Preface

This proceeding consists of the peer-reviewed papers from the 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Energy Solutions for a Better Tomorrow (SESBT 2021), which was organized by the School of Mechanical Engineering of Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai on July 23rd and 24th, 2021. For more details about SESBT 2021, please visit www.vitsesbt.com. However, due to the COVID 19 pandemic the conference was held Online. The main objective of SESBT 2021 is to provide a platform for researchers and technocrats from both academic institutions and industries to meet and share cutting-edge developments in the areas of sustainable energy and associated disciplines. This conference also provided an opportunity to exchange research evidence and innovative ideas and also the issues related to sustainable energy. This proceeding will include presentations on the latest research areas such as Carbon Neutrality, Electric & Hybrid Vehicles, Green and Energy Efficient Buildings, Sustainable Computing, Energy Storage, Computational Models for Energy Systems, Advanced Cryotechniques, AI in Energy Systems, Thermal System Optimization and Renewable Energy. The conference was inaugurated on July 23, 2021 by the renowned scientist, Dr. A.K. Tyagi, Associate Director (Chemistry Group), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai in the presence of Guest of Honour Dr. Santhoji Katare, Technical Leader and General Manager, Ford Motor Company, Chennai. International Chair, Prof. P.V. Aravind, Full Professor and Chair of Energy Conversion, University of Groningen, Netherlands, Prof. P.C. Sabumon, Dean Sponsored Research, VIT Chennai and Conference Chair, Dr. R. Sivakumar, Dean and Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering, VIT Chennai also facilitated the ceremony. List of Sesbt 2021 - Committee Members is available in this pdf.

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Remarks on 40+ Years of Mechanical Engineering Teaching

Journal on Teaching Engineering ◽

10.24840/2795-4005_001.001_0002 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 2-39

Author(s):

Paulo De Castro

Keyword(s):

Financial Stability ◽

Mechanical Engineering ◽

Academic Career ◽

Academic Staff ◽

Radical Change ◽

Assistant Professor ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Full Professor ◽

Institute Of Technology ◽

The Uk

Having obtained my licenciatura in Mechanical Engineering in 1973, I started an MSc in Applied Mechanics at Imperial College London the year after the carnation revolution in Portugal. Later, I prepared my PhD at Cranfield Institute of Technology (now Cranfield University). After 5 years in the UK, I returned to Porto with my MSc and PhD degrees to start an appointment as assistant professor at FEUP in 1980. Portugal was then struggling with a radical change of circumstances: from a country with overseas colonies, impoverished by a dictatorship and wars against liberation movements in Africa, to a European country and democracy with a dramatic lack of infrastructure. Research was certainly not a priority! In 1986 Portugal joined the European Communities, and in 1999 was one of the initial member countries adopting the Euro. Among other setbacks, bad choices of priorities (an excessive emphasis on services with neglect of manufacturing, or heavy investment in motorways with complete neglect of railways) marked the path until todays’ situation. Nevertheless, attention dedicated to scientific and technical research grew steadily in the past decades; and 2020 started with the country displaying good prospects as regards financial stability and renewed interest for manufacturing and exports. Having moved from assistant professor to full professor, with sabbaticals and visiting professorships in several countries, and participation in juries for selection of academic staff in many institutions, I had the possibility of witnessing the transformations in the engineering education scene in Portugal and elsewhere. The communication will discuss lessons learned throughout my 40+ years academic career, put in the context of a highly diversified set of external circumstances.

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