The Universidade NOVA de Lisboa is a dynamic public university in Lisbon, Portugal, founded in 1973. Known for its interdisciplinary research and international outlook, UNL offers diverse programs across nine schools, with a focus on addressing societal challenges and promoting sustainability. The university attracts students from around the world with courses in Portuguese and English, and plays a key role in advancing innovation, research, and global responsibility, playing a vital role in Portugal’s higher education landscape.
Maturity Mapping status (Phase 1)
One of the consortium’s most advanced pilots, with consistently strong performance across all Action Areas. NOVA already demonstrates near‑established alignment with ERA and CoARA principles, making it a benchmark institution and natural leader for peer‑learning and mentoring activities.
Main challenges for future improvement
- Refine the remaining gaps in Stability and Interoperability
- share best‑practice templates and governance models with other pilots continue to serve as a reference for what a fully RCF‑aligned institution can achieve.
Results of the first analysis for NOVA
Method: Self-assessment at the starting stage of the project. Maturity mapping and gap analysis according to 8 Action Areas.
Overall maturity score of the institution: 1.85 (on a scale 0-4)
Strengths:
- Consistently strong across all Action Areas, including Strategy, Stability, Conditions, Skills, Mobility, Assessment, Pathways, and Interoperability.
- Demonstrates advanced alignment with ERA and CoARA principles.
- Possesses established governance structures supporting continuous improvement.
Weaknesses:
- Only minor gaps remain in Stability and Interoperability relative to the overall high performance.
NOVA is the highest scoring pilot and will serve as a model for good practices. It is positioned to support other institutions through structured peer-learning and mentoring.