The world is constantly changing

By João Ferreira*

“The word is constantly changing". This is what scientists usually say.

I never really liked changing, at least professionally. However, about three years ago, I accepted the challenge and decided to change. Still at INESC Porto, I started working with sensors. The big change occurred when I started working at FiberSensing.

It was a safe and controlled change. Even though my friends and co-workers helped me, I was still a bit apprehensive about adapting to work in industry.

After two years working at FiberSensing, I can say that I really enjoyed changing. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a prototype turn into a product and then adapt to market requirements, in a constant balance between cost and performance.

I had to resist the temptation of permanent evolution, the constant improvement that is required in R&D work. That is what I was used to.

After the product is finished, it is also fascinating to submit it to various endurance tests until it becomes completely reliable.

Even when all those obstacles are overcome, we still have to certify it. Sometimes it seems that we are demonstrating what is obvious; other times, we certify some things we thought were uncertifyable. These challenges are enormous, but incredibly rewarding.

What I'm trying to do is to tell you how my experience at FiberSensing was gratifying and rewarding for me as a professional and as a person.

This is why I felt a bit sad when I heard that I wasn't going to stay at the company anymore. Nevertheless, I'm happy if that is what's best for the future of the FiberSensing project.

As it was arranged formally in my contract, I came back to INESC Porto. Through INESC Porto, however, I've continued cooperating with FiberSensing, where everyone makes me feel like I'm part of the team. For that, I would like to thank all my co-workers at FiberSensing.

At last, I would like to say a few words on my return to UOSE. When I came back after two months, I found not only old friends and co-workers, but also the academic and R&D environment I used to enjoy so much.

It's rewarding to feel that we are able to help out students, to witness the happiness that comes from progress and growth. Also, to imagine and develop something new is extremely challenging and stimulating.

I am pleased to realize that INESC Porto is much more structured in its approach to new projects.

Unfortunately, I believe that INESC Porto lost some of its essential competences, particularly in the areas of electronics and RF. This happened, not only because they lost the FiberSensing team, but also because there was a general tendency for that to happen.

It will be necessary to turn this around so that INESC Porto can generate more business while investing on pure knowledge.

In conclusion, I would like to thank, not only my UOSE partners, but also my INESC Porto partners in general. I would also like to thank the warm welcome to those few people with whom I have maintained contact.

Let's all continue together this search for knowledge so that we can improve everyone's lives significantly.

Best, João Ferreira

*Collaborator at the Optoelectronics and Electronics Systems Unit (UOSE)