Holding a PhD in Civil Engineering in the field of Transport from ENTPE–Université de Lyon, with a background in Applied Mathematics and Physics from the University of Porto, Sérgio Batista is the newest Professor to join the Department of Engineering and Management (DEG) at Instituto Superior Técnico. Before returning to Portugal, he was an Assistant Professor at Imperial College London and a member of the research team at New York University Abu Dhabi, developing work on mobility modelling and transport systems.

At Técnico, he teaches the courses Systems Simulation Models, Systems Modelling and Optimisation, and Foundations of Operations Research. For the lecturer, teaching should go beyond the transmission of content and be understood as a demanding and dynamic process:

I see teaching as a process that promotes critical thinking, the connection between theory and practice, and students’ autonomy, preparing them to tackle complex problems in real-world contexts.

His research lies at the intersection of transport systems, territorial modelling and decision sciences. He develops aggregate models aimed at analysing users’ mobility choices, combining behavioural theories, transport network dynamics and operations research. His work has applications in sustainable urban mobility, congestion management, transport decarbonisation and public policy support.

Regarding this new stage at DEG, he highlights:

Joining DEG represents a very stimulating step in my return to Portugal, after more than a decade of academic and scientific experience abroad. I hope to contribute to the education of students with a critical and multidisciplinary perspective and to strengthen research in simulation, modelling and decision sciences.

Outside academia, he particularly values time spent with his family, especially his dedication to his daughter, whom he considers a constant source of learning and inspiration.

Welcome to DEG, Sérgio!