Transparent and fair systems for promoting and recognising merit: NOVA University Lisbon’s policies
Attracting and retaining talent is a key priority at CEDIS, in line with NOVA University Lisbon. As one of the first signatories of the Research Assessment Reform Agreement, a member of the Coalition for the Advancement of Research Assessment (CoARA) and the SECURE project (Sustainable Careers for Research Empowerment), NOVA is fully committed to increasing career opportunities for young researchers and implementing transparent and fair systems for promotion and recognising merit. These priorities are in line with the recent recommendations of the European Commission and the guidelines of the European Charter and Code of Conduct for Researchers (ECCR).
NOVA has recently revised policies to align with international benchmarks, particularly in evaluating researchers’ performance and granting additional incentives. These revisions aim to accommodate various research profiles and recognise diverse outputs, practices and activities (Reg. for the Evaluation of Researchers’ Performance, 6757/2023; Reg. for Additional Incentives for Researchers). The triennial performance evaluation for teaching and research staff now covers teaching, scientific research and innovation, impact, knowledge valorisation, administrative tasks and community involvement, with qualitative and quantitative indicators informing the evaluation process (Reg. for the Provision of Teaching Service, 8178/2021). In addition, teachers can assume a predominantly research-focused profile, with a teaching load of between 2-4.5 hours per week/semester, in line with the eligibility criteria of the FCT Tenure programme (Reg. for the Provision of Teaching Service, 8178/2021).
These changes are part of NOVA’s efforts to recognise exceptional merit in research through additional remuneration and to highlight innovative teaching practices that significantly impact courses in various scientific fields (Additional Incentives for Researchers; Pedagogical Innovation Award, Reg. 129/2021).
Support for scientific careers at NOVA School of Law
CEDIS has been benefiting from the various measures adopted by NOVA School of Law to support the development of scientific careers. For example, NOVA School of Law, in line with University policy, differentiates between teacher profiles, ensuring that those with a stronger research component have a teaching load of 6 hours per week. In addition, NOVA School of Law allows a substantial reduction in teaching hours, up to 2 hours per week, for professors who obtain international funding that is especially relevant to its projects. NOVA School of Law offers externally funded chairs, such as the Abreu Chair in ESG Impact and the Google Chair in Data Governance. Researchers with medium and long-term non-permanent positions can apply for a permanent position, either at the level of assistant professor or associate professor.