STARS EU partner IPB celebrates 43 years of regional commitment and international cooperation

On January 28, Bragança Polytechnic University (IPB) – a partner institution of the STARS EU European University Alliance – celebrated the 43rd anniversary of its foundation with a formal ceremony held in Chaves, Portugal.

The event brought together members of the academic community, institutional representatives, national and international partners, alumni and guests, highlighting IPB’s journey as a public higher education institution firmly committed to regional development, innovation, internationalisation and people-centred education.

A key moment of the ceremony was the Opening Lecture, delivered by Henrique de Barros, Professor of Epidemiology and President of the Institute of Public Health of the University of Porto, who challenged the academic community to reflect on entrepreneurial attitudes as drivers of healthier lives and societies.

During the ceremony, IPB awarded its Honorary Medals, recognising strategic partnerships at the national and international level. The International Honorary Medal was awarded to the University of Vigo (Spain) in recognition of its long-standing contributions to cross-border academic and scientific cooperation.

The celebration also marked 10 years of the Double Degree Programme with CEFET/RJ (Brazil), a flagship example of sustained international collaboration and academic mobility.

Excellence in education and research was further recognised through Alumni Career Awards, Merit Scholarships, academic prizes, and distinctions for applied research with territorial impact, reflecting IPB’s strong connection between higher education, innovation and regional transformation.

As a STARS EU partner, IPB’s 43rd anniversary highlights the alliance’s shared values – transforming regions and empowering people through education, research, and innovation across Europe.