The UT Austin Portugal Program is pleased to announce an update to its leadership at The University of Texas at Austin.
Professor Fernanda Leite, Vice President for Research at UT Austin, has assumed the role of Principal Investigator of the UT Austin Portugal Program. Professor Emeritus John G. Ekerdt, who has played a central role in guiding the Partnership, will continue to support the Program as Co-Principal Investigator. Marco Bravo will remain the Program’s Executive Director at UT Austin.
The new appointments have been formally accepted by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology.
Fernanda Leite brings extensive experience in research leadership, international collaboration, and engineering education to her new role. As Vice President for Research at UT Austin, she helps advance the university’s research strategy and supports interdisciplinary collaboration across its academic and scientific community.
Her appointment as Principal Investigator comes as the UT Austin Portugal Program moves forward with Phase 4, strengthening cooperation between Portugal and UT Austin across research, advanced training, mobility, and technology-based innovation.
The Program also expresses its sincere appreciation to John G. Ekerdt for his longstanding leadership and continued commitment to the Partnership. His contribution has been instrumental in reinforcing institutional ties between Portugal and UT Austin and in supporting the Program’s scientific and strategic development across multiple phases.
With Fernanda Leite as Principal Investigator, John G. Ekerdt continuing as Co-Principal Investigator, and Marco Bravo leading the Program’s executive coordination at UT Austin, the updated leadership structure supports continuity while opening a new chapter in the Partnership’s development.
The corresponding changes can also be found on the Program’s Governance page.