The agreement includes the development of new study programs, research and development activities, the establishment of research units, student and faculty exchange, and community service provision. The creation of organizational units outside the main campuses of both higher education institutions is also planned.
According to the Rector of UPTomar, João Freitas Coroado, "this consortium will strengthen cooperation between higher education institutions, enhancing competencies and creating new opportunities for training, research, and innovation." He added: "We want this partnership to translate into concrete projects that affirm higher education as an engine for regional development".
António de Lencastre Bernardo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Grupo Autónoma, stated that "this consortium is based on the conviction that together we can be stronger. It is a partnership born from common values and a clear ambition for excellence, marking an important step in cooperation between private and state higher education. We expect it to have a very positive impact on our students, generate new research projects, and contribute to the regions where we are located, as we value the relationship between universities and communities".
The consortium's headquarters will be located on the UPTomar campus in Tomar. Leadership will be assumed alternately by both entities, with three-year mandates.
