Building II of the UC Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences offers new teaching and research spaces

After extensive renovation work, the University of Coimbra (UC) inaugurated Building II of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (FPCEUC) on 25 February. Located in the Colégio de São Jerónimo, this historic building - which once housed the laundry and workshops of the old University Hospital - is now fully dedicated to the activities of FPCEUC and its Centre for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioural Intervention (CINEICC). With an investment of over two million euros, the five floors of the building have been renewed and adapted to ensure full accessibility and improved conditions for teaching and research.

FPCEUC Director Maria Paula Paixão highlighted the pride and joy felt by the academic community at the completion of this fundamental project for the institution’s future. 'This building provides new spaces that facilitate collaboration and interaction between members of the academic community,' she said, adding further that 'the enhancement and expansion of laboratory spaces will encourage dialogue between the different laboratories and promote the exchange of ideas.'

The Rector of the University of Coimbra (UC), Amílcar Falcão, stressed “the importance of this restoration, both from the point of view of cultural heritage, as part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, and in recognition of the growth of research carried out at the FPCEUC, which has contributed to a remarkable increase in scientific productivity,” he stressed.

Alfredo Dias, the UC Vice-Rector for Heritage, Buildings and Tourism, discussed the challenges of renovating the university's heritage and stressed that "we should be proud of what we've achieved, despite the many sacrifices we had to make."

"This space has enhanced both FPCEUC and the University of Coimbra, even in the context of its World Heritage status. Both the façade and the interior of the building have been improved, making it better suited to the new demands that the FPCEUC is taking on, both in terms of research and teaching," said António Gomes Ferreira, Deputy Director of the FPCEUC.

Daniel Rijo, CINEICC coordinator, highlighted the research centre's 'exponential growth' since its inception and stated that "this new space reinforces the responsibility and commitment of everyone to continue promoting the centre's development."

The intervention covered 2,023 m² and included renovating the façade, window frames, and roof and creating main entrances and recreational spaces. With the refurbishment completed, FPCEUC now has dozens of offices, classrooms, two hybrid rooms, and an amphitheatre, further strengthening its teaching and research mission at the University of Coimbra.