PhD in association between Leiria Polytechnic and University of Minho represents, for the first time, the union between a polytechnic and a university, in the creation of a doctoral program.

It will be with 15 vacancies that, in the next school year, the first edition of the PhD program developed in association between the University of Minho and the Polytechnic of Leiria will start. With a duration of six semesters, this cycle of studies focuses on “Direct Digital Manufacturing for the Polymer and Mould Industries” and was approved with the maximum accreditation granted by the Higher Education Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (A3ES).

The A3ES accreditation is valid for a maximum period of six years, and the cycle of studies will be taught at the School of Engineering, at the Azurém campus, in Guimarães, and at the School of Technology and Management of the Polytechnic of Leiria. Two research centres are also involved: IPC – Instituto de Polímeros e Compósitos da Escola de Engenharia (Polymer and Composites Institute) and CDRsp – Centro para Desenvolvimento Rápido e Sustentado de Produto do Politécnico de Leiria (Centre for Rapid and Sustained Product Development of the Polytechnic of Leiria). The doctoral program also has the support of 13 companies and eight non-business institutions.

The rector of the University of Minho, Rui Vieira de Castro, highlights the joint work carried out since 1997 between the two institutions of higher education. “The joint creation of the PhD programme will allow the joint activities to be multiplied and scientific-technological results to be obtained”, adds the Rector, who considers that this cycle of studies “will certainly contribute to the valorisation of companies and regions covered by these two higher education institutions, and will also have a multiplying effect at national and international level”.

Graduates of engineering in related areas who hold a particularly relevant school or scientific curriculum, and who present a school, scientific or professional curriculum that is recognized by the Scientific Council of the School of Engineering as attesting to the ability to hold this doctorate, may apply to this cycle of studies.

News can be read here.