The Polytechnic University of Santarém has created the Chair in Longevity, Innovation and Public Policies, a pioneering structure in Portugal dedicated to applied research on aging, evaluation of social responses and support for the definition of public policies directed at the older population. The chair was instituted through Order No. 37/2026, of March 17, 2026, by the Rector of the institution.
The direction of this new structure will be assumed by Luís Jacob, a professor native to Almeirim. The project is based on the premise that longevity should not be viewed only as a demographic challenge, but also as an opportunity to develop new social, community and institutional responses.
The chair brings together the five schools of the Polytechnic University of Santarém, functioning as a bridge between scientific research and the reality of the territories. It aims to establish connections with municipalities, private social solidarity institutions and universities, among other entities relevant to the sector.
