On October 2, a delegation of 9 psychologists from the American Psychological Association (APA) visited the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences of the University of Porto (FPCEUP) to learn about the main research projects and laboratories in the field of Psychology, as well as the Center for Psychology at the University of Porto (CPUP).

APA’s visit was part of the International Learning Partner Program (ILPP), a 10-day program in which USA-based psychologists met up with Portuguese experts and debate the practice of Psychology in Portugal.

According to Amanda Clinton, Senior Director of APP’s International Relations Office, “the visit had a significant impact on the APA/ILPP delegation. Participants were impressed by the high level of research at the University of Porto and the active inclusion of post-graduate students in projects. Furthermore, the Delegation expressed a deep interest in the variety and critical nature of the topics investigated at FPCEUP”.

Clinton also identified areas for potential collaborations between the APA, its members who hold teaching positions at US universities, the University of Porto and the Order of Portuguese Psychologists (OPP).

For Pedro Nobre, Director of FPCEUP, “the visit of an APA delegation reveals the interest of the largest global organization in the field of Psychology, in learning about the best that is being done in terms of psychological research in Portugal. In addition to the visit to different Psychology laboratories and to the presentation of the main research projects developed there, it was discussed the interest of both institutions in establishing partnerships in projects of common interest in terms of education and research. This an excellent cooperation opportunity which will have an impact on FPCEUP’s establishment as a world reference institution”.