Isabel Neto shines in PubhD Lisbon

The 70th edition of PubhD Lisbon, held on January 25, showcased the diverse and impactful research being conducted by doctoral students, with special attention on Isabel Neto, a PhD student in Social Robotics at the Interactive Technologies Institute.

The event brought together researchers to discuss their work in an informal setting – a bar – presenting complex topics in an accessible manner. Afonso Bento, a recent PhD graduate in Anthropology/ joined Isabel Neto as the second speaker of the evening.

Isabel is investigating how robots can foster inclusion among children with and without visual impairments in school environments. Her work aims to create innovative approaches to promote equal opportunities for children with diverse visual, auditory, or other abilities.

Isabel, who holds a background in computer engineering and spent over two decades in the telecommunications industry, embarked on her PhD journey in social robotics at the Interactive Technologies Institute. Now in her second year of doctoral studies, Isabel is making significant strides in understanding how robots can contribute to creating equitable and inclusive learning spaces for children.

During her 10-minute presentation at PubhD Lisbon, Isabel shared insights into her multidisciplinary research, acknowledging the collaborative efforts with institutions such as the Instituto Superior Técnico, Cornell University, INESC-ID, the Interactive Technologies Institute, HRC2, and the GAIPS Lab research group. The event allowed for a deeper understanding of the potential impact of Isabel’s work, sparking engaging discussions on the role of robotics in shaping inclusive educational environments.

Afonso Bento delved into his research project on the relationship between penal punishment and morality in the Portuguese context, shedding light on the perspectives of incarcerated individuals and the challenges faced by prison staff. His exploration provided valuable insights into the nuances of moral values within the prison system.

Isabel Neto’s innovative work in Social Robotics stole the show, emphasizing Interactive Technologies Institute’s commitment to cutting-edge research in interactive technologies. The Institute looks forward to more groundbreaking contributions from its dynamic community of researchers and scholars.