In the most recent episode of the Deu Talk na Ciência podcast, hosted by Abner Gomes, Professor Cristiano Maciel of UFMT and Vice-President of the Brazilian Computing Society shares details of his career and pioneering research on digital legacy. You can watch the full conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TATxiwMBHg

The discussion opens with Prof. Maciel recounting his first encounters with computing in high school, programming in BASIC on a TK-85 connected to a TV. He then traces his academic journey, which includes work as a data entry clerk, completion of a technical Informatics course in Rio Grande do Sul, a master’s in Computer Science from the Federal University of Santa Catarina, and a PhD from Fluminense Federal University with a research stint at the University of Coimbra.

Upon returning to Mato Grosso, Maciel joined UFMT’s faculty in Software Engineering and dove into digital legacy research. He highlights writing the book Digital Legacy Interaction Post Mortem Issues in partnership with Professor Karin Braman, which he describes as a game-changer in his career. This volume compiles international and Brazilian studies on how software engineers manage users’ digital assets after death.

The professor also shares standout moments such as organizing CSBC 2020, the SBC’s largest computing conference, which was converted into a 3D virtual environment during the pandemic, and founding the Meninas Digitais program, celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2020 with a special tribute to his leadership.

Maciel reflects on the societal impact of digital technologies, noting the growing debate around digital immortality through virtual memorials, personalized chatbots and sci-fi inspired avatars. He warns of the ethical and emotional challenges involved, pointing out that constant upkeep of an online identity can fuel anxiety and depression, yet he underscores the importance of staying connected to the physical world as well.

Finally, he offers invaluable advice to young researchers: persist in your journey, build collaborative networks, critically evaluate information sources—especially in the age of AI—and advocate for increased investment in science. The full episode is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TATxiwMBHg.