25-05-2026
José Júlio Alferes, Dean of NOVA FCT, was sworn in on May 18th as a member of the Strategic Council for Intermunicipal Development (CEDI) of the Intermunicipal Community of the Setúbal Peninsula (CIM Setúbal), in a ceremony held at the Fórum Cultural de Alcochete.
The CEDI brings together 31 public and private institutions and is the first body of its kind in the region — a milestone that coincides with the launch of the new NUTS (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics) region of Setúbal. This council will be responsible for defining the strategic priorities that will guide the nine municipalities of the Setúbal Peninsula, making it a decision-making body with direct impact on the future of the territory.
"NOVA FCT has a natural responsibility in this process. We are based in the Setúbal Peninsula, we are the largest higher education institution in the region, and we collaborate with its companies and municipalities. Joining this Council is an opportunity to contribute, in a structured way, so that the available resources translate into investments that make a real difference for people and for the territory," said José Júlio Alferes.
During the session, the Council's Bureau was elected by secret ballot: Nuno Maia from AISET, as President; Ângela Lemos from IPS, as Vice-President; and José Júlio Alferes from NOVA FCT, as Secretary. The School Dean's presence in this regional governance structure reflects the recognition of NOVA FCT's role as a higher education institution deeply rooted in and committed to the development of the Setúbal region.
In the words of the Mayor of Alcochete, Fernando Pinto, this inauguration is "more than the formal start of a term — it is a collective commitment in favour of a stronger, more cohesive Setúbal Peninsula, better prepared for the challenges of the future."
CIM Setúbal encompasses the municipalities of Alcochete, Almada, Barreiro, Moita, Montijo, Palmela, Seixal, Sesimbra, and Setúbal.
