TEDxEdges

Luís Marçal born in 1976, has a degree in Electrotechnical and Computer Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico de Lisboa. In 2007, he assumed responsibilities in the business development of the Smart Grids and Energy Automation. His expertise has contributed to the development of innovative solutions on smart grid technologies enhancing efficiency in expanding intelligent power grids “Smart Grids”.

With an educational background also in Law and development psychology Swami Mahalayananda has spend the last 28 years teaching and lecturing about spirituality around the world. At the age of 23 he had an unexpected realization of his mission in life and made a radical change of carrier. His teachings are based in the classical Yoga and Tantra, but also his many years learning from a Chinese master of Tai Chi Chuan. Swami has as a leader of spiritual centers and schools during these years redefined leadership and decisionmaking.

General Luís Vasco Valença Pinto (Chief of the General Staff of the Portuguese Armed Forces - retired) was born in Lisbon. He joined the Army as a Cadet in 1963 at the Military Academy and was commissioned into the Engineer Branch. General Valença Pinto’s military education includes, amongst other courses, the Army Command and General Staff Course and the Army War College. He is an “ancien” from the NATO Defence College, Rome (course 72). He also holds a Civil Engineering degree from the Technical University of Lisbon.

Jorge Buescu is a professor in the Department of Mathematics of Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon. He completed his Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Warwick, UK. He has authored and co-authored several scientific papers in mathematics, physics and engineering. He wrote the book "O Mistério do Bilhete de Identidade e Outras Histórias" the first of a series on mathematics and science communication. In 2001 he was awarded the Rómulo de Carvalho Research and Science Communication. Visit his personal web page.

José Cabral, born in 1980, studied Sociology. He first worked as a flight attendant then continued his career in the banking sector. However it is only when he walked through the city with a camera and started taking pictures of people in the streets which he started posting in his blog, oalfaiatelisboeta, that his name became a reference of style and fashion in Portugal. He transformed Lisbon streets and other cities in the world into urban catwalks of the XXIst Century. He cooperates with international newspaper Metro and with magazine Vogue.

Marina do Vale is a medical doctor and for more than a decade embraces Prenatal Medicine. She was a researcher at King’s College Hospital in London. She holds a post graduation degree in Bioethics and since 2008 teaches “Human Embryology, Development and Evolution” at University of Évora. Marina is a certified "Fetal Medicine Foundation" ultrasonographer. In 2003 she founded the Fetus Vitae Medicine Centre. She strongly believes that nowadays, with ultrasound technology, the actual birth takes place in utero.

Father Peter Damian Francis Stilwell holds a doctor degree in theology from Gregorian University in rome and is patriarch of Lisbon since 1973 . He is currently vice rector of Universidade Católica where he lectures in theology focusing in areas such as revelation , tradition, aesthetics, history and Christology. Member of the Center for Philosophy of UCP, under which part of the research project on Phenomenology and Philosophy of Religion. Responsible for the Department of Ecumenical Relations and Inter-religious Dialogue, the Patriarch of Lisbon.

Vasco Gaspar grew up experimenting with different activities: he created a pirate radio station (Vertigem), performed comedy sketches (TV Fusca), and formed his own rock band (Jazel). Later, as he started his studies, he wanted to be a computer scientist; a doctor; an engineer, but in the end became a psychologist. He developed an online tool, ZorBuddha, to help people to live happier. He believes that it is possible to change the world, but change must start inside each person: the expression of our uniqueness is the true path for spirituality.

Ricardo Cabral, born in Lisbon '79, started as a freelancer illustrator after graduating in Painting from Lisbon Faculty of Fine Arts University in 2005. In 2007, he published comic book "Evereste" then two years later  "Israel Sketchbook" after visiting the country. In 2010, he published "Newborn-10 days in Kosovo" and is currently working on another comic book. A year later, Moleskine users from all over the world chose one of his illustration to be on the cover of one of their sketchbooks.

Francisco Fonseca is CEO of AnubisNetworks and Board Member at National Association of Young Business People (ANJE). Francisco graduated with a degree in management and computer science at the University of Minho. He has extensive experience in high tech industry, services and the consulting fields. Francisco often provides talks about entrepreneurship at Universities. He firmly believes that entrepreneurs are a relevant part of the answer for resolving the existing economic scenario.

Ricardo Diniz, originally from a fishing village in Portugal, Ricardo has travelled the world fast and furious as an offshore sailor and young entrepreneur. Brussels nominated him European Ambassador for the Oceans. Shortly after he was a finalist in Portugal’s Most Motivating Person Award. CNN, BBC, National Geographic and pretty much every single major media entity in Portugal have generously covered Ricardo’s projects since 1996. Co-Founder and President of the Portugal Ocean Race, Ricardo will share his thrilling experience with us.

Naila von Mendelssohn was born in Germany.  She is 14 years old and lives since 13 years in Tamera- Peace Research Centre in Southern Portugal. Since her birth she lived in Community with people of all ages. At 8 years old she joined the first Grace-Pilgrimage, led by Sabine Lichtenfels, Co-founder of Tamera. These pilgrimages have led her, and the youthgroup she is part of, to Israel, Palestine, Colombia and Portugal. Theater is important in her life, and the way she wants to change the World.