Over the past few decades, the higher education and science system in Portugal has contributed to rehabilitation and economic growth, and at the same time strengthened its international position.
Written by Paulo Jorge Ferrera *
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In the 2025 edition of the QS classification, which includes about 500 universities from 35 European countries, the average grades of Portuguese universities covered in the arrangement place us among the ten best European countries in four categories of classification. It is on the influence of scientific research, which is a category in which we are the sixth in Europe, and it is better.
These results are achieved with student financing levels much lower than the European average. Despite the difficulties, through consistent policies and strategic investments, we can gradually strengthen the system of higher education and science, and to form a highly qualified society.
The fall of the twenty -fourth government, the third consecutive government, not to terminate the legislative body, boycott continuous reforms and left higher education institutions in the event of uncertainty regarding the basic components of the development of the sector.
One of the most important topics. Universities and applied arts operate within an uninterrupted organizational framework that limits their independence and competitiveness. They are urgent reforms to ensure greater efficiency and ability to respond to global requirements.
Academic functional laws review as well. Lack of attractiveness makes it difficult to renew faculty members, threatening the quality of education and research and contributing to the loss of talent abroad.
The scientific research profession law was reviewed after the fall of the government, but in that it generates uncertainty. The decision to maintain the force contracts ending in 2025 creates inequality, and requires that there are already end contracts, even if the investigator is already compensated or employed. Covering the budget for additional fees is unclear.
The financing of science and structural reform of the scientific system lacks attention and work. Mechanisms like FCT – possession and contract alliances are not enough. Science cannot be subject to short political sessions, and requires a long commitment and consistent strategy.
Portugal needs a system agreement that guarantees stability and the ability to predict higher education and science. Without this, we risk waiving contracts from progress in a basic sector for economic and social development in the country.
It is worth thinking about it.
* President of Affiro University. An article published on the UA.pt.
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