The Instituto Politécnico de Portalegre (IPP), through the Escola Superior de Biociências de Elvas (ESBE), is a dynamic higher education institution in southern Portugal, combining high-quality education, applied research, and strong regional engagement in the fields of agronomy and veterinary sciences. ESBE stands out for its practice-oriented training in animal production, veterinary nursing, and agricultural sciences, closely aligned with the needs of the agri-food sector. The school maintains strong links with farmers, producers, and industry stakeholders, fostering innovation and real-world impact. Research is supported by the VALORIZA research centre, which develops interdisciplinary and application-driven projects in areas such as sustainable farming systems, animal health, agroecology, and rural development. VALORIZA actively promotes knowledge transfer and international collaboration, particularly within Mediterranean contexts. Located in the Alentejo region, one of Portugal’s leading livestock production areas, ESBE benefits from direct access to extensive bovine and small ruminant systems, offering an excellent natural laboratory for research and innovation. This privileged setting enables strong expertise in livestock systems, animal health, and vector-borne diseases, particularly under climate change challenges. IPP-ESBE is a committed partner for international projects, offering a combination of scientific expertise, field capacity, and strong stakeholder integration to support impactful and innovative research.