Investment in new university residences in the Azores has "strategic relevance," defends Artur Lima - Communication

Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional

The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, recognised today in Horta the "strategic importance" of providing the University of the Azores with new university residences,  ensuring "the best conditions for people and entities to conduct their research to promote the Region's development."

At the ceremony marking the laying of the foundation stone for the university residence in Horta, Faial Island, Artur Lima stressed the goal of "safeguarding the well-being of young people who find their academic home in Faial and attracting new students who regard the University of the Azores as a solid entity capable of providing a high level of education."

Given the importance of this investment, "the Regional Government decided, through the Vice-Presidency, and in conjunction with the Rector and the Rectory, to transfer the land on which this residence will be built."

"With this focus on people, the coalition Government has awarded 450 scholarships since 2021, totalling more than €1,200,000.00. This is investing in science," he continued.

Artur Lima pointed out that "since the coalition Governments took office, more has been invested in science and innovation, both in financial support and the 
necessary immaterial and material conditions, such as transferring part of the old Horta Health Centre premises to the Department of Oceanography and Fisheries."

On Monday, at the ceremony marking the laying of the first stone for the university residence in Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island, Artur Lima underlined the strengthening of the University of the Azores with the transfer of funds to cover the tripolarity costs.

"When I took office it was only 350 thousand Euros and today it is about one million Euros," he said.

"Since the XIII and XIV Governments took office, the investment in the University of the Azores has increased by more than 250%. This demonstrates clearly and unequivocally the importance of this pillar of Autonomy," he added.

Concluding his speech in the municipality of Horta, the Vice-President of the Government praised the ceremony, considering it a "moment that marks a coordinated and strategic vision of the Government for the Region's balanced development."

"This is just the first stone of this university residence. However, in the future, it will also be the foundation for the national and international scientific production conducted in the Azores," he concluded.