Artur Silva expressed his delight at the “large audience” that filled the venue, made up of members of the academic community and invited guests, highlighting it as a reflection of the University's openness to the community and society.

After being formally invested as Rector, he appointed the new Rectoral Team, comprising the Vice-Rectors Luís Filipe Castro (Quality and Communication), Mara G. Freire (Research, Innovation and Cooperation) and Sandra Soares (Education and Academic Life), as well as the Pro-Rectors Anabela G. Silva (Cooperation and Knowledge Transfer), Carlos Santos (Information Systems and Modernisation), Hugo Rodrigues (Infrastructure and Sustainability) and Susana Sardo (Culture).

In his address, Artur Silva presented his strategic vision for the coming years, advocating for a university that is closer to society, collaborative, and prepared to address the contemporary challenges of higher education, science and innovation.

He emphasised that “the challenge of the next cycle is not only to produce more knowledge, but to ensure that this knowledge addresses society's problems.” Among these, he highlighted the growing levels of anxiety and loneliness among young people, as well as the spread of misinformation. He argued that addressing today's challenges requires different fields of knowledge to work together and the strengthening of collaborative networks, stressing that the University of Aveiro is “a university without walls.”

Among the priorities set for the new term, Artur Silva highlighted the need to strengthen well-being and living conditions at the University of Aveiro, emphasising the importance of accommodation, mental health, inclusion, accessibility and social support for the academic community. “There is no academic excellence without the conditions to study, conduct research and work with dignity,” he stated.

He also committed to reducing bureaucracy and simplifying administrative processes, arguing that “institutional modernisation cannot mean adding more layers of complexity. It must mean greater quality, greater efficiency and more valuable time for people.”

He also stressed the importance of establishing the University of Aveiro as a “pedagogically distinctive” institution, prepared for the challenges of artificial intelligence, digitalisation and lifelong learning.

Concluding his speech, the new Rector assured that the University's future strategic processes would be conducted “through dialogue, participation and the strong involvement” of the academic community, advocating transparent and engaging processes for the institution's future. He expressed his determination to ensure that “everyone feels part of the process and is able to contribute,” because, after all, “no strategy will succeed without the involvement of everyone.”

Visibly moved, he ended by thanking everyone present, especially his family and those with whom he has worked throughout his career. He emphasised that he is counting on everyone's support for the journey ahead because, indeed, “together we are stronger.”

“Let's get to work,” encouraged Artur Silva.

EMHA wishes him every success in this new challenge.

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