The academic year opening ceremony at UNIPS celebrated the institution's 47th anniversary and the start of a new cycle, with an emphasis on pedagogical innovation. Rector Ângela Lemos called for reflection on the university's future, reaffirming the polytechnic identity as the foundation for its growth, highlighting proximity to territories and the practical component of teaching.
Lemos explained that UNIPS is strategically reflecting on its educational offerings to bring teaching closer to research, innovation, and societal problems, inspiring a new pedagogical space. The One Button Studio was inaugurated, a resource for autonomous audiovisual content production, linked to the future Pedagogical Innovation Laboratory.
The rector also mentioned the "funding constraints" that limit higher education institutions' capacity to attract and retain talent, stressing the need to address structural needs without relying on extraordinary funding.
The solemn session included speeches from Júlio Montalvão e Silva, president of the Installing Commission of the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal, on the past, and Luís Castro, vice-rector of the University of Lisbon, on "The Future of Learning in Higher Education".
Júlio Montalvão e Silva recalled the establishment of the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal after April 25th, describing the period as "relatively tough" but rewarding. He considered the current polytechnic university status "fully justified" by the achieved maturity.
Luís Castro argued that pedagogical innovation must serve the promotion of academic success as an institutional responsibility, and that it does not mean abandoning classic methods but rather improving student learning with available tools.
During the ceremony, students, faculty, and technical staff were recognized. Graduate Pedro Vitoriano received the 2026 Alumni Career Award, and faculty members Luís Coelho and Fernando Almeida were honored as Professor Benemeritus and Professor Emeritus, respectively.
The diploma for Institution of Socioprofessional Merit was awarded to the Ordem dos Contabilistas Certificados, and the Benefactor Institution diploma honored the Câmara Municipal de Sines.
