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2025-10-01

On October 1, the Instituto Superior Miguel Torga (ISMT) welcomed the visit of José Manuel Silva, current Mayor of Coimbra and candidate for re-election by the coalition Juntos Somos Coimbra, as part of the institutional contacts program of his campaign. The visit aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the reality and challenges of Higher Education in Coimbra, as well as to present proposals related to education, science, and the city’s development.

The coalition’s delegation included José Manuel Silva (Nós Cidadãos), candidate for Mayor of Coimbra, Margarida Pocinho, candidate for City Councillor for the CDS, Nelson Cruz, candidate for City Councillor for Nós Cidadãos, Celso Ferreira, candidate for City Councillor for Iniciativa Liberal, and Luís Bonito, CDS-PP representative and candidate for the Union of Parishes of Coimbra.

On behalf of ISMT, the reception was led by its President, Manuel Castelo Branco, accompanied by Vice-Presidents Dulce Simões and Humberto Oliveira, as well as the Secretary of the Board, Isa Magalhães.

During the visit, José Manuel Silva emphasized ISMT’s strategic importance for Coimbra and the Central Region, recalling the municipal executive’s commitment to supporting the institution as an agent of education, research, and regional development. Among the issues discussed, particular attention was given to the modernization of ISMT’s new facilities, considered fundamental for strengthening the quality of teaching and scientific research.

Manuel Castelo Branco, President of ISMT, highlighted that the visit of the candidate for re-election to the Municipality of Coimbra reinforces the recognition of the Institute as a strategic partner of the city, underlining the strong support of the Municipality for the School. He also stressed the strong institutional momentum currently being experienced, expressed in consistent efforts to engage with the community and consolidated through multiple protocols and partnerships with local and regional entities.

The vitality of ISMT’s degree programs, aligned with the current needs of the labor market, was also emphasized as proof of the institution’s relevance. “As ISMT approaches its centenary, it continues to combine tradition and innovation, establishing itself as a pillar of the academic, cultural, and social development of Coimbra and its region,” stated the President of the Institute.

Photographs: Edgard Copque Photo Art