The Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra (UPCoimbra) actively participated in the 4th annual meeting of the Joint International Centre (JIC) 2026 of UNIgreen – The Green European University, held in Villejuif, Paris, from October 28th to 30th. The event brought together representatives from ten European institutions to discuss international cooperation, innovation, and the strategic development of the European project.
During the meeting, results were shared, initiatives were discussed, and strategies were defined to strengthen collaboration among partners. UPCoimbra's delegation, comprising leaders, staff involved in UNIgreen working groups, and student ambassadors, reinforced the institution's commitment to internationalization and active participation in building an integrated European University.
UPCoimbra's Rector, Cândida Malça, highlighted the strength of European collaboration and the central role of students, stating that UPCoimbra is proud to contribute to this transformative project.
A major highlight was the recognition of two projects developed by UPCoimbra students and graduates at the UNIgreen Innovation Challenge. The ReC3O2 project, focused on sustainable urban waste management, developed by Vanessa Toledo, Mário Gonçalves, and Miguel Fonseca, secured 2nd place ex aequo. The Hydro Kat project, by Bruna Silva and Marco Silva, won 3rd place in the poster competition with an innovative solution for cat hydration.
These projects were presented in English before an international jury, showcasing UPCoimbra's innovation capacity and the quality of its education. The Rector expressed great satisfaction and pride in the students' achievements.
In the Student Session: Shaping the Future of UNIgreen, students from various institutions discussed their role in the development of the European University. Within the UNIgreen Student Council, interim presidents were elected. Ramsés Amaral, UPCoimbra's student ambassador, was elected Interim President of the UNIgreen Student Council, representing European University students in governance bodies.
UPCoimbra's participation reaffirms its commitment to an excellent European university, focused on international cooperation, innovation, sustainability, and creating opportunities for the academic community. UNIgreen unites ten European higher education institutions with a focus on sustainable agriculture, green biotechnology, and environmental and life sciences.
