University Day honours merit and sets new challenges

Lusófona University - Lisbon University Centre marked University Day on 27 March with a formal ceremony dedicated to recognising academic and professional merit, reflecting on the institution’s journey and affirming its vision for the future.

By reviving this academic tradition, the University brought together its community in a moment of institutional celebration marked by the recognition of students, lecturers and staff who distinguished themselves through their achievements and contributions. More than a tribute to merit, the session highlighted the institution’s commitment to excellence, innovation and quality in higher education.

The programme began with the Academic Procession, followed by the Formal Opening and a musical moment. The ceremony included an address by the Rector of Lusófona University, Professor José Bragança de Miranda, the Vice-Rector for Internationalisation and Cooperation, Professor Isabel Babo, the address by the Administrator and President of the Founding Entity, Professor Manuel de Almeida Damásio, and an intervention by the President of the Academic Association, Matias Santos.

One of the most significant moments of the session was the conference delivered by the Executive Administrator of the Founding Entity, Professor Manuel José Damásio, entitled “We no longer need teachers because we have robots! Artificial intelligence in higher education in Europe”. The presentation brought one of the most current topics in higher education into discussion, encouraging reflection on the challenges and changes that artificial intelligence brings to the European academic context.

During the ceremony, Merit Scholarships and Merit Medals were awarded to students, lecturers and staff who stood out for their academic and professional paths, recognising the dedication, commitment and excellence that characterise life at Lusófona University. The celebration thus reaffirmed the importance of knowledge, merit and innovation as pillars of the educational project, marking this day as a moment of recognition for the community and a renewal of the institution’s commitment to the future.

View the Event Photos on ULusófona’s Facebook

Text
Catarina Castanheira

Photography
Rage da Luz

Video (Coverage)
Catarina Castanheira and Beatriz Sobrado e Silva

Video (Editing)
Rui Simões