The spirit of innovation that defines i3N was fully palpable on September 15, as colleagues, students, institutional leaders and friends gathered at DCM NOVA FCT to honor one of its central founders. The occasion was the Jubilee Lecture of Professor Rodrigo Martins, a moment that seamlessly integrated the celebration of his 75th birthday with the start of the Materials Science Department’s 50th-anniversary festivities.
A Personal Journey Through Advanced Materials
Rather than a conventional academic talk, Professor Martins’ lecture, titled "From Silicon to Advanced Materials: A Journey into the Future", was a reflective and engaging voyage across five distinct eras of exploration.
With the charisma and clarity that characterized his entire career, he mapped his path from engineering studies in Luanda to pioneering silicon solar technology in Portugal. He recounted the pivotal 2003 breakthrough in room-temperature oxide transistors - a cornerstone of transparent electronics - and the globally acclaimed 2008 invention of paper electronics. Beyond the laboratory, his lecture highlighted his relentless drive to build scientific infrastructure, showcasing 12 ERC projects and the current EMERGE/INFRACHIP networks as evidence of his lasting legacy.
Founder, Mentor, and Legacy
The ceremony was a profound testament to the scale of his impact. Tributes from Department President Hugo Águas, Dean José Júlio Alferes, and co-founder Leopoldo Guimarães all painted the picture of a visionary leader, an exacting teacher, and a generous mentor. The standing ovation that followed his lecture was a true emotional peak.
In a move that cements his influence for years to come, DCM officially named one lecture hall the "Professor Rodrigo Martins Amphitheater". This dedication ensures that every future i3N researcher and student passing through those doors will be reminded of the founder who taught them to "think further" and "accept no limits."
Explore the photo gallery to revisit some of the highlights.
