The meeting, promoted by the Municipality of Tomar, was attended by the rector of UPTomar, João Coroado, the president of the Municipal Chamber of Tomar, Tiago Carrão, the president of the Municipal Chamber of Abrantes and the Intermunicipal Community of Médio Tejo, Manuel Jorge Valamatos, and deputies Hugo Costa and Ricardo Carlos.
The objective was to reflect on UPTomar's role in the economic, social, and cultural development of Médio Tejo, with a consensus on the importance of ensuring a strong and sustainable presence of higher education in the region. It was recognized that the future of the University, with campuses in Tomar and Abrantes, is a shared responsibility.
A status update of the institution was provided, its strategic planning was discussed, and lines of action were identified to strengthen its standing, attractiveness to students, and connection to regional needs. The initiative is particularly relevant in a year when UPTomar saw an increase in students admitted through the National Higher Education Access Competition.
This meeting marks the beginning of a series of working sessions scheduled for the coming weeks, aimed at following up on the reflection initiated and developing coordinated responses to the challenges and opportunities facing the institution.
The Polytechnic University of Tomar thus reaffirms the importance of joint work with its institutional and regional partners to enhance higher education in Médio Tejo and strengthen the University's role as an agent of knowledge, development, and territorial transformation.
