The first joint campus between universities in Portugal and Macao will be created in Hengqin, in a project aimed at strengthening academic, scientific and technological co-operation between the two territories.

The protocol for the creation of the Joint Global Campus was signed by the rectors of the University of Coimbra (UC) and Macao Polytechnic University (UPM). The new campus will be located in Hengqin, an in-depth co-operation zone between Guangdong and Macao situated in the Chinese city of Zhuhai, next to Macao.

The initiative aims to promote joint undergraduate, master's and doctoral programmes, including the awarding of academic degrees recognised in Portugal and Macao. The project also envisages the development of research activities, technological innovation, business incubation, the creation of joint laboratories, as well as the strengthening of student and researcher mobility.

According to the Portuguese Minister of Education, the new campus is expected to have a direct impact on deepening co-operation between Portugal and China in the areas of research, innovation and academic exchange.

The University of Coimbra and Macao Polytechnic University maintain a long-standing collaboration in areas such as Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, Language Sciences, Business and Commerce.

(Source: O Jornal Económico, on 10 June)