The year 2025 marks two milestones in the history of Universidade Católica Portuguesa: the 20th anniversary of the PhD in Nursing and the 200th doctoral defence of the programme.

The thesis that marked this moment was presented by Arminda Nunes, and titled “Promotion of a Healthy Lifestyle. Assessment of the Feasibility, Acceptability and Preliminary Effect of an Intervention for Pregnant Women in Situations of Economic Insufficiency”. The work was supervised by Prof. Doutora Alexandrina Cardoso and Prof. Doutora Margarida Vieira.

The defence took place on 24 November, a date with special significance as it coincided with the birthday of the late Prof. Doutora Margarida Vieira, a leading figure in the scientific and pedagogical development of Nursing, whose vision and dedication continue to inspire the academic community.

Over the past two decades, the PhD in Nursing has contributed to the advanced training of professionals who now excel in research, teaching and health leadership. The 200th defence reinforces the institution’s commitment to producing knowledge that improves care and responds to emerging social challenges.