Four decades after the approval of the Portuguese Framework Law of the Education System, a moment of reflection is necessary. Between celebration and debate, between evoking the past and problematizing the present, there are choices to be made. In a context where public debate on education tends to be fragmented, technocratic, or subordinated to short-term agendas, it becomes essential to refocus the discussion on major political options and their foundations. This seminar aims, therefore, to constitute a broad, plural, and participatory forum, involving researchers, teachers, students, education system professionals, and institutional leaders.

The central question guiding the seminar is: What kind of Framework Law do we need today, not just as a legal instrument, but as a political, social, and educational project to respond to the contemporary challenges of education?

More than marking a historical milestone, the seminar aims to create a space for public discussion about education policies in Portugal. The Framework Law should not only be remembered as a founding reference, but questioned in light of the social, economic, cultural, and technological transformations that have marked the last 40 years and, above all, those that shape our future.

The seminar aims to value the contribution of new generations of researchers to the analysis and understanding of the Portuguese education system. Thus, it encourages the participation of young researchers through the submission of works based on completed or ongoing master's dissertations and doctoral theses.

We invite the submission of communication proposals that address the following themes: