On 23 and 24 March 2026, CETRAD hosted the 3rd International Seminar “Historical and Theoretical Foundations of Social Work in Europe (Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom): Background, Memory and Contemporary Challenges”. This event brought together researchers from various European and Latin American institutions affiliated with the international research network “Social Work in History: Social Question and Social Movements – Latin America and Europe”, including renowned international experts such as Marilda Iamamoto (Rio de Janeiro State University), Carmelita Yazbek (PUC-São Paulo), Alexandra Eiras (Federal University of Juiz de Fora), and Miguel Ángel Perelló (University of the Balearic Islands), among others. It also featured Manuel Loff (University of Porto), Inés Martínez-Herrero (UNED), Fernanda Rodrigues (Head of the Portuguese Order of Social Workers), and Carlos Hortmann (ISCTE-IUL) as invited speakers.
Drawing on perspectives from history, social work, and political economy the event aimed to foster academic debate on the historical development of Social Work, while also reflecting on contemporary challenges in the European and Latin American contexts. The opening session included institutional representatives from UTAD and the international research network, highlighting the importance of transnational scientific cooperation.
Over the two days, several thematic sessions were held. The first day focused on current socio-political and economic contexts in Europe and Latin America, as well as historical trends in Social Work in these regions. On the second day, attention turned to the presentation of preliminary research results developed by teams from Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom, concluding with a tribute to Professor Alcina Martins, the first PhD holder in Social Work in Portugal.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to plan future developments of the research network, including preparations for the 9th International Symposium of the Research Network, scheduled for September 2026 in Brazil.
This initiative reinforces the role of UTAD and its partner institutions in promoting international research networks and advancing critical knowledge in the field of Social Work and its relationship with other disciplines within critical thought.
