application. Yet, as with the laws of electromagnetism some 60 years earlier, history has proven that this assumption could not have been more wrong. Just 20 years after its inception, Quantum Physics revolutionized electronics by replacing the vacuum tubes with the present solid-state transistors, and, more recently, by harnessing the properties of the photon, operating a major transformation on optical communications.
What I personally find most rewarding is recognizing that, despite the initial skepticism regarding its engineering applications, a group of determined scientists (along with supportive funding agencies) chose to explore Quantum Physics further, even if it was only to expand our understanding of nature.
In IT, we brought together mathematicians, theoretical and experimental physicists, and electrical engineers to continue advancing knowledge in this area, while developing new applications in quantum communications, integrated photonics, quantum cryptography, and quantum computation.
José Carlos Pedro
(IT President)
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IT leading the way in the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology
100 years ago, Heisenberg laid the foundation for quantum mechanics, igniting a revolution that transformed our understanding of reality. Today, we stand at the brink of the 2nd Quantum Revolution, where quantum tech reshapes computing, cryptography, and communication.
IT’s Quantum Communications group (Aveiro & Lisbon) is pioneering advancements in secure quantum networks, cryptographic protocols, and space-based quantum links. From PTQCI (Portugal’s first quantum infrastructure) to NATO collaborations, our team is in charge of shaping the future of quantum security and innovation.
Stay tuned!
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We are showcasing IT – its research groups, laboratories, and impact.
Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT) is a center of excellence, located across several prestigious academic institutions and two key partners in the telecommunications sector nationwide.
We begin this journey with our Leiria branch at the Polytechnic of Leiria, where innovative work is being developed in two key areas: Antennas and Propagation and Multimedia Signal Processing.
Watch the video highlight and stay tuned to learn more about our research units and the impact of IT’s work!
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Haoran Chi distinguished with the 2024 IEEE Communications Standards Magazine Exemplary Editor
Haoran Chi was recently awarded the 2024 IEEE Communications Standards Magazine Exemplary Editor from the IEEE Communications Society, for his remarkable contributions to the journal's editorial...
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Hugo Plácido da Silva elected to the Biomedical Engineering Board of Ordem dos Engenheiros
This election marks a historic milestone in establishing the College of Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering in 2025, further elevating the profession in Portugal...
more >>
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Deputy Minister for Development of Greece and Portugal’s Secretary of State for Science visited IT labs
On February 17th, IT and Técnico welcomed in Lisboa Her Excellency Zoe Rapti, Deputy Minister for Development of Greece, alongside Her Excellency Ana Paiva, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Science...
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Book chapter: Mobile Radio Emergency Communications for Large-Scale Wildfire Fighting – Portugal as a Case Study
As a result of a request by the Minister of Science in 2017, IT developed a project to study the critical role of voice push-to-talk terrestrial mobile radio emergency communications in supporting firefighters during disaster relief operations...
more >>
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PROJECT SNAPSHOT | DISCRETION
Highlighting Quantum Communications research at IT
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The team of Quantum Communications of Instituto de Telecomunicações in Aveiro conducted a demonstration of a secure quantum network for military applications in Brussels within the scope of the DISCRETION project, on 29th January 2025.
The initiative’s goal was to showcase the technological cutting-edge advancements that contribute to strengthening European defense infrastructure in military contexts. The demonstration highlighted the capability of the developed solutions to ensure encrypted and reliable message transmissions across different domains, safeguarding sensitive communications.
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Bernardo Sequeiros
Towards a Framework for System and Attack Modelling and Mapping of Requirements and Technology for the Internet of Things
Bernardo Sequeiros concluded his Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Beira Interior (UBI), in September 2024, supervised by Pedro Inácio (UBI and IT).
His thesis approached the secure development process for IoT devices, through attack and system modeling and mapping of security requirements. It proposed an overarching system architecture that considers security in each phase of the development process. It additionally proposed a tool for attack modeling and explored the use of fine-tuning methods in Large Language Models (LLMs) to adapt the security logic of the tool.
Currently, Bernardo is an integrated researcher at IT and is teaching subjects related to cybersecurity at UBI.
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"During my PhD, IT complemented UBI in creating an ideal environment for developing my work plan and offered numerous opportunities for collaboration and support, which were invaluable to my growth as a researcher."
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Diogo Machado
Advising Diabetes self-management supported by user data in a mobile platform
Diogo Machado concluded his Ph.D. at the Faculty of Sciences, of the University of Porto, in November 2024, supervised by Pedro Brandão and Vítor Santos Costa (IT - FCUP).
His thesis proposes a data mining method to uncover the probable causes of hypo- and hyperglycemia in Type 1 diabetic patients. These insights can then be transformed into personalized advice, delivered via a smartphone.
He is now a Data Mastermind at Critical Techworks.
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"The strength of Instituto de Telecomunicações lies in its people. In this regard, I am deeply grateful to the many teachers, technicians, and fellow researchers who supported me throughout this journey."
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Fábio Coutinho
Deep Learning-based Channel Estimation for the 5G+ Physical Layer
Fábio Coutinho completed his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering in December 2024 at the University of Aveiro, supervised by Hugerles Silva (UnB and IT), Petia Georgieva (UA and IEETA), and Arnaldo Oliveira (UA and IT).
His thesis explores the integration of deep learning-based algorithms into channel estimation functions to address complex and nonlinear challenges in next-generation communication systems. By leveraging neural networks, the estimation of channel and radio frequency hardware impairments can be improved compared to conventional approaches in various complex next-generation scenarios. Additionally, his research explores the acceleration of neural networks on hardware platforms to enable the efficient deployment of deep learning-based channel estimation algorithms at the network edge.
Currently, Fábio is a Junior Researcher at IT-Aveiro.
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"My journey at IT began several years ago, where I was exposed to various scientific challenges and questions. I always had access to cutting-edge technical resources and engaging discussions with IT members, which greatly enhanced both my personal and scientific experience."
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