The Day of Nova 2019 was a moment of clarification of goals and strategy. On 23rd October, the Rectorate welcomed its new doctorates, to whom the respective insignias were imposed, as the Medal of Merit of the University was given to José Caldeira da Silva, former director of ENSP-NOVA. Manuel Heitor, Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education was present at the ceremony and the session also included a lecture by Nobel Medicine Prize 2001, Sir Paul Nurse, under the theme "Science as a revolution".
The topic chosen by the Rector of NOVA, João Sàágua, for this year was precisely Research. «It is with great joy and pride that I say that NOVA has become, without a doubt, a research-oriented university and, most importantly, a university that combines fundamental research with collaborative agendas tackling real problems and challenges thanks to the level of excellence of our faculty, researchers and doctoral students.», he stated.
He also reaffirmed the importance of research and its undeniable contribution to a better global society: «Being both a global and a civic university of the 21st century, NOVA is very much aware of the importance of research and knowledge-based innovation to address the most pressing needs of today’s Society. All of us who are part of this 'big house' called NOVA University, must be motivated to be part of this research effort for the sake of sustainable development and, as scientists, we have a duty to make our own contribution.»
Talking about the new Strategic Plan of Nova University, the Rector pointed out 4 basic platforms to reach such goals:
Of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of 2030 Agenda, the Rector stated that NOVA will be focusing on 7 of the SDG:
The session also included the President of the General Council, Estela Barbot, who defended that «University activity should not be confined to the internal perimeter of the University, but it should be interconnected with the Society, with which NOVA has commited itself to serve through knowledge. "
