Célia Manaia, researcher at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) at Porto Regional Centre, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, is for the third consecutive year, one of the most cited scientists in the world. The researcher, who stands out for her research work in the field of microbiology, namely in the field of resistance of bacteria to antibiotics, is part of the “Highly Cited Researchers 2022” list by Clarivate, a company from the United States specialized in the management of scientific information that identifies scientists with significant influence over the past decade.

For Célia Manaia, this recognition “reflects the reliability of the work that has been carried out over the years at CBQF and the importance that it has for the scientific community and for society”. The researcher also adds that “it is necessary to continue to do more and better and, above all, to seek to reinforce the impacts that research can have on society”.

In addition to being part of this list based on the most cited articles and which represent 1% of what is published in the world, Célia Manaia is also part of the World Top of most cited scientists in 2021, according to the ranking “World's Top 2% Scientists 2022”, prepared by Stanford University, in the United States.

The “Highly Cited Researchers 2022” list distinguished 6.938 researchers from 69 countries, which represents about 0.1% of all researchers worldwide, with 20 belonging to 10 different Portuguese institutions. United States of America, China, United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia are the most represented countries in this year's ranking.

On 1 and 2 December, James F. Keenan, S.J., and Bryan Fleming, Vice Provost for Global Engagement and Director for Global Engagement of Boston College, visited the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, having met with the President, Isabel Capeloa Gil, the Vice-Rectors, Isabel Vasconcelos and Peter Hanenberg, the Director of Global Engagement, Francisco Mendes Palma, as well as with representatives of the various faculties of the Católica.

The purpose of the visit was to present the structures and respective academic, research and mobility offers of UCP to the North American partners. During the meeting, the visitors announced the wish of Boston College to establish in Portugal, and with Universidade Católica Portuguesa, a hub of its international academic presence.

At the same time, they identified ways to deepen the cooperation between universities that will be extended to the whole Católica universe, with some of the faculties already planning concrete activities to be developed.

The representatives of the North American university also took a guided tour of the Fundação Amélia de Mello Gallery, where they had the opportunity to see the exhibition "Trono de Maria, Lugar de Sabedoria", currently on display.

Católica and Boston College have a cooperation protocol, namely in research and consultancy programmes and activities; in international seminars, workshops and symposiums; in the production and promotion of didactic and academic materials and publications. Additionally, both institutions are founding members of SACRU - Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities.

Católica Porto Business School organised, in partnership with PwC, a Conference on the State Budget for 2023. Divided into two panels - one macro and one more technical -, this Conference brought together experts to discuss the main measures approved by the Portuguese Parliament and their respective impacts from a macroeconomic and fiscal point of view.

After the welcome by Rui Soucasaux Sousa, Católica Porto Business School's Dean, the Secretary of State for Fiscal Affairs, António Mendonça Mendes, via a video, presented the principal measures and changes, culminating in the transversal analysis of the State Budget for 2023.

Maria Antónia Torres (PwC partner) moderated the macro panel, which included Ana Carvalho (CEO of Banco Português de Fomento), Ana Salomé Martins (Executive Board Member at Symington Family Estate), and Pedro Norton (CEO of Finerge). In the technical panel, moderated by Luísa Anacoreta Correia (professor at Católica Porto Business School), the various taxes were discussed: "IRC, tax benefits and estate" by Cristina Pinto (professor at Católica Porto Business School); "VAT and IEC" by Hugo Salgueirinho Maia (partner at PwC); "IRS and Social Security" by Ana Carvalho Reis (senior manager at PwC).

Daniel Vela de Oliveira Gorjão da Mata, a student from the Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics, received the Professor Jacinto Nunes Award, for having a final degree average of 18, the best of the faculty in the 2021/22 academic year. Tiago Campos, graduated in Economics from Católica Porto Business School also received the distinction. 

The prizes were awarded by Banco de Portugal, in a ceremony held on 10th January.

This award aims to distinguish the best students from each of the teaching establishments, rewarding the student with the best final average grade of the degree in economics in each of the faculties.

Awardee Daniel Mata stated that this distinction "is a source of pride, it was the materialisation of many years of work" and admitted that he never thought he would receive an award of this nature. But, more important than this, the merit student also referred that one of his great philosophies is to "never make the same mistake as the day before", stressing the idea that winning this award does not mean that he is the best, but "that he is very determined and focused in his goals".

In a proud tone, the recent graduate also mentioned that this "has been a funny period" because he has been fulfilling many goals that he never thought possible. As a way of gratitude, Daniel Mata also wanted to note that the Faculty, the teachers and his colleagues were crucial in this whole process and that "the prize doesn't mean anything to me if it doesn't have all the associated experience, where the Faculty, the teachers and my colleagues were fundamental in this stage", he said.