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António Sousa Pereira

Chancellor of the University of Oporto

António de Sousa Pereira, 56, has always been diligent and focused. He has a Master’s and PhD in Medicine from the Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS), the institute he was in until being elected chancellor of the University of Oporto, in July of this year. It was at ICBAS, incidentally, in addition to his clinical practice, that he developed his entire professional career as a lecturer and researcher, reaching the rank of Full Professor in 2002, having dedicated himself to its management after being elected director of this faculty in 2004. A position he gave up when he took on the new mission of guiding what is considered among the 500 best universities in the world.

António Sousa Pereira
Is there already a hot line between the mayor of Oporto and the chancellor of the University of Oporto?
The line is yet to be ordered, but the connection has already been established, no doubt. But seriously though, I had the opportunity to meet with Dr Rui Moreira and there is, in fact, a willingness and openness on both sides so that we can deepen the cooperation between the University and the council in order to develop more joint projects in the interests of the city and its citizens.
 
To what extent is the city council also responsible for the success of the University of Oporto?
To a great extent. It is impossible to disassociate any University from the city and the region in which it is located, and the University of Oporto has had the support of the council for several decades. At the moment, it is undeniable that the international exposure of the city is attracting foreign students, but I am convinced that the growing international community of students at the university has also contributed to the exposure of the city.
«We have a recipe for success that sets us apart in the country and in the world»
What major advantages does the University of Oporto have in relation to other universities in the country?
Multidisciplinarity can and should be our major competitive advantage. With a total of 14 faculties, the University of Oporto offers training and scientific research in practically all areas of knowledge. Add to this an ecosystem of innovation among the best in Europe and one of the highest employability rates and we have a recipe for success that sets us apart in the country and in the world.
 
What is your major commitment to the academic community during your term in office?
Above all else, the one that the community will start being heard and taken into account in the management of the destiny of the University.
 
In your opinion, what is the main problem of education in Portugal? And how can it be solved?
I would have to say that it is the chronic underfunding of institutions. It is imperative to put an end to the continuing uncertainty about budget, which makes it impossible to implement any strategy in the medium term, and prevents us from addressing key issues such as faculty rejuvenation, scientific job creation, or the decline in investment in research and innovation.
 
In a word, how would characterise teaching in the country?
Excellent, considering the resources available. You just need to look at the positions that the University of Oporto and other Portuguese institutions achieve in international rankings to verify that we do a lot with very little. Obviously we want to be even better and more competitive, but we have to admit that education has been one of the main success stories of the democratic regime in Portugal.
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