Congratulations to the University of Coimbra for its 727th Birthday.

The celebration ceremony of the University Day took place at the "Sala Grande dos Atos", frequently called "Sala dos Capelos", which the UC Rector proposed to be changed to "Sala dos Atos Grandes", in accordance with several 19th century texts, .

During the ceremony, João Gabriel Silva thanked, on behalf of the UC, the citizens who have accepted to be part as external members of the General Council, during a four-year term: Esmeralda da Silva Santos Dourado, Fernando Henrique Lopes da Silva, João Albino Rainho Ataíde das Neves, João Manuel Gaspar Caraça, José Carlos Lopes Martins, José Luís de Azevedo Cacho, José Luís Menezes Garcia, Maria del Pilar del Rio Sánchez, Maria José Pereira, Rui Santos Ivo. The new President of the General Council shall be elected probably still during this month. The UC Rector considers that these personalities  "will give the University of Coimbra a precious help so that we will be able to live up to what society expects from us. They are one of the main guarantors that we will be able to continue to provide relevant services to Portugal and the world in the next 727 years. "

We also got to know that in the upcoming weeks  almost 100 vacancies will be made available to hire faculty and that this will happen at an unparalleled pace, something that has not happened for many years.

The UC Rector also highlighted the 45% increase in the performance of the current operating budget of the Organic Units this year compared to last year. The increase in funds transferred to the operating budgets of the faculties thus represents a substantial increase in their effective autonomy since there are many choices that can only be made if resources are available to implement them.

The 2018 European University Games will be the biggest multi-sport event ever in Portugal, whose strategic dimension has been recognized for a  long time, according to the Rector of UC, who regretted that he has not received any financial support from the Government to the Structural Funds , for the requalification of the university stadium, where the synthetic turf will replace the current bare field,  pavilion two will be renewed and there will be a substantial improvement the exterior space.

You may see the videos of the ceremony here.

Check out the image gallery of this special day.