New Mexico State University and a research and development institute in Portugal formed a partnership to advance research capabilities for scientific collaboration in power and energy systems.
NMSU’s College of Engineering and the Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science, or INESC TEC, on the campus of Faculty of Engineering at the University of Porto, Portugal, signed a memorandum of understanding in summer 2024 that included a 90-day visit for a graduate student during the spring 2025 semester to NMSU’s Las Cruces campus.
“I hope this collaboration leads to groundbreaking research in energy, fosters student and faculty exchange opportunities, and paves the way for joint projects that can have a real-world impact,” said Olga Lavrova, NMSU Klipsch School of Electrical and Computer Engineering associate professor and Electric Utility Management Program director.
“This partnership is an incredible opportunity for both NMSU and INESC TEC to push the boundaries of energy and smart grid research,” she said. “We encourage students and faculty from both NMSU and INESC TEC to get involved and explore further possibilities that this collaboration offers.”
Lavrova participated in the INESC TEC International Visiting Researcher Programme in Portugal in 2023.
“The biggest benefit was the opportunity to engage with top researchers of Portugal in the field of energy and innovation,” she said. “It allowed me to exchange knowledge, explore new research ideas and strengthen the partnership between our institutions.”
Tiago Joao Abreu, INESC TEC researcher and graduate student at the University of Porto, visited NMSU from Feb. 4 to May 8. During his stay, Abreu worked on an optimization algorithm that utilizes demand response to increase transformers lifetime on distribution networks.
“The visit has been exceeding my expectations. The team was extremely welcoming and the general environment of NMSU has already made me an honorary Aggie,” Abreu said. “My goal was to experience a different research environment and to trade ideas with fellow colleagues from NMSU.”
Abreu said his visit to NMSU has strengthened his interest to learn more about the more practical side of electrical engineering research. While Abreu admits being away from his family and friends was a challenge, he strongly recommends students participate.
“These types of exchanges are, in my opinion, really important as they foster new friendships, ideas and promote different points of view to be discussed and to decrease cultural barriers that distance between different countries create.”
INESC TEC is accepting applications online for the 2025 International Visiting Researcher Programme.