INL Postgraduate School takes PhD candidates to stage with a new performance

March 9, 2026

Following its successful grand opening in 2025, the INL Postgraduate School (PGS) returned to the INL stage for its second performance. The event took place last friday, 6 March, showcasing 8 PhD students in a captivating piece entitled Human Gaze.

From its inception, the PGS has sustained the mission of equipping PhD candidates at INL with transferable skills that support both their academic and professional development through specialist training. As in its inaugural year, the school delivered a 30-hour Communication Course exploring the personal and social dimensions of impactful communication. The syllabus comprised two modules:

:: Module 1 – Communicating Science: Techniques for Writing and Speaking: Andy Ross from Johns Hopkins University guided 13 participants through the principles and best practices of scientific communication, teaching them to plan, structure, and deliver ideas with clarity and confidence.

:: Module 2 – Stage Presence for Scientists: Braga-based theatre company MALAD’ARTE brought 8 students to the stage, using theatrical exercises as a vehicle for developing interpersonal and presentation skills. On set, participants cultivated critical thinking, creativity, confidence, empathy, and collaboration.

With a total running time of 15 minutes, Human Gaze resulted from a collective reflection on the ripple effect of research across time and space. It unveiled the inner workings of the scientific process and presented a blank canvas ready to be shaped by those who dare to explore it.

Ultimately, the INL Postgraduate School represents a long, intentional, and well-structured investment on the formative development of early-stage talent. Our laboratory roots this dedication on the belief that scientific progress depends on the continued access to opportunities, support and guidance of future generations.