José Fernandes e Fernandes
Director of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon

The recent governmental approval of the Statutes of the new University of Lisbon, the election of the representatives to the General Council and the new University Senate and the choice of the future Rector will bring to a close a remarkable and outstanding time for Portuguese Universities and for the University of Lisbon.

This is happening at difficult times for Portuguese society, and in that aspect it is a remarkable proof of the vitality of institutions, of their culture and creative energy, and of their ability to face new challenges.

Some time ago, in an article published in the daily press, I pointed out that this change is occurring at an historical moment when the public university system