Hosts
University of Coimbra
The University of Coimbra is the oldest university in the country, and for centuries it was the only university in Portugal. The history of higher education in Portugal is bound closely to the history of this historic center of learning.
Founded in 1290 by King Dinis in Lisbon, it was permanently settled in Coimbra in 1537, by order of King João III, after a period of migration between these two cities. Initially planned to work in Sofia Street, opened specifically to accommodate it, near the Monastery of Santa Cruz, it was in the Royal Palace of the “Alcaçova”, later the Palace of Schools, that all Faculties of the University of Coimbra - Theology, Canons, Law and Medicine – began their work in 1544. This is the image recorded in the Portuguese collective imagination, indelible mark of the city and its University ever since.
For centuries the city and the University were shaped in a deep symbiotic relationship, clearly visible in our days when we appreciate the relationship between the various cores of Alta (higher city).
The Palace of Schools, historic center par excellence of the University, holds a part of the whole that constitutes the University - here we perceive the traditions and mystique that makes it unique in the world. Inseparable from the city that hosts it, one feels the legacy of centuries, which projects itself in time, connecting the past and the future.
The College of Jesus is the oldest Jesuit College in the world, created here in 1542. It became the teaching space of sciences at the University of Coimbra after the Studies reforms, driven by the Marquis of Pombal in 1772. It is now one of the major references in what relates to the History of Science in Portugal.
In June 2013, UNESCO classified the University of Coimbra as World Heritage Site, for its unquestionable value for the History and Portuguese Culture – thus rewarding the effort and dedication of those who every day works to preserve, enhance and especially share its heritage with the World.
More info about the University of Coimbra
Coimbra Hospital and Universitary Centre
Coimbra Hospital and Universitary Centre (CHUC) mission is to deliver high-quality clinical care in a context of pre and postgraduate training with a strong focus on research, scientific knowledge and innovation.
We offer comprehensive care across all major medical and surgical specialities. CHUC´s excellence centres ensure high standard healthcare services being the Portuguese hospital with the largest number of Centers of Reference and belonging to ten Europe Reference Networks.
CHUC is an associate partner of InnoSTAR S, EIT Health KIC (Knowledge and Innovation Communities) and has there major partnerships with several biotech and IT companies implementing the concept of an innovation pioneer hospital.