ISMT President reaffirms openness to institutional cooperation with the University of Coimbra

2026-09-30

The President of ISMT clarifies the current situation regarding cooperation with the University of Coimbra, rejecting integration scenarios and remaining open to collaboration.

The President of the Instituto Superior Miguel Torga (ISMT), Manuel Castelo Branco, commented this week on the position of the General Council of the University of Coimbra (UC). The statement comes in response to the decision by the UC body, which considered that there are currently no conditions to initiate a dialogue process between the two institutions.

Manuel Castelo Branco reiterated that the University of Coimbra remains ISMT's first choice regarding the establishment of future cooperation projects. However, he stressed that the institution is receptive to engaging in dialogue with other higher education entities, should that be the viable path for developing strategic partnerships within the education sector.

During his statements, the President of ISMT made it clear that a process of integrating ISMT into the University of Coimbra was never under consideration. The intended proposal consisted strictly of an institutional collaboration project, designed in a gradual and reversible manner, thereby safeguarding the autonomy of both parties.