C1) NOVA Compliance Lab

NOVA Compliance Lab

About Us

The NOVA Compliance Lab (NCL) was established in 2019 with the objective of advancing knowledge to prevent corruption and ethical misconduct in organizations. This is achieved by elucidating the institutional and operational vulnerabilities that facilitate such deviations. Beyond conducting research in this domain, the NCL orchestrates an array of educational endeavors including training sessions, lectures, and workshops. It endeavors to cultivate a discourse among academic circles, the private and public sectors, and civil society, aiming to disseminate knowledge and foster an exchange of experiences pertinent to the Portuguese, Brazilian, and Spanish contexts, among others.

Objectives

Undertake research in the field of compliance;
Publish scholarly texts and articles concerning compliance and closely related fields;
Organize both in-person and online training courses, workshops, and seminars dedicated to compliance;
Enhance awareness of the significance of compliance, notably through the development of tools that assist enterprises in fulfilling compliance obligations;
Foster a multinational and multigenerational community that engages in discussions and promotes compliance;
Establish collaborative partnerships with entities related to promoting compliance within Portugal.

Activities

Research Activities

Project “A Whistleblowing Habitat in Southern Europe” (WiS-H) is poised to significantly contribute to the objectives of our Knowledge Center (KC) on legal and organizational compliance, especially within the ambit of Strong Institutions (SDG 16). By fostering an enabling environment for whistleblower protection in the Iberian Peninsula, the project directly supports the establishment of strong institutions, enhances peace, justice, and security, and promotes institutional governance and reform. It aligns with our KC’s mission to advance compliance and enforcement mechanisms by:

Analyzing the protection environment for whistleblowers, which is crucial for identifying gaps and strengthening compliance frameworks.
Facilitating the exchange of best practices and cooperation between relevant public authorities and civil society organizations. This collaborative approach is essential for institutional governance and reform, ensuring that legal frameworks and enforcement practices effectively support whistleblowers.
Raising awareness and understanding of reporting channels and protection measures, thereby promoting ethical conduct and compliance within organizations. This aspect supports the development of a culture of integrity and accountability, fundamental for peace, justice, and security.

The project focus on mutual learning, cooperation, and awareness-raising activities reinforces the KC’s objectives towards enhancing the rule of law and compliance standards in Portugal and Spain, with potential implications for broader European and global contexts.

Education Activities

The E-Course on “Compliance for Preventing Corruption” has successfully completed five editions. Additionally, the inaugural edition of the postgraduate course on Compliance for Preventing Corruption has been launched. Organized by Jurisnova and NOVA Compliance Lab.

Outreach Activities

Collaboration with the Fraternidade Humanitária Internacional, an international non-governmental organization, to assist in the remodeling of its Code of Conduct (2019).

Highlights in Outputs and Impact

Outputs

In December 2020, the book titled “Compliance y lucha contra la corrupción en España, Portugal e Iberoamérica” was released by Editora Dykinson (Spain). This scholarly work, guided by Professors Frederico de Lacerda da Costa Pinto, Francisco Pereira Coutinho from NOVA School of Law, and Ignacio Lledó Benito from Universidad de Sevilla, was coordinated by Julia María Gracia de Castro, Patrick de Pitta Simões from NOVA School of Law, and Borja Pareja García. The book delves into the field of Compliance, featuring contributions from seasoned professionals across Spain, Portugal, and Latin America.

The NCL also maintains a blog on its website, which features regular posts from its members.