University of Coimbra celebrates 735 years 'on the right track'

The solemn ceremony to mark UC Day and the 735th anniversary of the University of Coimbra (UC) took place on 1 March in the Great Hall of Acts (Sala dos Capelos) and included the presentation of the University of Coimbra Prize 2025 to comedian and presenter Herman José, who, according to the Rector of the University of Coimbra (UC), Amílcar Falcão, is "undoubtedly the most prominent comedian in democratic Portugal".

"It is the greatest honour of all to be honoured by this prestigious institution, which has been a beacon of thought and knowledge for centuries," said Herman José in a speech in which he warned of "the strong winds blowing from the extreme starboard, also known as the far right, which require us more than ever to raise our voices on the port side and never allow them to pull up the anchor in this wonderful bay we've been moored in since April 1974, called Democracy".

The winner was introduced by the Director of the General Library of the University of Coimbra, Manuel Portela.

The ceremony also featured the traditional presentation of doctoral certificates to the University's new PhD graduates and a tribute to recently retired UC staff, will pay tribute to the new Emeritus Professors—an honorary title recently created to recognise UC professors and researchers for their outstanding work and achievements in the academic and scientific fields, as well as their contribution to the national and international visibility of the UC.

The University of Coimbra, now 735 years old, is "on the right track", according to the UC Rector, who listed the strengths of today's UC, from culture to research, teaching and innovation.