Barcelona School of Telecommunications Engineering

Saint Gabriel 2026 event: engineering, technology and community at ETSETB

Sep 22, 2026

Saint Gabriel 2026 event: engineering, technology and community at ETSETB
The Barcelona School of Telecommunications Engineering (ETSETB) will hold the Saint Gabriel event, patron saint of telecommunication engineers, on Wednesday 30 September, at 11:30 am. The celebration will take place in the Sala de Graus of the C4 building at the UPC North Campus.

Saint Gabriel is an annual event for the entire ETSETB community, offering a space to share, reflect on engineering and recognise the people who, through their dedication, contribute to the daily life and future of the School. The event will feature a lecture by Professor Josep Paradells, from the Department of Telematics Engineering, entitled: “What telecom engineers can learn from ants”. The presentation will explore the relationship between deep learning, the Internet of Things and biological systems, taking ants as an example of a highly optimised system. With few neurons, specialised sensors and communication mechanisms, they are able to find their way, locate food, anticipate bad weather or coordinate the functioning of the anthill. The talk will compare these capabilities with those we can implement today with low-cost microprocessors and sensors, and will show how we can still learn from nature.

During the event, recognition will be given to teaching and research staff (PDI) and technical, management, administrative and service staff (PTGAS) completing 25 and 40 years of service at the School, as well as staff who retired during the 2025-2026 academic year. This recognition highlights the dedication of the teaching and management community that has contributed to the consolidation of ETSETB. Welcome will also be extended to new teaching staff and new technical, management, administrative and service staff who have recently joined. A moment to highlight the renewal and continuity of the talent driving the School.

Following this, attendees will be able to take part in one of the guided tours of some of ETSETB's laboratories and facilities, an opportunity to learn first-hand about part of the research and innovation activity carried out at the School. The tours include the Lidar Station, the NanoSat Lab, the Cleanroom and the Rector Gabriel Ferraté Library.

The celebration will conclude with refreshments at 1:30 pm at Plaça de Telecos.

Saint Gabriel 2026 celebration event

  • Wednesday 30 September
  • 11:30 am
  • Aula de Graus, C4 building, North Campus
  • Programme
    • Lecture: What telecom engineers can learn from ants
    • Recognition of PDI and PTGAS staff completing 25 and 40 years of service at the School
    • Welcome to new PDI and PTGAS staff
    • Guided tours of laboratories and library: Registration
    • Refreshments