As we approach the end of 2025, it is time to reflect on a challenging year for Católica Porto Business School, marked by the affirmation of its excellence, uniqueness and impact.

Among the main milestones, we highlight the renewal of EQUIS accreditation for five years - consolidating its position as a Triple Crown institution (EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA), the only one in the north of the country -, the launch of the first PhD programme, we entered three Financial Times top 100 rankings: Master in Management, Master in Finance, and Best European Business Schools, and the launch of a new applied research centre, the Católica Centre For Thriving Futures, a multidisciplinary initiative of UCP in Porto, also involving the Faculty of Biotechnology and the Faculty of Law School of Porto. These results reflect the committed contribution of professors, researchers, staff, students, partners and alumni, who make the School a benchmark in academic learning, research and commitment to society.

At this festive time, let us be inspired by the words of Pope Francis: "Jesus, who is born today in Bethlehem, is the gift of love that teaches us to reconcile with one another and with God, opening our hearts to the gift of peace and hope". So this Christmas, let us embrace the values we celebrate: solidarity, generosity, compassion and hope, which are especially relevant in the times we live in. May we enter the new year with renewed energy to continue building knowledge, serving society and training leaders with good purpose.

Therefore, on behalf of myself and the entire team at Católica Porto Business School, I wish you a Holy Christmas and a New Year full of achievements and confidence in the future.

João Pinto
Dean, Católica Porto Business School