The Higher Education Review

In the current era, data has become the lifeblood of organizations, serving not only as a tool for decision-making but also as a foundation for innovation. The exponential growth of data collection over the past decade has created a pressing need for individuals equipped with the skills to harness its potential.

This demand has given rise to the field of Data Science, which integrates mathematical, statistical, and computational reasoning to extract insights, develop predictive models, and drive value from data. Responding to the imperative for companies to derive value from data and overcome associated challenges, Data Science has emerged as a crucial area of focus.

One pioneering institution in this field is ISCTE-University Institute of Lisbon, which became the first university in Portugal to offer undergraduate programs in Data Science. These programs provide students with comprehensive training in various disciplines, including Mathematics, Optimization, Management, Information Management, Computer Science, Software Development, and Artificial Intelligence.

This holistic approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to diverse sectors upon entering the workforce, whether nationally or internationally.

Moreover, ISCTE fosters a supportive environment characterized by close interaction between faculty and students. This includes regular contact hours for student support and open channels of communication to facilitate engagement and collaboration. The university prides itself on a tradition of excellence in employability and maintains an open, multidisciplinary campus that encourages diverse perspectives and interactions.

In addition to its academic achievements, ISCTE has demonstrated significant improvements in international rankings, reflecting its commitment to research quality and excellence. With a history dating back to 1972, it has evolved into a reputable public university known for its strength in postgraduate studies and scientific research across five schools.

Committed to international- ization, ISCTE actively engages in collaborative projects, networks, and partnerships worldwide, including initiatives supported by the European Union.

Through these endeavors, the university upholds its mission to generate and disseminate scientific knowledge, train highly skilled professionals, and contribute to sustainable societal development.

Empowering Tomorrow's Data Innovators
The BSc in Data Science offered by ISCTE stands as the pioneering degree in the country, equipping students with the skills essential for addressing the demands of the Information Society and navigating the era of Digital Transformation. This comprehensive program encompasses the entire data cycle, from collection to analysis, training professionals with strong analytical capabilities to tackle future challenges shaped by Artificial Intelligence and automation.

Students of this undergraduate program gain proficiency in data collection, organization, and management, along with the ability to process large volumes and diverse types of data, commonly referred to as Big Data. Through rigorous training in computational and mathematical reasoning, graduates are empowered to excel in fields such as Data Mining, Machine Learning, and Intelligent Agents. Additionally, the program emphasizes the development of analytical, creative, and ethical skills, enabling graduates to extract, analyze, and communicate knowledge effectively for decision-making and innovation.

The curriculum emphasizes practical learning through individual and group projects, exposing students to real-world data challenges presented by industry experts from various sectors. This hands-on approach fosters connections between students and the research and innovation aspects of the course.

ISCTE prioritizes the enhancement of teaching staff qualifications to ensure compliance with legal requirements and accreditation standards. The institution promotes pedagogical innovation through the integration of new technologies and active participation in national and international quality networks. Quality management mechanisms, including pedagogical monitoring surveys, are employed to evaluate teaching staff performance and enhance overall satisfaction among students.

Feedback from these surveys informs improvement action plans and contributes to teachers' performance assessments and hiring decisions. Through its commitment to quality education and continuous improvement, ISCTE remains at the forefront of preparing students for success in the digital age.

Equipping Learners for Industry
ISCTE's mission revolves around three key pillars: research, teaching and learning, and societal services, all aimed at continual enhancement across various domains.

The institution boasts a highly skilled faculty adhering to international standards, fostering research, teaching, and knowledge transfer on a global scale. Through internationalization efforts, ISCTE integrates into international research and education networks, facilitating academic mobility for both faculty and students.

The institute emphasizes the dissemination and exchange of scientific and technological knowledge through services to society, internships, lifelong education, entrepreneurship promotion, and employability initiatives. It actively promotes access to cultural and scientific resources, engaging with society to address national and local challenges while forging partnerships for sustainable development.

Teaching at ISCTE prioritizes a close teacher-student relationship, fostering student-centered learning to develop reflective capacities and problem-solving skills. This approach yields impressive employability rates, with 97 percent of graduates securing employment within a year, and 89 percent engaged in roles relevant to their qualifications, including placements in large companies. The institution further supports entrepreneurial endeavors through a business incubator and entrepreneurial training hub, providing opportunities for industry interaction through internships and projects.

"Collaboration with public, private, and third-sector partners harnesses interdisciplinary expertise to generate scientific advancements and practical solutions. By leveraging synergies between academia and industry, ISCTE facilitates the emergence of a new generation of interdisciplinary contributions, driving innovation and societal progress", shares Prof. Maria de Lurdes Rodrigues, Rector.

Future Plan
ISCTE is dedicated to enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration in both teaching and research to attract researchers, scholars, and students. Its strategy revolves around fostering an organizational culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, and knowledge dissemination to society. Positioned as a pioneering university bridging various fields of knowledge, ISCTE emphasizes excellence in education, societal engagement, and close interaction among students, faculty, and researchers. With inclusivity and multidisciplinarity at its core, it merges social sciences with digital technologies and architecture in both academic instruction and research endeavors. For five decades, ISCTE has been committed to serving Portuguese society and addressing global challenges. Being part of the community means engaging in collaborative thinking to devise innovative solutions. This ethos makes ISCTE a space for growth and opportunity.