FMUL News
Communication from Professor António Sampaio da Nóvoa
On the 15th of January last, the Chancellor of the University of Lisbon, Professor António Sampaio da Nóvoa, made a communication to the academic community of the institution, presenting the efforts that are being made at the moment and requesting the participation of all of us. He stated the importance of six points.
Reinforcement of Scientific Research
The reinforcing of scientific research is the main strategic aim of the University. At this time it is necessary to reinforce the structures of science management, preparing them for the adopting of a methodology of full-costing. He also stressed the fact that the University of Lisbon Foundation had stopped accepting new management costs for the Units and R&D, which are now handled by the Faculties and Institutes. The same orientation should be adopted by the remaining private entities (foundations and associations) that deal with the management of research funding.
The University has to be prepared for the coming decades, effectively supporting the most dynamic groups and scientists, particularly the young talented researchers. Thus scientific research should be placed at the centre of university work.
New Research Institutes
He mentioned the process of installing the new Interdisciplinary Research Institute (“Interdisciplinary Complex”). The aim is to create a space for the coming together of and scientific reflection by groups working on transversal and cutting-edge areas, in which there will be the development of inter-university PhD programmes on a Portuguese and international level, opening up new possibilities for research and post-graduate studies (“PhD school”).
He reminded the community of the importance of the Ageing Institute, directed by Dr Manuel Villaverde Cabral, an initiative which is of great interest for the University of Lisbon, brought about through a protocol agreement with the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and will be developed with the aid of the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation in partnership with the Oxford Institute of Ageing.
Strategic Areas and University Council
He recalled that at the end of last year the strategic areas and the University Council were created, the latter being a extremely important organism for institutional cohesion and the launching of joint initiatives within and outside the university. The presidents of the four strategic areas have already been designated – Professor Miguel Tamen (Arts and Humanities), Professor Joaquim Alexandre Ribeiro (Health Sciences), Professor António Pedro Barbas Homem (Juridical and Economic Sciences) and Professor João Barroso (Social Sciences).
Centre for Common Resources and Shared Services
The preparatory studies for the creation of the Centre for Common Resources and Shared Services have been completed, with Dr David Xavier being nominated as Executive Director and the publication of its statutes. The Chancellor recalled that this is a greatly important strategic measure, which allows a consolidation of the autonomy of each organic unit in its nuclear missions – research and teaching – concentrating on the support and service activities in this centre. This centre will at the same time provide indispensable support to the new Interdisciplinary Research Institute.
Prior Accreditation of New Study Cycles
The last week of December saw the prior accreditation of the new study cycles (First Degree, Integrated Masters, Masters and PhD), according to the rules proposed by the Higher Education Assessment and Accreditation Agency (A3ES). The task involved dozens of people in the Faculties and in the Chancellery, who showed great ability and dedication. The Chancellor thanked the Vice-Chancellor, Professor António Vasconcelos Tavares, and Dr Luís Pereira, who coordinated the process.
He spoke of the immediate need to start the tasks of preliminary accreditation of the current study cycles. As this is a considerably greater number of courses, this will entail a lot of work and the strict keeping to the deadlines established.
Student Ombudsman On the 10th of December 2009 there was the swearing-in of the Student Ombudsman, Professor João Sousa Lopes, whom the Chancellor thanked for accepting this task, which is of Great importance for the defence and promoting of the students’ rights and interests.
The Chancellor wishes to create greater proximity with the academic community through promoting frank and open dialogue. He ended this communication by making it available to contact him on: reitor@reitoria.ul.pt
Editorial Team
news@fm.ul.pt
Reinforcement of Scientific Research
The reinforcing of scientific research is the main strategic aim of the University. At this time it is necessary to reinforce the structures of science management, preparing them for the adopting of a methodology of full-costing. He also stressed the fact that the University of Lisbon Foundation had stopped accepting new management costs for the Units and R&D, which are now handled by the Faculties and Institutes. The same orientation should be adopted by the remaining private entities (foundations and associations) that deal with the management of research funding.
The University has to be prepared for the coming decades, effectively supporting the most dynamic groups and scientists, particularly the young talented researchers. Thus scientific research should be placed at the centre of university work.
New Research Institutes
He mentioned the process of installing the new Interdisciplinary Research Institute (“Interdisciplinary Complex”). The aim is to create a space for the coming together of and scientific reflection by groups working on transversal and cutting-edge areas, in which there will be the development of inter-university PhD programmes on a Portuguese and international level, opening up new possibilities for research and post-graduate studies (“PhD school”).
He reminded the community of the importance of the Ageing Institute, directed by Dr Manuel Villaverde Cabral, an initiative which is of great interest for the University of Lisbon, brought about through a protocol agreement with the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and will be developed with the aid of the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation in partnership with the Oxford Institute of Ageing.
Strategic Areas and University Council
He recalled that at the end of last year the strategic areas and the University Council were created, the latter being a extremely important organism for institutional cohesion and the launching of joint initiatives within and outside the university. The presidents of the four strategic areas have already been designated – Professor Miguel Tamen (Arts and Humanities), Professor Joaquim Alexandre Ribeiro (Health Sciences), Professor António Pedro Barbas Homem (Juridical and Economic Sciences) and Professor João Barroso (Social Sciences).
Centre for Common Resources and Shared Services
The preparatory studies for the creation of the Centre for Common Resources and Shared Services have been completed, with Dr David Xavier being nominated as Executive Director and the publication of its statutes. The Chancellor recalled that this is a greatly important strategic measure, which allows a consolidation of the autonomy of each organic unit in its nuclear missions – research and teaching – concentrating on the support and service activities in this centre. This centre will at the same time provide indispensable support to the new Interdisciplinary Research Institute.
Prior Accreditation of New Study Cycles
The last week of December saw the prior accreditation of the new study cycles (First Degree, Integrated Masters, Masters and PhD), according to the rules proposed by the Higher Education Assessment and Accreditation Agency (A3ES). The task involved dozens of people in the Faculties and in the Chancellery, who showed great ability and dedication. The Chancellor thanked the Vice-Chancellor, Professor António Vasconcelos Tavares, and Dr Luís Pereira, who coordinated the process.
He spoke of the immediate need to start the tasks of preliminary accreditation of the current study cycles. As this is a considerably greater number of courses, this will entail a lot of work and the strict keeping to the deadlines established.
Student Ombudsman On the 10th of December 2009 there was the swearing-in of the Student Ombudsman, Professor João Sousa Lopes, whom the Chancellor thanked for accepting this task, which is of Great importance for the defence and promoting of the students’ rights and interests.
The Chancellor wishes to create greater proximity with the academic community through promoting frank and open dialogue. He ended this communication by making it available to contact him on: reitor@reitoria.ul.pt
Editorial Team
news@fm.ul.pt
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