Isabel Braga da Cruz: “We are a University always open to society.”

 

You were reappointed as pro-rector of Universidade Católica Portuguesa. How do you view this mission?

Exactly as a mission. I maintain and reinforce my responsibility with dedication and commitment. My agenda is called Católica.

 

What characterizes your trajectory in leading UCP Porto Regional Centre since 2017?

It has been a motivating journey where new challenges and accomplished goals go hand in hand. There were successful initiatives that I consider strong marks of my work and that of my entire team. This is always teamwork; I believe you never do anything alone. Improving infrastructures has always been a priority, and recent years have been exceptional at this level. The construction and inauguration of the Biotechnology Building is a clear example, but we have also gradually managed to carry out significant work and improvements on the campus. Concern with sustainability has also been a hallmark of these years. It is an endless area of work. Along with sustainability are social responsibility and pedagogical innovation. We cover them across the board, both regarding infrastructure, research, and the knowledge exchange generated on campus, which promotes society and business interactions. There is an unmistakable synergy here. Having open doors to the city, the region, and the country is part of our identity and, therefore, we greatly prioritize working with and for the community. Significant steps have also been taken towards pedagogical innovation at the University and at a national level. These have marked recent years, but I intend to continue to impact the future years as well. It is continuous work that requires focus, consistency, and persistence.

 

The pandemic has also had a strong impact in recent years…

It is impossible not to think about the pandemic when I reflect on the moments that influenced my last term. We had recently opened the Biotechnology Building and were already closing it, or “semi-closing”, to be more precise, as some activities never stopped. It was very challenging on all levels. Suddenly, an entire community – students, professors, researchers, and collaborators – had to adapt and find a new way of working. We were prepared and used to working in a certain way, and suddenly, with greater or lesser preparation, we had to face a new reality. We adapted in record time. Our community did very well, rising to the challenge, which was viewed as an opportunity. Currently, we have implemented remote work at the University, although we cannot do so without proximity and presence, two great hallmarks of Católica. Católica's culture involves presence, interaction, sociability, and sharing. Mental health was another aspect that intensified during the pandemic and has received special attention. Several ongoing initiatives work on this segment with different elements of our community.

 

For this new term (2024-28), you added the Sustainability department to your responsibilities…

The mission is to connect the various sustainability initiatives that already exist at a national level. The four Católica campuses have several initiatives, and the idea is to think about it in an integrated way. We want to achieve national alignment, even if the action is local. Sustainability is an ongoing topic, and the University is truly committed. I like this topic and feel a great affinity with it. Here in Porto, numerous initiatives are taking place. At the campus level, steps have been taken to reduce our environmental footprint. Implementing sustainable measures requires a willingness to make investments. It is necessary to invest today to obtain medium and long-term results. For example, we have been working on photovoltaic panels for some time and only recently got approval for installation. Countless factors do not depend on us, so persistence is essential. INSURE.hub is another example of the University's work in sustainability. It is a highly innovative project that intersects different areas of knowledge towards sustainability, innovation, and regeneration. The main purpose is to empower society and open the doors to collaboration for a more sustainable planet.

 

“We cannot only differentiate ourselves nationally because we compete for students, projects, and talents in a global market.”

 

Is Católica a university focused on society?

Yes, we are a University that looks outwards and has much to give and receive from the community. We seek interaction, articulation, and local intervention. We are aware of the community's needs, and we explore local specificities and our relationships with institutions and parties in the city and region. It is strategic and a priority for us. We are open in all areas because that is the only way it makes sense. We develop our activity in Porto, with a special focus on interaction with the business community and society of the North. However, we work for the country and the world. The impact of our activity is global.

 

The number of international students is increasing every year. What needs to be done to ensure this growth?

The numbers have been increasingly significant, but there is still a long way to go. We must look at internationalization not only through the number of students enrolled but also, for example, through the international research projects we are part of or the international professors we manage to attract. Internationalization is being worked on several fronts and is one of the biggest challenges for the coming years. We cannot only distinguish ourselves nationally because we compete for students, projects, and talents in a global market. It requires us to be increasingly better and more innovative, explore our points of differentiation, and strengthen relationships with other Universities, companies, and institutions worldwide. Teaching/learning formats have changed and created the opportunity to bring distinct audiences to the university, nationally or internationally. Demographic and social changes create countless possibilities.

 

What does this search for segment diversification imply?

It implies knowing the market, analysing trends, and getting to know the public and their needs. What opportunities is the market presenting us? What are people looking for? What kind of answers can we give? What can we offer these audiences to meet their needs? Colleges have an essential job in this space, and once again, our multidisciplinary campus has a unique and distinctive character. Many of the answers to the great challenges of the future lie in an interdisciplinary approach, in the intersection between different areas and the contributions of each one to the analysis and response to the challenge. That is the distinguishing feature of the Porto campus at Católica. We have Law, Arts, Health Sciences, Nursing, Psychology, Theology, Economics and Management, and Biotechnology. A unique ecosystem that allows us to explore diverse and distinct projects. Our size also makes for an interesting positioning. We are a University with a size that is not small but also not too big. It allows us to be agile and work closely together.

 

At Católica, Athena, an organizational transformation program, is currently underway.

Católica is in the process of transformation. Athena is a national initiative involving all campuses. We are the only University in Portugal with a truly national presence, with campuses in Braga, Porto, Viseu, and Lisbon, a fact that is differentiating and a great competitive advantage. The Athena project aims to create national services that can enhance university differentiation, making it more efficient and increasing the level of service to its diverse audiences.

 

How does this mobilize your team?

My team, like me, truly embraces the mission spirit. I have been fortunate to work with exceptional people. To the team that has worked with me in recent years, especially Professor Célia Manaia and Professor João Pinto, I owe my gratitude, and to Professor Manuel Fontaine in his first term. These were years of many challenges, but all our achievements remain. We made it happen, we have done work in recent years and launched many projects that I hope to carry out and develop in the current term. In addition to the team that accompanies me directly, there is a heavily involved community – the faculties and shared services of the Porto Regional Centre. We are a community, we listen to each other, we support each other, we complete each other...

 

“Católica, too, is a strength in the city.”

 

What is the role of Universities?

We know that where we have a university, an entire ecosystem flourishes. This ecosystem will undeniably have a return for society and the economy. Católica has a large footprint in the region, not only in the population that we train and that we raise in terms of knowledge but also in the potential that this same population brings to life in society. The work we do must first offer answers to the society in which we operate and then to the world. In addition to teaching, we carry out research, develop the ability to reflect on major themes to induce public policies, and develop close collaboration with the community and the business sector. All of this has repercussions and resonance in multiple sectors.

 

What is your day-to-day life like at Católica?

My work at Católica is anything but monotonous. I spend many hours here, and the days are always very diverse and filled with activities that range from more strategic functions to technical and direct intervention management in operations. As a member of the rectory team, I frequently go to Lisbon. There is always a lot of work, many initiatives, and many requests and invitations for institutional representation that I accept whenever possible. Once again, proximity and presence with regional institutions are a priority for us. We want to be close to the city powers. Católica is also a force in the area.

 

What is the most challenging part of your work?

The people. People are my greatest asset, and, therefore, they challenge me to do better. Furthermore, this interaction stimulates my intellect, which was also very challenging. Católica brings a huge variety of work. Sometimes, we work on projects in ​​Biotechnology, and sometimes in Law, Management, Arts, Health, or Theology. I learn every day.

 

“I think I am a thoughtful person, I like compromises and balance.”

 

You are an engineer by training. What skills did Engineering give you that are essential for your role?

Engineering brings a lot of pragmatism, analysis, and process optimization. Develops the ability to look at the problem and divide it into parts. I'm the daughter of an engineer and grew up thinking that way. I have a practical profile and immediately think about how to approach or solve problems. Of course, not everything is an Excel spreadsheet. A lot of value cannot be measured in a graphic, and although I have a pragmatic profile, I am very aware of other dimensions of value.

 

How are difficult decisions made?

I tend not to be very impulsive, so I think and consult with others if necessary. Diversity of perspectives is always enriching. Despite this, some decisions require an almost immediate response, and I must be comfortable with it. Being the head of the CRP since 2017 also gives me confidence and determination. I think I am a thoughtful person. I like compromises and balance.

 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like being with my family and friends. My friends have been there for a long time. It is always good to be together and socialize. I enjoy reading, traveling immensely, and taking walks by the sea. I also have fun with crafts. I do not like cooking, but I like cake design. I taught my daughter, but she is much better than me now (laughs). Soon, I want to take a ceramics course.

 

Do you like getting your hands dirty?

I like it a lot! In everything that I get involved with in life.