NOVA University Lisbon has conferred the title of Doctor Honoris Causa upon Carlos Carreiras, in a ceremony that brought together leading figures from academia, politics and civil society at the University’s Rectorate. Among those present was the Minister for Infrastructure, Miguel Pinto Luz, who, as Deputy Mayor of Cascais, was closely involved in the early stages of the project that would transform the relationship between NOVA and the municipality.
In his address, Rector Paulo Pereira emphasised that this is “one of the most significant and solemn distinctions in academic life”, reserved for those who embody the University’s values: commitment to science, dedication to public service and a transformative vision. He added a central idea that marked the ceremony: “Knowledge and public service do not belong to separate worlds.” For the Rector, this tribute affirms that universities need leaders who value evidence, reason and science, and that society changes when different institutions work side by side with a shared vision and purpose.
“Under his leadership, Cascais established itself as a territory of innovation, sustainability, social cohesion and talent development – a territory with a vision for the future, of which NOVA is now an integral part,” he stated, highlighting landmark projects such as the NOVA SBE campus in Carcavelos, the installation of NOVA Medical School and NOVA School of Law in the so-called Knowledge Bay, and the forthcoming NOVA School of Science and Technology hub near the Tires Aerodrome, which could make Portugal the first European country with a university airport dedicated to science and training.
The laudatory speech, delivered by Professor José Ferreira Machado, recalled decisive moments in this collaboration, such as the night of the NOVA SBE campus inauguration in 2018, when Carlos Carreiras challenged the University to bring more of NOVA to Cascais. “He revealed himself as a leader whose ambition for his municipality knew no bounds and, above all, as a president with a clear vision of development, where entrepreneurship, innovation and talent enhancement played a central role,” he said, stressing that the former mayor’s contribution directly impacted four of NOVA’s academic units and was crucial in overcoming administrative, financial and legal hurdles.
Visibly moved, Carlos Carreiras expressed his gratitude for the distinction and shared the ambition that always guided him: “I dreamed of a university town in Cascais. That dream found partners as ambitious as we were.” He recalled the motto of his mandates – “Everything begins with people” – and defended the importance of bringing together different forces to achieve transformative results. “When we convene the virtuous triangle of the academies of knowledge, action and care, we neutralise divisions and build more cohesive communities,” he affirmed, highlighting education as a strategic pillar for sustainable development.
By awarding this title, NOVA University Lisbon recognises not only Carlos Carreiras’ political career but also his decisive role in positioning NOVA as a global university and in creating a knowledge ecosystem that projects Cascais and Portugal into the future.
