Samuel Freitas

Samuel Venância de Souza Freitas was born in East Timor and attended the University of Aveiro for his undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees (where he was also a member of CICECO). He currently serves as Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance at the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL), the country’s only public university.

From Timor to Aveiro: The Beginning of My Journey

I returned to Timor-Leste in 2013, after twelve years of study at the University of Aveiro, where I completed my licentiate, master’s, and PhD degrees. Upon returning, I spent a few months at the Ministry of Education and at the National University, which was still in an early phase of development. Soon after, I began working as an advisor and assistant professor — a collaboration that grew out of my background in Exact Sciences.

From 2015 to 2021, I served as Dean of the Faculty of Exact Sciences, and since 2021, I have been the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance. I also continue to teach Chemistry, because teaching remains at the heart of my professional identity.

Our universities are evolving — new faculties are being created, and we now have higher institutes and polytechnic schools. There is much to build and improve when compared with the global landscape of education. I strongly believe that those who study abroad and return bring a crucial contribution to national progress.

During my twelve years in Aveiro, I learned deeply — not only as a student but by observing how a university works. As a PhD student in the PATH group (Thermodynamics, Modeling, and Production of Materials) under Professor João A. P. Coutinho, I learned how research can have a real impact on society. What I received there was not only scientific knowledge, but also the experience of belonging to an institution of quality — the relationships with professors, colleagues, and professionals, all of which shaped me profoundly.

Those experiences gave me the foundation to coordinate and lead the Faculty of Exact Sciences, created in partnership with the University of Aveiro. When I think back to the early days, I remember that there was no Faculty of Mathematics or Exact Sciences in Timor-Leste — we built it from the ground up, inspired by what I had learned in Aveiro. Everything I gained — from the people, the institution, and especially from CICECO — prepared me to succeed at UNTL.

Although I am not currently engaged in research directly, since our system is still developing, I continue to support student research projects and final theses. Research culture in Timor-Leste is still very young, but I remain committed to helping it grow.

Becoming a Researcher at CICECO

I joined CICECO in 2009, when I began my doctoral studies. I was fortunate to receive support from the Bolsa Oriente and later from FCT. My research focused on thermodynamic modeling and biodiesel production, exploring the properties of this material and how to optimize its performance.

What I learned as a researcher at CICECO, I wanted to bring home to Timor-Leste. The interdisciplinary collaboration, the autonomy of researchers, and the exchange of knowledge were experiences that transformed me. I saw how excellence in research comes from teamwork, diversity, and a shared pursuit of knowledge.

I also had the opportunity to present my work abroad — in Búzios, Brazil, for example — where I received recognition and awards. These international experiences strengthened my confidence and vision for what science and education could become in my country.

At CICECO, I experienced what a true research center of excellence represents: multicultural collaboration, a spirit of innovation, and supervisors with both scientific and academic authority. I promised myself that one day I would bring that spirit to Timor-Leste. While it has not been easy to establish similar structures yet, I continue to work toward that goal through governance, evaluation, and national projects.

Today, I see myself as an ambassador of the University of Aveiro and CICECO in Timor-Leste. In 2017, some materials were sent from CICECO to support our initiatives here, and this institutional connection remains open. What CICECO gave me is not just knowledge — it is an outcome for life. Thanks to that experience, I have been able to serve my country as I once dreamed when I was still a student.

Life and Growth in Aveiro

I have many fond memories of Aveiro. I first arrived in Portugal as part of a cooperation program, completing the 12th year at Escola Secundária Mário Sacramento, in what was a preparatory year before university. That experience helped me integrate smoothly into Portuguese academic life.

I went on to complete all my degrees — licentiate, master’s, and PhD — in Aveiro. The city and the university became my second home. I adapted quickly, learned to speak Portuguese fluently, and built friendships with people from all over the world — Portuguese, Brazilian, and many other nationalities.

Some of my happiest moments were simple ones: dinners, gatherings, and the sense of community among international students. Finishing my studies successfully and honoring my scholarship were milestones of personal pride. Even today, when I visit Portugal, I always make sure to pass through Aveiro. I still carry a University of Aveiro lanyard on my keys — a small but meaningful reminder of where I grew up academically and personally.

I arrived in Aveiro at nineteen and left at thirty-one — I grew up there. CICECO and Aveiro shaped who I am.

Lessons that Shaped My Leadership

My years at CICECO made me who I am — both as a professional and as a person. I grew from a young student into a man with a broader vision and deeper purpose. The experiences, the recognition, and the international exposure all marked my path.

CICECO gave me more than a degree — it gave me a reputation. When I returned to Timor-Leste, I was seen not as a doubt, but as a professional trained in excellence. I owe that to my supervisors, to Professor João Coutinho, and to everyone at CICECO who believed in me and fought for my success.

That trust and education allowed me to become not only an academic leader but also someone capable of helping to shape higher education policy in my country. I carry this legacy with deep gratitude.

A Message to the Next Generation

CICECO is a cell that produces scientists — people enter as students and leave as researchers. I always tell young scholars: dedicate yourselves with humility. Don’t focus only on the output, because CICECO teaches you about the outcome — how science changes who you are and what you can bring to the world.

That was my experience. Even though I am not yet leading a research group here, I became a scientific manager and a leader prepared to foster research ecosystems in Timor-Leste.

Enjoy every experience — the multicultural environment, the events, the exchanges. Be clear about what you want to become, and adapt to what CICECO offers, because it truly has everything.

As I often say: CICECO doesn’t only form scientists — it forms visionaries.