13-11-2025
Photo: João Lima/NOVA FCT
On 12 November, the NOVA School of Science and Technology (NOVA FCT) celebrated its 48th anniversary with a ceremony held in the Grand Auditorium at the Caparica Campus, bringing together students, lecturers, researchers, staff, institutional partners, and friends. The event highlighted the institution’s unwavering commitment to nurturing talent, fostering creativity, and generating knowledge at the intersection of science, technology, and society.
The morning commenced with a welcome for outstanding students, followed by speeches from the Board, the Pedagogical Council, and the Student Association, underscoring the School’s journey and future challenges. The “NOVA FCT 2025/26 Pedagogical Innovation Projects” were presented, emphasising the ongoing investment in modernising education and adapting to academic and professional demands.
In her speech, Carla Quintão, Vice-Dean for the Pedagogical Council, reinforced the value of community. “Individual merit only exists when it is put at the service of the group. That is the greatest value you can take from NOVA FCT: winning alone never tastes as sweet as winning together,” she stated.
“NOVA FCT is a benchmark thanks to its community,” emphasised Diogo Santos, President of the Student Association.
Student merit was further celebrated through the presentation of academic awards, distinctions, and merit scholarships, recognising students’ achievement, commitment, and initiative. In the afternoon, the session included contributions from the Rector of Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, the Faculty Board, and the Student Association, revisiting the main achievements of the 2024/25 academic year and awarding the “Best Freshman 2025/26” prize.
On the occasion, Paulo Pereira, Rector of Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, stated:“NOVA FCT combines scale with quality, with innovative projects that place it at the forefront of research.”
Similarly, José Júlio Alferes, Director of NOVA FCT, emphasised: “We are a School that honours the past and commits to the future, the future of our region, the future of the country we serve, and the future of humanity we belong to.”
The ceremony was highlighted by the signing of a protocol with the Order of Engineers and the awarding of the “Best Engineering Student 2023/24” prize, further strengthening ties between academia and the professional sector. The event also paid tribute to staff members with 30 years of service, recognising the community’s contribution to the School's history.
Francisco Godinho, the student with the highest entrance score in 2025/26, also took the stage to share his journey: “I chose NOVA FCT because it is a place where curiosity is valued, where science is taken seriously, and where people are treated with respect,” he said.
The programme also featured the special participation of José Teixeira, President of dstgroup, one of the country’s largest construction companies. The day included performances by the “Little Big Apple” group, the “24 Robbers Swing Band”, and the Faculty’s academic tunas.
With this ceremony, NOVA FCT reaffirms its role as a centre of excellence in teaching and research, renewing its commitment to students, the academic community and society. The School remains determined to continue inspiring generations of scientists and engineers, for another 48 years of turning ideas into the future.
Photogallery (João Lima/NOVA FCT).
