Pedagogical Innovation Award

The Pedagogical Innovation Award is an initiative of the Rectorate of the Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, integrated into the institutional commitment to promoting excellence in teaching and the enhancement of pedagogical innovation across all study cycles. The evaluation of applications is carried out by a jury composed of the Rector, or a member of the Rectoral Team with delegated responsibility, who presides, along with faculty members, students, and external specialists to the University.

The Pedagogical Innovation Award aims to distinguish innovative teaching initiatives implemented by NOVA faculty members and researchers that significantly contribute to improving teaching and learning processes. It is awarded annually and recognizes projects that present original pedagogical practices, with a proven impact on student learning and the development of the academic communities they are part of.

Applications can be made by faculty members and researchers from Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, either individually or in teams of up to three members, from the same or different Organizational Units. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria defined in the regulation, fulfilling the following requirements:
a) They must hold a “career faculty” or “career researcher” position at NOVA, working full-time, although they may not be in exclusive dedication, regardless of whether the contract is public (ECDU) or private;
b) They must have taught during the academic year immediately prior to the current edition. The initiatives submitted must have been implemented for at least the previous academic year.

The primary goal of the Award is to encourage innovation in higher education and recognize the pedagogical merit of NOVA faculty members and researchers. Through this initiative, the aim is to promote a culture of institutional pedagogical excellence, foster the adoption of good practices, and contribute to the education of students who are better prepared, critical, and engaged in their learning journeys.

The Award is granted annually, with a publicly announced application period. After proposal submission, applications are evaluated by an independent jury based on criteria such as application quality, pedagogical merit, scope, and impact of the described practices.
The award amount is €4,500 for individual applications and €6,000 for team applications. Additionally, up to five honorable mentions may be awarded, each worth €1,500. The results are publicly announced, and the awards are presented at an official ceremony of the University.

Applications for the Pedagogical Innovation Award are submitted electronically to the email: nova.inov.ped@unl.pt, according to the instructions and deadlines defined in each edition. Submissions must include:

• Completed application form;

• Proofs and evidence of the described practices;

• Consent statement from the applicant(s);

• Simplified Curriculum Vitae;

• Contact details of the person responsible for the application.

The process is free of charge and open to all NOVA faculty members and researchers who meet the eligibility requirements.

The jury for the 2025 edition of the Pedagogical Innovation Award is composed of the following members:

• The Rector or a member of the Rectoral Team with delegated competence, who presides;

• Professor Carmela Calés, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid;

• Professor Francisco Caramelo, Director of NOVA in Cairo;

• Professor Isabel Nunes, Vice-Rector of Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, responsible for Quality Management, Accreditation, and Employability, FCT-UNL;

• Professor Gianluca Mattarocci, University of Tor Vergata, Rome;

• Professor João Correia de Freitas, retired, FCT-UNL;

• Professor Luís Santos Castro, Instituto Superior Técnico;

• Two students from NOVA.

The regulations for the Pedagogical Innovation Award can be consulted here.

Any questions and clarifications should be directed to the Pedagogical Innovation Office.

Email: nova.inov.ped@unl.pt
Phone: +351 210 436 891