Pedro Nuno Teixeira has been elected as the new Rector of the University of Porto, succeeding António de Sousa Pereira. The decision was finalized this Friday after Teixeira secured 16 votes from the 22 council members present during the electoral meeting.
A Career Rooted in Higher Education Policy
The 53-year-old appointee is a full professor at the University of Porto’s Faculty of Economics (FEP). He has spent his entire academic and professional career specializing in higher education policies.
Teixeira’s extensive resume includes serving as the director and scientific coordinator of the Center for Research in Higher Education Policies (CIPES) from 2009 to 2022. He also held the position of Vice-Rector for Training and Academic Organization at the University of Porto between 2014 and 2018.
His experience extends to the highest levels of government, having served as a consultant to the Civil House of the Presidency of the Republic between 2016 and 2022. Most recently, he served as the Secretary of State for Higher Education from 2022 to 2024.
Policy Experience and Academic Background
During his tenure as Secretary of State under Minister Elvira Fortunato, Teixeira led the review of access rules for universities and polytechnics. This process, approved in 2023, included a requirement for candidates to provide at least two entrance exams.
However, this specific measure was later reversed by Education Minister Fernando Alexandre following a observed decrease in the number of candidates in the most recent competition.
Academically, Teixeira holds a degree in Economics from the University of Porto (1995), a Master’s in Higher Education Economics from the University of Twente (1998), and a PhD in Economics from the University of Exeter (2003). He has also served as a visiting professor or researcher at the universities of Oxford, Berkeley, and Albany.
Vision for the University’s Future
In his candidacy program, Teixeira identified the preparation of the university to face major technological shifts as his “principal priority.” He advocates for strengthening lifelong learning to ensure the institution remains a fundamental pillar for the city, region, and country.
His goals include deepening the university’s public service mission and finding a better balance between scientific training and intellectual development. He also aims to break down barriers between different organic units and scientific areas to improve cohesion and sustainability.
Next Steps in the Transition
The election result must now be homologated by the Council of Curators of the University of Porto Foundation. Once this legal procedure is complete, the inauguration ceremony is likely to be scheduled for mid-June.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the other candidates for the Rectorship?
Besides Pedro Nuno Teixeira, the candidates were Altamiro da Costa Pereira, Lasisi Salami Lawal, Luís Antunes, and Salvatore Cuzzocrea.
What is the primary focus of the new Rector’s program?
His main priority is preparing the University of Porto to deal with ongoing major changes, particularly those occurring at a technological level.
What is the academic background of Pedro Nuno Teixeira?
He is a licensed economist from the University of Porto, holds a master’s degree from the University of Twente, and a doctorate in Economics from the University of Exeter.
How might the focus on technological adaptation change the student experience at the University of Porto?
