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The EletrESA team from Amadora Secondary School won first place in the 2026 edition of the MEDEA Award, an initiative organised by the Portuguese Physical Society (SPF) and REN – Redes Energéticas Nacionais, aimed at promoting an understanding of physics and the study of electromagnetic fields amongst young people. The prize was presented this Saturday, 12 September, as part of the 25th National Physics Conference and the 36th Iberian Physics Teaching Meeting.
Comprising pupils Dinis Gil, Leonor Soares, Manuel Oliveira and Rúben Costa, and supervised by teacher Andreia Freitas, the team developed the EletrESA project at the Physics Laboratory of Amadora Secondary School in two phases. In the first phase, they focused on studying the magnetic fields produced by the flow of electric current through two parallel wires carrying currents in opposite directions. In the second phase, the team carried out a study to assess the possible effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields on a culture of microorganisms collected from the school’s lake.
Among the main conclusions presented, the team found that the intensity of the magnetic field decreases as the distance from the conductors increases, and that the recorded values are higher when higher-powered electrical equipment is used. In the second phase, based on an analysis of the results and research carried out, the pupils concluded that exposure to magnetic fields does not pose significant risks to the general public.
Throughout the project, the participants applied their knowledge of physics in a real-world context, developed skills in experimental planning and execution, data collection and analysis, the use of digital tools and teamwork, whilst also strengthening their ability to communicate science to the school community.
Established in 2008, MEDEA is a project run by the SPF (Portuguese Physical Society) and REN (National Energy Networks), aimed at pupils in Years 10 to 12 of secondary and vocational education. It enables the practical application of the education provided in schools, linking scientific knowledge to pupils’ everyday lives through experiments they carry out themselves, both inside and outside the classroom.
Participants carry out a scientific project based on measurements of very low-frequency electric and magnetic fields (0–300 Hz) in the environment – specifically at their school, at home and in the vicinity of electricity transmission lines – and seek scientifically credible information on the possible effects of these fields on human health. Participating schools receive an electric and magnetic field meter which they use throughout the project.
REN - Students from Amadora Secondary School win the 17th edition of the MEDEA Award
