University of Évora is strengthening its strategy to attract private investment through scientific patronage, in an approach that goes beyond social support for students. The institution has already established a partnership with a large business group to fund the creation of a new laboratory, in an estimated investment of about two million euros, according to rector António Candeias.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of a public session paying tribute to the university's patrons, held on September 14. On that occasion, António Candeias argued that Portugal is still "far short of what patronage policies should be, from a legal standpoint," adding that the laws themselves do not sufficiently value patronage.
The new partnership is part of a broader strategy by the university to diversify the areas of patronage intervention. In addition to social support, UÉvora intends to also focus on scientific patronage and cultural patronage, seeking to attract investment for research and for strategic cultural projects.
In the 2025/2026 academic year, the support of 16 patrons enabled the university to award 81 scholarships, totaling 177,470 euros, to students in situations of economic hardship, through the Student Social Support Fund of the University of Évora.