News

The director of CeiED, Professor António Teodoro, has recently published several opinion pieces in the national press, contributing to the public debate on the future of science, education, and public policy in Portugal.

In these texts, the author critically examines the creation of the new Agency for Research and Innovation (AI2), discusses structural challenges in the education system, and highlights the importance of fundamental research, scientific autonomy, and democratic commitment in reflections spanning multiple dimensions of public policy.

António Teodoro emphasises that, in a democratic society, science and education cannot be reduced to mere instruments of economic return or technical efficiency, calling for policies that strengthen academic freedom, stable funding, and disciplinary plurality.

Full Articles for Reading:

“Education, Commitment and the Lack of Democracy”, Público, 10 February 2026

“Science Is Not an Annex of the Economy”, Público, 19 February 2026

“Science and AI2: Is It Really the Cause?”, Público, 24 February 2026

“Merging School Cycles to Hide the Void? When the Reform Avoids Discussing Basic Education”, Expresso, 24 February 2026

Adriana Almeida is the most recent graduate of the Master’s in Education Sciences: Special Education – Cognitive and Motor Domain. Her dissertation, “Independent Living Support Model: The Work of Professionals in Promoting Independent Living,” was defended on February 13, 2026, with Professor Rosa Serradas Duarte serving as examiner. The work was considered excellent!

Our congratulations to Adriana Almeida, now holding a Master’s degree!

In the photo: Adriana Almeida (candidate), Maria Odete Emygdio da Silva (supervisor), Rosa Serradas Duarte (examiner), and Luzia Lima-Rodrigues (chair of the examination committee).

In a recent opinion piece published in PÚBLICO, Professor António Teodoro, Director of CeiED and of the Institute of Education, argues that science must not be treated merely as an appendix to the economy, warning against the growing instrumentalisation of research. The author stresses that scientific knowledge has intrinsic cultural, social and democratic value that goes beyond immediate economic returns.

The article calls for public policies that recognise the autonomy of science while strengthening its contribution to addressing major societal challenges. It also highlights the need to protect long-term research, critical thinking and academic freedom within contemporary science systems.

Read the full article

CeiED – Interdisciplinary Centre for Education and Development announces the reception of Dr Julio Bertolin, researcher at the Brazilian community universities Uniplac (University of the Santa Catarina Plateau) and UPF (University of Passo Fundo).

This visit, taking place from 15 January to 15 March 2026, is carried out within the framework of the FCT Mobility programme, funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).

During the two-month stay, Dr Bertolin will develop a work plan in close collaboration with Professor Cristina Sin, researcher at CeiED. This partnership aims to strengthen scientific ties between Portugal and Brazil in the field of higher education policy.

The project focuses on the analysis of international student mobility, with particular emphasis on students from groups with lower cultural capital. The study will use microdata from MEC/Inep (Brazil) as empirical material, enabling a robust and in-depth analysis of inequalities in access to internationalisation.

Dr Bertolin’s presence reinforces CeiED’s international vocation and its mission to produce relevant knowledge on equity in education.

The Director of the Master’s Programme in Special Education and a member of CeiED at Universidade Lusófona, Professor Luzia Lima-Rodrigues, took part as a guest speaker at the Perspectives on Neurodiversity Congress, held in Tarouca on 4 and 5 February 2026.

The congress brought together renowned professionals in the fields of assessment, diagnosis, and intervention with neurodivergent children, young people, and adults. Professor Luzia’s keynote addressed Level 1 support needs within Autism Spectrum Disorder. Drawing on recent and high-impact research, the presentation covered topics ranging from diagnostic criteria to mediation strategies in school contexts.

On 12 January 2026, a working meeting of the partners of the ArlekinPro project took place in Brussels, Belgium. ArlekinPro – Access for All to a European Certification in Social Mediation through Accompanied Immersion in the EU is coordinated in Portugal by Elisabete Pinto da Costa, integrated researcher at CeiED – Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development. The meeting brought together the research team and project partners to monitor the progress of ongoing activities, align methodological procedures, and plan the next phases of implementation.

Funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, ArlekinPro aims to promote inclusive access to a European certification in social mediation through an innovative training pathway that combines distance learning, accompanied practical immersions in European contexts, and the awarding of recognised micro-credentials. During the meeting, key aspects of the project were discussed, namely:

• the organisation of the training modules;
• the preparation of international mobility activities;
• the strengthening of social mediators’ professional competences.

The meeting highlighted the interdisciplinary and applied nature of ArlekinPro, as well as its contribution to the professional recognition of social mediation and to the promotion of social cohesion and inclusion, in line with CeiED’s mission to develop research with scientific relevance and social impact.