“This is a space for open dialogue. The first of many collaborative meetings”, said Rogério Colaço, president of Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, in the first open meeting with professors and researchers, held on 8 April 2026, in the Great Hall, at Alameda campus. The president described the moment as “historic for Técnico” and guided by a shared goal: “rowing in the same direction”.
The session included a review of the term of office that began on 2 January 2020, highlighting the implementation of the new teaching model, resulting from the separation of integrated master’s programmes and curricula overhaul. “It was a process of great complexity, difficulty and risk, but also of great success, achieved through hard work”, he said, emphasising the priority of “ensuring that students were not disadvantaged by the changes and that the new model would enhance the quality of their education”.
The focus on active learning methodologies and greater student accountability was highlighted as one of the structural transformations of this period, alongside initiatives such as the opening of the Técnico Innovation Center powered by Fidelidade. “It is the physical embodiment of Técnico’s mindset and its connection to society. Técnico is truly open”, he noted.
Among other milestones, the president highlighted the 2020–2030 strategic plan, – “the first one with defined objectives, indicators and a timetable” – the creation of the Técnico Doctoral School, inaugurated on 4 November 2024, to meet the requirements of postgraduate studies, and the launch of the Técnico Alumni Network, initiatives which, taken together, aim to build “a more structured, open and better-prepared Técnico for the future”.
The investment plan outlined expenditure commitments through the end of 2025, totalling 19 million euros, covering the opening of laboratories and classrooms and the renovation of infrastructure, with the aim of reaching 32 million by the end of 2026. Among the projects planned by 2027, the end of the term of office, are the new Técnico Library, the refurbishment of the Swimming Pool Pavilion and the creation of a Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy at Alameda campus (South Garden), designed to host research and innovation activities in collaboration with companies, strengthening Técnico’s connection with the local economy.
“We currently have more students across all study cycles, greater internationalisation and increased participation in European projects”, emphasised Rogério Colaço, summarising the 2020–2026 period as “a sustained expansion for Técnico’s activities, alongside a strengthening of both the teaching and research staff”.
Looking to the future, the expansion of installed capacity emerges as one of Técnico’s strategic priorities, in a context marked by increased demands on academic and scientific infrastructure. “We want to continue upgrading our facilities and investing in new spaces for students and the academic community”, shared Rogério Colaço, highlighting the need to “prepare for the next strategic cycle, ensure institutional alignment and safeguard the School’s financial stability”.
“Attracting and retaining talent”, both nationally and internationally, “creating student accommodation”, the “size and organisation of the Research Units” affiliated with Técnico, and the integration of “Artificial Intelligence into Teaching” were among the other topics raised by participants. In response, Rogério Colaço emphasised the importance of community involvement to ensure “working together to find sustainable solutions for the future of Técnico”.
The session marked the start of a new model of internal dialogue at Técnico, which will continue throughout the year, with a view to strengthening the academic community’s participation in defining institutional priorities.
