On 3 December 2025, the very first U.Porto Meeting of Science and Technology Managers brought together professionals from across the University to discuss challenges, opportunities, and the future of science management. Participants reached a unanimous consensus: it is essential to continue professionalising, integrating and valuing Science and Technology management at U.Porto.

The programme included several opportunities for sharing experiences, featuring an expert panel and engaging activities (Fishbowl and World Café), where the University’s science and technology managers reflected on their role within the research ecosystem. They concluded that, while increasingly recognised as a strategic axis, further investment is required in people, processes, tools and impact measurement.

A Growing Community

At U.Porto, the community of science and technology managers comprises 98 professionals who play a crucial role in coordinating between researchers, units, and support services.

Increasingly seen as a central role within the research cycle, science and technology management at the University follows the European trend of professionalising Science and Technology Managers.

Priorities for the Future - The Community’s Perspective

The Meeting helped identify priority areas for the development of Science and Technology management at U.Porto. These include career development, the creation of simpler governance models, strengthening institutional coordination, adopting integrated tools, and using metrics to support decision-making and continuous improvement.

Complementary topics highlighted the need to improve coordination between pre and post-award processes (especially in R&D funding), simplify administrative procedures, promote internal collaboration, and enhance the use of data, metrics, and dashboards.

Consolidating the role of the Science and Technology Manager, through greater recognition, improved institutional coordination, and strengthened tools and competencies, is crucial to continue the sustainability and enhancing the quality and impact of research at U.Porto.

The second U.Porto Meeting of Science and Technology Managers is set to take place in the second semester of 2026.