FCTUC celebrates its 251st anniversary with research in the spotlight
The event took place on the 12th of October in the main auditorium of the Faculty.
Translation by Diana Taborda
The Faculty of Sciences and Technology of the University of Coimbra (FCTUC) celebrated its 251st anniversary* on the 12th of October 2023.
"250 is a nice round number, everybody likes it. Personally, with my professional background, I prefer 251, because it's a prime number, and the Faculty of Sciences and Technology of the University of Coimbra is home to 11 departments, also a prime number". This mathematical reference was the motto for the opening speech by Paulo Eduardo Oliveira, FCTUC director.
FCTUC Day celebration placed a special focus on research, with students involved in research projects taking to the stage. "FCTUC strongly promotes research and the production of knowledge, which are essential pillars of a university.”, says Paulo Eduardo Oliveira.
Back in 1972, it was recognised that science and technology should go hand in hand, leading to the establishment of FCTUC, the first Faculty of Science and Technology in Portugal. Paulo Oliveira has no doubt that the path of the past should be the path of the future. "I hope that the FCTUC will be able to maintain its cohesion and continue to combine fundamental science with applied science and research, which is the core of what we do," he stresses.
The session included special mentions for professors, technical staff, researchers and students,
Teaching and technical staff, researchers and students were honoured with special awards in the presence of the President of the Faculty Assembly, Carlos Palmeira. Luís Neves, UC Vice-Rector for Finances, Human Resources and Social Services, spoke on behalf of the UC Rector, Amílcar Falcão.
*Translator’s note - In 1772, the Pombaline Reform of the University of Coimbra established the Faculties of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, the roots of today's Faculty of Sciences and Technology.