INESC TEC researcher António Pinto is the new Director of UTP’s School of Technology and Management

At a time when higher education is undergoing significant changes, including the transition from Polytechnic Institutes to Technical Universities in several parts of the country, INESC TEC researcher António Pinto has taken on a prominent role after being appointed Director of the School of Technology and Management (ESTG) at the Technical University of Porto (UTP – formerly the Polytechnic Institute of Porto).

The inauguration ceremony took place in early September, with the presence of Fernando Alexandre, Minister of Education, Science and Innovation. António Pinto said he believed he faced “a very demanding period for UTP, ESTG and everyone who is part of our community, namely teaching staff, researchers, technical and administrative staff and other non-teaching staff”. But while times of change can be complex, António Pinto also perceives them as “times of opportunity”. “I believe we will take advantage of this opportunity to consolidate and improve our teaching and research capacity,” he said.

ESTG’s prominent role in the region’s economic fabric is undeniable and extends to the Tâmega e Sousa intermunicipal community, involving local authorities, associations, business centres and other public and private entities in the region. The new Director was convinced that “ESTG has provided training programmes in several municipalities across the region, towards supporting the business community with specialised human resources”. Moreover, he said, “we have regularly carried out innovation, research and development projects for and with this same business community, and the goal is to strengthen both initiatives, namely by creating and participating in new R&D and innovation projects”.

António Pinto is now looking to the future with two words in mind: commitment and growth. “Commitment to UTP, supporting it in achieving institutional vision and mission, particularly in our geographical area, the Tâmega e Sousa region. As for growth, I see it as a short- to medium-term objective, and I will work to ensure that it takes place at all levels: facilities, conditions, people and training provision.”

As for the experience, he said his work at INESC TEC “reinforced my belief in the importance and relevance of R&D activities to the sustainability and growth of companies and higher education institutions”. “This is a pillar we must reinforce at ESTG,” he concluded.