CADOS participated, on 30 January, in the meeting of the National Network of Doctoral Schools (RNED), held at the University of Évora. The meeting brought together representatives from major higher education institutions offering doctoral programmes, promoting interinstitutional cooperation and strategic reflection on current challenges in advanced training in Portugal.
Participation of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa
The Universidade Católica Portuguesa was represented by the Vice‑Rector for Research and Doctoral Education, Professor Peter Hanenberg, who took part in the working session dedicated to the analysis and harmonisation of procedures related to doctoral education in Portugal.Professor Peter Hanenberg’s presence reinforced the University’s commitment to developing policies and practices that ensure:
- the quality and internationalisation of its doctoral programmes;
- the adoption of responsible and innovative practices, including the ethical use of generative Artificial Intelligence;
- the strengthening of cooperation between institutions, in alignment with the mission of the RNED;
- the active involvement of CADOS in the strategic shaping of doctoral education at national level.
Key topics addressed at the meeting
During the internal working session, held at the Colégio do Espírito Santo, RNED members discussed key structural topics, including:
- the awarding of the European Doctorate title;
- the revision of co-tutelle agreements;
- the accreditation and articulation of 3rd‑cycle course units;
- the sharing of best practices and the potential harmonisation of procedures across institutions.
In the afternoon, an open session was held, chaired by the Rector of the University of Évora, Professor Hermínia Vasconcelos Vilar, dedicated to reflecting on the future of doctoral education and emphasising the importance of collaboration between universities and the assertion of Portuguese scientific excellence within the European context.
