NOVA University Lisbon, as public higher education institution, has as mission to serve the society at the local, regional and global level, through the progress and dissemination of knowledge and understanding between cultures, societies and people, by way of a teaching and research of excellence and of a provision of services based on a strong sense of community and with the following components:

• An international profile with an emphasis on second and third cycles, but founded on solid first cycles, focused on its students and providing them rigorous knowledge, creativity, critical spirit and sense of citizenship and justice that enables professional success and leadership;
• A collaborative research, responsible and internationally relevant, concentrating on interdisciplinary areas and including an investigation targeting the resolution of problems that affect society;
• A service that promotes solidarity and sustainable development in the health, economic, technological, cultural and social plans, founded in the region of Lisbon and compromised on a national and international level, dedicating special attention to the countries where the Portuguese Language is spoken;
• A wide base of interinstitutional participation, oriented to an integration of different scientific cultures with the purpose of creating innovative synergies for teaching and research.