The CMU Portugal Program ‘s Board of Directors (BoD) held its annual meeting on November 5th, 2025. The meeting took place in a hybrid format, at the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) facilities in Lisbon.Â
The BoD plays a central role in the governance of CMU Portugal. Its stakeholders include FCT, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities, and industry representatives. Chaired by FCT President, the BoD is responsible for overseeing policies, approving the annual plan of activities, and allocating budget for the national coordination of the partnership.
CMU Portugal governance, the stakeholders include FCT, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities, and industry representatives. Chaired by FCT President, the BoD is responsible for overseeing policies, approving the annual plan of activities, and allocating budget for the national coordination of the partnership. Â
This year ‘s meeting was attended in person by BoD Chair, Madalena Alves (FCT), while Isabel Capeloa Gil (Rector, Universidade Católica Portuguesa), James H. Garrett (Provost, CMU), and Franz Franchetti (Associate Dean for Research, College of Engineering) participated remotely. CMU Portugal Program Directors Inês Lynce and João Magalhães (National Co-directors) were present in person, and José M. F. Moura (CMU Director) joined remotely; all served as non-voting ex-officio members of the Program Board. Observers of the meeting included Ana Reis and Ana Quartin (FCT representatives, in person), Megan Berty (Associate Director, CMU, remote), and SÃlvia Castro (Executive Director, in person).
This was the first BoD meeting of the IV phase of the program, and the session focused on strengthening the collaboration between Portugal and CMU as the program enters its fourth phase (2025–2030).Â
During the meeting, CMU Portugal Directors presented the progress report, highlighting achievements from CMU Portugal’s 2024–2025 activities, including advancements in research, education, and innovation. They also formally endorsed the CMU Portugal 2026 activity plan and national budget. Looking ahead, members engaged in an open discussion on priorities for the next five years, reaffirming the program’s commitment to cutting-edge research and strong industry collaboration.Â
FCT’ President and Chair of the Boar, Madalena Alves, also presented to the board the new governance model that will be implemented in CMU Portugal fourth phase, including the e
stablishment of a new mission structure that is expected to take office in 2026.Â
The mission structure will be chaired by José Manuel Mendonça from Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto and will involve various governmental areas, aimed at promoting these partnerships and maximizing their impact for Portugal.