Last week, from November 17 to 21, 2025, a new edition of the course UPM115: Physical Computing based on Open Software and Hardware Platforms was held at the School of Telecommunications Engineering of the UPM (ETSIT-UPM), as part of the prestigious European ATHENS program.

As in previous editions, researchers from CEMDATIC played an active role as lecturers and tutors throughout the training activity, contributing both to the theoretical sessions and to guiding students in their practical projects. The teaching team was made up of members of the Applied Photonics Group (GFA) and the Microsystems and Electronic Materials Group (GMME), thus reinforcing CEMDATIC’s commitment to educational excellence and innovation in technological training.

The 30-hour course combined theoretical content with hands-on electronics exercises and a final project developed by the students themselves. This edition enrolled students from five European universities and eight nationalities, consolidating the international and multidisciplinary nature of the program.

The sessions took place in classroom A127.1 and in the “Brigadier Mathé” Optical Communications Laboratory (part of the Department of Photonic Technology and Bioengineering), facilities where students had all the necessary resources for experimental work. The course dynamics, based on practical learning and prototype development, enabled participants to acquire key skills in physical computing and open hardware and software platforms.

The activity also received institutional support from ETSIT-UPM. The Subdirectorate for International Relations and Employability, represented by María de la Nava Maroto García, welcomed the European students at the start of the course.

CEMDATIC wishes to congratulate all the professors involved and thank them for their effort and dedication, which have been essential to the success of this new edition of the ATHENS course. We also celebrate the opportunity offered by this program to promote the internationalization of education, attracting European talent and fostering collaboration among universities.We look forward to continuing to participate in future editions and maintaining our commitment to excellence in education and the promotion of new international learning experiences.