Editorial – Alfredo Dias

Heritage and Academy

The commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the classification of the University of Coimbra, Alta e Sofia as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is of particular importance for the decade that has passed, but above all for the strategy of safeguarding and promoting this Asset, which is projected into the future, based on the application of best practices and knowledge available in the Heritage area. Two priorities in achieving this goal are bringing the community closer to heritage and strengthening the connection between heritage and scientific knowledge.

UNESCO has recognised the universal and exceptional value of the University of Coimbra's heritage, which goes far beyond what was inscribed on the classified list in 2013. The resulting challenge for the management of the Heritage is immense, requiring from everyone, in particular from the Academy, enormous attention and deep commitment to be successfully achieved. This mission, based on policies of protection, care and rehabilitation, is fundamental to honour the past, adapt the different structures to present needs and prepare the heritage for future challenges.

A paradigmatic example, which should be noted at this moment, is the Casa das Ardenas, headquarters of the CEIS20 Research Unit, which will undergo a significant requalification, with the objective of increasing the robustness of the surroundings, improving the working conditions for all its users.

We are a University that values and takes care of its patrimony every day, with dynamism and innovation, in order to guarantee conditions for the development of its activity in the level of excellence that is required of it!

Alfredo Dias
Vice-Rector for Heritage, Buildings and Tourism, University of Coimbra