HEALING University Team

Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) is a research university characterized by a humanist vision committed to contribute to knowledge and the wellbeing of society. It is a national university with strong inter-sectoral ties to the surrounding regions in accordance with a smart development strategy. In addition to the commitment to fundamental research, the University is recognized for the social impact of its research agenda, namely in the cultural domain. UCP is going to participate with School of Arts (CITAR and CCD) and the Faculty of Education and Psychology (FEP). The Research Center for Science and Technologies of the Arts (CITAR) has been fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting theoretical and applied research in artistic production. The Digital Creativity Center (CCD), acknowledged as one of the anchor projects from the Creative Industry Cluster in Northern Portugal, is a center of competence and creative excellence with an infrastructure equipped with cutting edge technology in the areas of Digital and Interactive Arts, Computer Music, Sound Design, Audiovisual and Cinematic Arts, Computer Animation. At Research Centre for Human Development (CEDH), several national and international research projects are being developed. CEDH assumed a major role in helping the refugees: Training host institutions on Trauma and Psychological Intervention requested by the Portuguese Support Platform (PAR); Founding the Humanitarian Intervention Program PAR Frontline @ Greece with major contributions to field work; Cooperation with governmental entities and asylum services from Portugal and Greece, IOM, UNHCR, European Asylum Support Office, Jesuit Refugee Service and CARITAS Hellas for relocating persons under the Refugee Support Program; Selection and training of volunteers; Development of Psychosocial Support Program for refugee children and women; Evaluation of the Refugee Support Platform Host Program ‘PAR Families’. As a recognition for the above contributions, CEDH was invited to be part of the Board of the Refugee Support Platform (recognized by the European Parliament with the European Citizen Prize/Award).