This December, we celebrate not only the unity and hope symbolised by the Christmas season but also a special milestone in the history of the Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave (IPCA): 30 years of an institution that has been transforming lives and contributing to the development of our region and our country.
Over these three decades, IPCA has established itself as a centre of excellence in higher education, with 7,700 students enrolled across more than 100 programmes in various cycles of study and with a presence in six locations: Barcelos, Braga, Guimarães, V.N. de Famalicão, Esposende, and Vila Verde. We have grown in numbers, but also in ambition, innovation, and impact.
This year, we have taken important steps towards strengthening our mission to serve the community. In January, we inaugurated our first Student Residence, providing better accommodation and comfort at affordable prices for our students. In August, we opened the Laboratory for Innovation and Food Sustainability (LISA) in Esposende, a space that fosters innovation and creativity—values central to IPCA’s mission.
But the near future holds even greater achievements. In July 2025, we plan to inaugurate the Barcelos Collaborative Research and Innovation Center (B-Cric), a research complex that, along with a new 500-seat Auditorium and a new Student Residence, will nearly double the size of our Campus. This expansion will not only reshape IPCA but also strengthen our ties with the city of Barcelos, deepening our connection to the local community.
However, our progress is not limited to infrastructure. Significant effort has been dedicated to promoting academic success through a strong focus on mental health, volunteer programmes, and pedagogical innovation. We are committed to fostering well-being for all, recognising that academic and professional success can only be achieved in an environment of balance and mutual support.
In 2024, we have also launched the new School of Sport, Well-being, and Biomedical Systems at IPCA, starting with the Bachelor degree in Sport—a field that enhances our educational offering and meets the growing needs of the market.
This journey, which we now celebrate, has been made possible thanks to the commitment and dedication of everyone: students, teachers, staff, and partners. To each of you, I extend my deepest gratitude. Together, we continue to build an innovative, inclusive, and highly committed IPCA.
I wish you a Christmas filled with peace, joy, and moments of sharing, and may 2025 bring new achievements and successes. Together, we will continue building futures!
Season’s Greetings!
Maria José Fernandes
President of IPCA
