Pedro Costa Gonçalves takes over as Dean of FDUC and envisions a “future-oriented” institution

Pedro Costa Gonçalves, partner at Morais Leitão, took office on 9 July as Dean of the Faculty of Law of the University of Coimbra (FDUC) for the 2025–2027 term.

A full professor and leading figure in Administrative Law and Public Regulation, he succeeds Jónatas Machado and sets out to lead the institution with a clear vision – to prepare the Faculty for the future – by balancing its historical legacy with a strong commitment to technological, methodological and pedagogical innovation.

In an interview with Diário As Beiras, Pedro Costa Gonçalves emphasised that his main priority is to mobilise the academic community and promote a culture of continuous improvement in both teaching and administrative services. He highlighted the central role of faculty and staff, calling for their active engagement to enhance the quality of education provided.

The new Dean aims to position FDUC as an institution that, while proud of its legacy, is clearly focused on the present and future. His goal is to ensure the Faculty is equipped to embrace all relevant technological and methodological innovations, without compromising the academic rigour and high standards that characterise legal education.

Concerned with the ageing of the teaching staff, he pointed to the extinction of the assistant professorship as one of the main structural barriers to rejuvenating the academic career path. He also advocated for closer ties with students as a response to dropout rates, supporting personalised follow-up and a more collaborative and inclusive academic environment.

In the field of research, he reaffirmed his commitment to excellence, ensuring that FDUC will continue to support high-quality scientific projects through the Instituto Jurídico (Legal Institute) and postgraduate centres. With around 400 active PhD students, the Faculty asserts itself as a dynamic hub for legal scholarship.

The inauguration ceremony took place yesterday in the Senate Hall of the University of Coimbra, marking a new chapter for one of the most prestigious legal education institutions in Portugal.

Read the full interview in the attachment below.

(the interview is in english only)