Archive

On 6 March, from 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Portuguese and Spanish researchers will analyse the challenges facing cities, namely public housing policies and socio-spatial inequality, at the seminar “Urban Justice and Public Housing Policies”. Roberto Goycoolea (University of Alcalá) addresses the topic “El concepto de justicia urbana: una mirada radical de la ciudad,” sharing a theoretical reflection on the role of urban justice in understanding urban social and spatial dynamics. Paz Nuñez (University of Alcalá) presents “La ciudad justa madrileña: evaluación bajo el enfoque de capacidades,” analysing the reality of Madrid in light of the capabilities approach and effective access to urban opportunities. The programme continues with contributions focused on the Portuguese reality. Bernardo Amaral (Universidade Portucalense) poses the question: “Housing for the greatest number: how to boost social housing production in Portugal?” discussing the instruments and strategies aimed at expanding the housing supply. To conclude the presentations, David Viana (Universidade Portucalense) shares “The Matosinhos Municipal Housing Charter and habitat empowerment,” reflecting on the link between local policies and the enhancement of inhabited territory. The exhibition opening for “Urban justice and public housing policies in Madrid. An analysis of the capabilities approach” will take place at 2 pm. The work was developed by the URBS research group (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas) and the University of Alcalá, as part of the research project “Proyecto URBS. The fair city. Exclusion, belonging, and common goods from an urban perspective of justice.”  

Universidade Portucalense will hold a Volunteering Fair for students, faculty, and staff on 26 February, between 11am and 4pm, at Passos Perdidos. The initiative will showcase charitable programmes and projects that the academic community can get involved in as volunteers, providing direct contact with organisations working in different areas of social intervention. In addition to presenting volunteering opportunities, the event will include a Solidarity Market to support social causes through the sale of goods and raise awareness of different social realities. The Student Support Office and the Law and International Relations Student Nucleus organize the Fair.    

Universidade Portucalense marks World Social Justice Day on 25 February with a round table discussion entitled “Narratives that Exclude – Fake News, Dehumanisation, and Challenges to Social Justice,” at 11am in auditorium 201. The meeting proposes a critical reflection on the role of misinformation in the production and reproduction of social inequalities. The circulation of false, biased or manipulated content has had a particularly serious impact on vulnerable groups, influencing public perceptions, political decisions, and social inclusion dynamics. Based on concrete examples and contributions from the fields of Social Sciences, Psychology, and Communication, the mechanisms of production and dissemination of misinformation will be analysed, as well as its social and human impacts. The debate will be moderated by Elsa Guedes Teixeira, coordinator of the Bachelor’s degree in Social Education, and will feature Ana Tulha, journalist at Notícias Magazine; Isabel Rocha Pinto, associate professor at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Porto; and Maria José Vicente, sociologist and national coordinator of the European Anti-Poverty Network. Organization: Cultura@Portucalense and Department of Psychology and Education. Registration Poster

On 13 February, Universidade Portucalense will host the seminar “Digital surveying technologies in architecture, urban planning, and heritage.” The event aims to deepen and disseminate the application of advanced digital capture and modelling methods in academic and professional settings.

Portucalense University wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Applications are now open for the Executive Programme in Sommelier and Global Wine Market, a programme that combines tradition, innovation, and excellence to train professionals and enthusiasts in the wine sector. The course begins on 26 January 2026 and offers a unique learning experience based on a practical, dynamic approach geared towards the global wine market. With a structure that blends innovative techniques and content, the course provides a comprehensive overview of the wine sector and consumer behaviour. It prepares participants for diverse professional contexts, such as restaurants/catering, wine tourism, and sales. Throughout the course, participants will engage in Experience Seminars, which include wine tastings, on-site visits, and meetings with guest experts. This promotes immersive learning and the development of a valuable professional network within the sector. The programme runs in a partnership with the Portuguese Sommelier Association (AEP) and leading companies in the wine and hotel sectors. Graduates obtain Silver Level Professional Certification from the AEP – a recognition of excellence valid in 75 countries. This certification validates the technical and strategic skills acquired during the programme, strengthens professional positioning and facilitates advancement opportunities and international visibility. In addition, it promotes integration into the AEP and eligibility to participate in national and international competitions, strengthening ties with the professional community of sommeliers. Applications are open.

Applications for the Short Master’s in Digital Media Arts are now open and will remain so until 30 January 2026. The programme was designed to respond to the new dynamics of the creative sector, enhancing convergence between art, technology, and digital innovation. The programme explores the potential of new media and emerging technologies, providing a theoretical foundation alongside a robust practical component. Participants will have the opportunity to develop personal projects – experimental, artistic, or market-oriented – benefiting from applied learning aligned with the current demands of the digital ecosystem. The Short Master’s is strategically positioned for professionals and creators seeking to strengthen their skills and expand their portfolio in a scenario marked by technological transformation. Applications

Enrolment is now open for the Short Master’s in Sustainable Urban Mobility, an advanced training programme designed to equip professionals with the tools to respond to the current challenges in urban planning. In a context of growing environmental pressure and the need to adapt to climate change, this course offers a practical and strategic approach to developing more resilient cities. Mobility is emerging as a key indicator for reducing emissions and improving urban quality of life, demanding new regulation and management methods. The programme highlights the importance of reducing dependence on cars and promoting more sustainable modes of transport, linked to land use policies that prevent urban sprawl and emphasise proximity between functions. It also integrates topics such as urban design oriented towards the human scale, community participation, and the creation of ecological corridors that reinforce public space connectivity. This Short Master’s aims to respond to this reality and prepare participants to develop integrated solutions that improve mobility, enhance universal accessibility, and promote more efficient urban management. Applications will be accepted until 05 June 2026 and are divided into two phases: phase 1 from 12 November to 10 January and phase 2 from 11 January to 28 February.

From 10 to 14 November, Universidade Portucalense is holding its 1st Tourism and Hospitality Week, themed “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”. Over five days, students, faculty, and national and international guests will share their perspectives, experiences, and projects in the tourism sector.