The new hub is meant to be built near the upcoming Alentejo Central Hospital on state-owned land granted to the university for 50 years. The competition runs until 19 April, after which a jury will select the winning proposal. Vice-rector João Nabais emphasised the project’s role in improving research and a potential Medicine course.

João Nabais has told Lusa News agency that the university is now seeking “proposals of ideas for the building” to help shape this crucial development. The selected proposal will move forward to the next phase, where the author will finalise both the architectural and execution plans. João Nabais has shared that he expects that the winning design will be revealed “approximately a month and a half” after the submission deadline.

The new Health Hub will foster collaboration between academia and healthcare. “It will create synergies with the new Alentejo Central Hospital, supporting research and teaching, particularly in the planned Medicine Course”, he explained.

The Health Hub will integrate UÉ’s São João School of Nursing and School of Health and Human Development, offering an innovative approach to health sector training. The centre is designed to address both current and future educational needs while enhancing ties with the local community and regional stakeholders.

Financed by the Alentejo 2020 program, the centre will serve 150 thousand people in Évora and 440 thousand across the Alentejo. It will complement the new Alentejo Central Hospital, which is expected to open by the first half of 2026 after several delays.

“It is a commitment by the UÉ to an innovative approach to academic training in the health sector, strengthening its relationship with the community, stakeholders and the Alentejo region”, the vice-rector stressed. The hospital, with a budget of over 200 million euros, will feature 360 beds and state-of-the-art medical facilities.