The signing of the document, held during the 6th edition of the INSURE.Hub Conference on Innovation, Sustainability and Regeneration, marks a step in bridging higher education and the engineering profession. The protocol establishes a framework for cooperation in areas such as research, innovation, training, and professional development, seeking to connect the academic community with the reality of engineering practice.
Fernando de Almeida Santos, President of the Order of Engineers, highlighted the complementary role of higher education institutions and professional bodies in training and recognizing engineers. He emphasized the responsibility inherent in the practice of Engineering, an activity involving acts of public trust and requiring high ethical and deontological standards, underscoring the Order's mission in defending and valuing the profession and safeguarding the end-users of engineers' work.
From the Order's perspective, the partnership is significant for fostering greater alignment between academic training and professional demands, essential for preparing future engineers for technological, economic, and social challenges. Isabel Braga da Cruz, Pro-Rector of the Catholic University of Portugal, pointed out collaboration opportunities, the importance of continuous learning, research, and entrepreneurship, and the need to engage young people with the Order and contribute to qualified Engineering.
The protocol also foresees cooperation in the review of Engineering course programs and curricula, promoting the qualification of future professionals. Particular relevance is given to aligning training with European quality standards, notably through the EUR-ACE® label, awarded by the Order of Engineers, the sole accredited entity in Portugal for this certification.
This agreement is part of the Order of Engineers' ongoing efforts over the past year and a half to strengthen ties with higher education institutions. The signing was attended by Fernando de Almeida Santos, Isabel Braga da Cruz, Bento Aires (President of the North Region Directive Council of the Order of Engineers), and Paula Castro (Director of the Higher School of Biotechnology).
