Season’s Greetings
Portucalense University wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Legal research strengthens dialogue between academia and professional practice
The Instituto Jurídico Portucalense (IJP) reinforces its presence in legal scientific production with the launch of the book “Processos da Competência do Ministério Público e das Conservatórias do Registo Civil” (Processes under the Jurisdiction of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and Civil Registry Offices). Coordinated by Lurdes Varregoso Mesquita (IJP) and Rossana Martingo Cruz (JusGov), the publication presents an in-depth and applied reading of Decree-Law No. 272/2001, establishing itself as a relevant scientific contribution to understanding and improving the work of the Civil Registry Offices and the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The work brings together contributions from various experts and offers a practical, critical, and up-to-date analysis of the challenges faced by public institutions, reinforcing the importance of a constant dialogue between academic research and legal practice.
New academic and scientific cycle
On 7 November, Universidade Portucalense began a new cycle of academic and scientific leadership with the inauguration of the Rectorate and the Directorates of the Departments and Research Units. The ceremony was presided over by the Chair of the Board of Directors, Armando Jorge de Carvalho, and it marked the start of a four-year term focused on strengthening institutional strategy, promoting research, and affirming the University’s position in the higher education landscape. The Rectorate took office, led by Rector Fernando Ramos, Vice-Rector for Education, Elizabeth Real, and Vice-Rector for Research, Jorge Leite. The Department Directors took office as follows: Fernanda Rebelo (Law), João Carvalho (Economics and Management), Paulo Morais (Science and Technology), Isabel Freitas (Tourism and Cultural Heritage), Alexandra Araújo (Psychology and Education), and Mariana Correia (Architecture and Multimedia Gallaecia). For the research units, Maria Manuela Magalhães was appointed to the Instituto Jurídico Portucalense (IJP); Luís Pacheco to REMIT – Research on Economics, Management and Information Technologies; and Óscar Gonçalves to CINTESIS.UPT – Centre for Research in Health Technologies and Services (UPT Hub). During the event, Armando Jorge de Carvalho emphasised that “this new management cycle involves new challenges and new undertakings” but he also stressed that it is equally “important to know how to maintain or even improve everything that has been achieved so far,” valuing the University’s growth and development in recent years. He went on to emphasise that “in the short term, the priority is to strengthen the internationalisation of research, promote the development of new doctoral programmes while consolidating existing ones, as well as reassess the study programmes offered in light of a new paradigm and emerging trends.” He added that the reformulation of the internationalisation policy, adjusted to new realities, could lead to a restructuring and strengthening of the internal organisation itself. Armando Jorge de Carvalho emphasised the importance of “believing in the future, cultivating trust, and focusing energies on what is truly important for Portucalense, promoting a culture based on collaboration, dialogue, and internal cohesion.” In his speech, Rector Fernando Ramos presented the six principles that will guide the new term of office. Internal cohesion was identified as the foundation for uniting efforts, strengthening teams, and ensuring continuity in institutional development. Sustainability emerges as a strategic condition for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the University. Anticipation was referred to as an essential requirement for preparing for the future, requiring vision, timely planning, and the involvement of the entire academic community. Transparency was presented as the basis for clear governance, capable of generating trust and promoting adherence to the decisions taken. Differentiation plays a decisive role in affirming the University’s identity in an increasingly competitive environment. Finally, an interdisciplinary approach is considered an indispensable path to responding to today’s complexity, driving pedagogical, scientific, and social innovation.
The challenges facing the wine sector
On 16 December, at 2.30 p.m., Universidade Portucalense will host the conference “Is the Portuguese wine sector prepared to face the challenges of the future?”. Marking the 50th anniversary of ANCEVE, the event invites key stakeholders to discuss this rapidly changing industry. The round table will feature Luís Filipe Cardoso Lourenço (ASAE), Francisco Toscano Rico (IVV), Helena Freitas (University of Coimbra), Luís Sequeira (CVRA), Pedro Soares (CVR Bairrada), José Luís Santos Lima Oliveira da Silva (Casa Santos Lima), and Bebiana Monteiro (ESEIG). The discussion will be moderated by António Freitas de Sousa, from Jornal Económico. The event will also feature a speech on geopolitics by Ambassador António Martins da Cruz. At a particularly challenging time for the sector, the conference will reflect on changes in consumer habits, the growing importance of wine tourism, the effects of climate change, and supervision demands.
Sommelier and Wine Global Market
Applications are now open for the Short Master’s 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.
Digital Media Arts
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
Sustainable Urban Mobility
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.
Short Master in Sustainable Urban Mobility
Enrolment for the Short Master’s Degree in Sustainable Urban Mobility is now open until 5 June 2026. Application Period Phase 1: 12 November to 10 January Phase 2: 11 January to 28 February The goal of living in a healthier territory, preserving the development options of the next generations, requires improving urban planning and adapting to climate change. This plan calls for planning for the integration of nature in cities, the mix of uses and the regulation of mobility, which is one of the indicators to be monitored in municipal agendas, due to its contribution to the emission of greenhouse gases. In general terms, we can say that sustainable mobility is that which reduces dependence on the car for daily travel and enhances the use of smooth or collective modes. To achieve this, it will be necessary to avoid urban expansion, reduce environmental risks and mix activities, elements that converge towards a more balanced development. In city management, it is important to value urban design, in order to improve the environment of neighborhoods, always through the participation of the resident population. We must promote ecological corridors and the connection of public spaces, taking into account the human scale, in order to qualify community life. Even today, in certain urban areas, the environment for citizens is extremely hostile, due to an inadequate urban design, when oriented towards car traffic. This course aims to promote integrated projects to improve mobility, urban environment management, universal accessibility and the qualification of cities.
Tourism and Sustainable Transformation
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.
One single donation of blood can save up to three lives
On 4 November, between 2pm and 7pm, Universidade Portucalense invites the entire academic community to rooms 205 and 206 to take part in the blood donation campaign.
