The Institute for Political Studies (IEP) of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa has just announced the launch of two new master's degree programmes - in Public Policy and in European Union and Atlantic - reinforcing its commitment to multidisciplinary training in line with current global challenges.

The Master's in Public Policy offers multidisciplinary training that combines political science, law, economics and philosophy. This programme prepares students to understand and contribute to decision-making processes in different contexts and levels of governance, responding to various social problems and the impact of new technologies, and being able to perform the functions of policy analysts, consultants, advisors, among others, in the public, private and non-governmental sectors, both nationally and internationally.

The Master's programme in European Union and Atlantic focuses on understanding the political, economic and strategic dynamics of the European Union and the Atlantic area.

Recognising the relevance and urgency of studying and researching these topics, IEP Católica presents this new master's programme, ideal for students with a multidisciplinary profile from different scientific areas who are interested in the EU's future development and challenges; who want to understand the relevance and contribution of the Atlantic area to the EU's future development and stability; and who wish to contribute to the development of multidisciplinary and sustainable solutions to the complex socio-economic challenges the EU is currently facing.

Master in Public Policy | Master  in European Union and Atlantic

The President of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Isabel Capeloa Gil, has been recognised as one of the 50 most influential women in Portugal in 2024 by Executiva.

The award, this year in its 10th edition, recognises merit and female power, highlighting personalities from the areas of business, politics, science, arts and culture, media or justice, based on a study carried out by journalist Filipe Fernandes, exclusively for the site executiva.pt.

To draw up this annual ranking, five criteria are analysed: career, based on professional CV; image, through national and international media presence; network, taking into account recognition by peers; power, measured through impact on society; and fortune, which considers financial capacity and resources held or under management.

The award was presented at a ceremony in Lisbon and this is the second time Isabel Capeloa Gil has received this honour.

"Create an Organ in the Laboratory," "Molecular Gastronomy Corner," "Feel Bioelectronics," and "Sushi: pleasure and Danger on the Table" were just four of the many experiences that around 1500 high school students from across the country explored at the Faculty of Biotechnology at Universidade Católica Portuguesa, in Porto. From April 2 to 4, the Open Week showcased various facets of biotechnology, in an environment that combined scientific rigor with a playful approach that inspired the participants.

"The Open Week is an initiative that mixes faculty members, researchers, and students to demonstrate that science is present in our lives and contributes decisively to our health and well-being," emphasized Paula Castro, Director of the Faculty of Biotechnology. "For over two decades, we have welcomed more than 30,000 high school students to this annual initiative that promotes bioengineering, microbiology, chemistry, genetics, biology, and nutrition to a younger audience," she added.

With nearly 30 scheduled activities, participants had the opportunity to explore diverse areas of knowledge. Among the highlights were: Biomaterials in the fight against chronic wounds — Innovative and sustainable solutions for healing difficult wounds; Myth Buster — A challenge to demystify popular beliefs related to science; Create an organ in the lab! — An opportunity to learn the basics of tissue engineering; In search of hidden nutrients — A journey to discover the nutritional value of everyday foods; Encapsulate to feed — Innovative techniques to encapsulate nutrients and extend their effectiveness; The Molecular Gastronomy Corner — Science applied to cooking, where texture and flavour surprise; Feel Bioelectronics! — Explore the connection between electronics and biology through bioelectronic impulses; Sushi: pleasure and danger on the table — An analysis of the risks and benefits of consuming sushi.

Other topics included the importance of water in life, using waste to create new foods and medicines, and analysing bioelectronic impulses. Participants were also challenged to uncover the hidden strategies behind advertising in supermarkets.

"We take our responsibility to share knowledge with the community seriously. The Open Week is one of the many initiatives we develop throughout the year, all of which align to promote scientific literacy: from biotechnology Olympiads to the future food contest, the bioengineering congress, invitations for a week of immersion in science, to meetings to get to know the realities of scientists' lives, there are countless initiatives, and the reactions from schools, teachers, and students are always rewarding," Paula Castro emphasized.

The Open Week at the Faculty of Biotechnology took place in the Biotechnology Building of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Porto and was a unique opportunity for high school students to learn about the impact and potential of biotechnology in today's world.

On April 10, the School of Arts welcomes João Grilo for the Dashed Concert of the month.

João Grilo (Porto, 1993) is a sound artist, performer, composer, poet and lyricist. Drawn to the absurd and the wondrous, he works across music, language and the body. He regularly performs as an improviser and creator, is a member of the band Tigre, and has published two books of poetry.

He currently focuses on the projects Frestão and ivu’kar, where poetry, music, performance and movement intersect to explore the invisible, laughter, tears, and collective biography.

Ivu’kar is a fictional documentary that João Grilo is creating with his mother, exploring their relationship with the invisible. Together with a team of real and imaginary figures — Santiago, Quico, Inês, Mafalda, Zé, Gracinda, the bird, the line and the sphere — the project becomes a catalogue of affections, a map, a language and a ritual.

This presentation is just the beginning. Ivu’kar will premiere in October, but before that, João wants to share the creative process behind it: unfinished ideas, moments in the making, and, of course, good conversation.

The performance will take place in the Blackbox at the Ilídio Pinho Auditorium, at 18:30.

In a partnership between Psychology and Management, students from five countries took part in a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) – an innovative and intensive programme that combines online and face-to-face learning, offering students a rich international experience without the need for extended travel.

The Faculty of Education and Psychology at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (FEP-UCP) and the Católica Porto Business School provided a unique international academic experience by organising a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP).

Over the course of a week, students from various nationalities and partner universities, alongside UCP students, came together at Católica in Porto for an intensive course marked by interdisciplinary learning and networking.

Under the theme "Innovation Beyond Boundaries: Crafting Education and a Talented Workforce in an Era of Change", this edition brought together students from five countries in a collaboration between Psychology and Management, focusing on the intersection of artificial intelligence, mental health, and empathetic leadership.

 

An intense week of workshops, lectures, and field visits in Porto

Prior to the in-person sessions, students had access to preparatory materials and took part in an online opening session. The in-person experience at Universidade Católica in Porto took place from 24 to 28 March 2025, with a diverse programme featuring interactive workshops and expert-led lectures. Topics included the role of research in organisational transformation, the power of education in empowering future professionals, diversity and inclusion in organisational settings, sustainable communication, decision-making and empathetic leadership, artificial intelligence in the workplace, and mental health at work.

In addition to the academic activities, students visited key institutions such as the Lionesa Business Hub, Estádio do Dragão, and Hospital de São João, offering them practical, real-world insight into the programme’s topics. Alongside academic rigour, the initiative also featured cultural and social moments, encouraging connections among students.

 

A meeting of cultures and ideas

This edition of the BIP welcomed 48 participants in total, including 36 international students from partner universities in Spain, Lithuania, Romania, and Poland, as well as 12 students from UCP (enrolled in the Master’s in Psychology and Human Resources Development at FEP-UCP and the Master’s in Management with a specialisation in Human Resources Management at CPBS).

According to Filipa Sobral (FEP-UCP) and Eva Dias de Oliveira (CPBS), lecturers and members of the course’s organising committee, this diversity enriched the discussions and fostered a valuable exchange of ideas. “Interaction among students from different backgrounds promotes key intercultural skills, such as adapting to new realities, effective communication in multicultural settings, and international collaborative work,” they emphasised.

 

A week that left a lasting impact

The impact of the BIP is reflected in the words of its participants. João Mury, a CPBS student and participant, described the week as “transformative in many ways,” highlighting the opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas on the contemporary challenges of education and the future of work. “Engaging with international professors and peers further enriched the experience. Beyond exchanging perspectives, we also formed truly meaningful friendships,” he said.

Mariana Santos Almeida, a FEP-UCP student, echoed this sentiment, calling it a “remarkable experience that uniquely blended academic growth and cultural exchange. Through workshops, visits, and lectures, I was able to reflect on current challenges in academia and the international job market.” For her, the experience reinforced the importance of international collaboration in both personal and academic development, leaving her even more motivated for future projects abroad.

Coming from Lithuania, Tomas Milius expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to get to know Universidade Católica and meet amazing people. “The professors were very welcoming and friendly. They created an environment that made me feel at home. Also, I learned new things that will be useful in my future career. I’m very thankful for this opportunity!” he shared.

The choice of Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Porto as host for the BIP reinforces its role in organising innovative and interdisciplinary programmes. “UCP stands out for its commitment to academic excellence and internationalisation, and Porto, as a cosmopolitan and dynamic city, offers the perfect setting for reflecting on the themes explored in the course,” said Filipa Sobral.

“The success of this edition is due to the dedication of the organising team, the commitment of the lecturers, and the enthusiasm of the students. We thank all participants and look forward to strengthening this initiative in future editions!”, concluded the lecturers from FEP-UCP and CPBS.

The BIP organising committee also included Patrícia Oliveira-Silva (FEP-UCP) and Diogo Costa, a researcher at the Research Centre for Human Development (CEDH).

 

What is the BIP?

The Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) is an Erasmus+ initiative that brings together at least three higher education institutions to develop a short, multidisciplinary, international course focused on innovative teaching and learning strategies.

With a hybrid format combining online and face-to-face components, it offers students an international experience without the need for prolonged travel. Its interdisciplinary approach and strong practical component make this programme key to developing skills in innovation, collaboration, and adaptability in multicultural contexts.

In April, the Biblioteca do Paraíso, Porto Campus of Universidade Católica Portuguesa, invites you to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the book and the importance of copyright with the bibliographic exhibition “The Book and Copyright",  marking the World Book and Copyright Day on April 23.

Throughout the ages, the book has been a pillar of culture: it teaches, conveys knowledge, preserves memories and carries ideas through generations. From papyrus to e-books, its form has evolved, but its essential role remains. In this exhibition, you can explore a special selection of works from the Library's collection that pay tribute to both the history of the book and the fundamental role of authors - the real creators behind the pages we read. We also put the spotlight on copyright, an increasingly relevant issue in an ever-changing digital world. 

Visit us until April 24 and celebrate with us the power of reading and the importance of those who bring it to life. We look forward to seeing you!