Previous annoucements

Order D/58/2021

Considering the Recommendation to Scientific and Higher Education Institutions in the context of extraordinary measures of the state of calamity, issued by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education on 25 November 2021, under the powers conferred on me under the terms of paragraph y) of article 55 of the Statutes of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, published in annex to Order No. 11913/2021, of 2 December, I hereby determine that:

in the week of 3 to 7 January 2022, the theoretical and theoretical-practical lessons are delivered remotely;
the practical laboratory lessons, scheduled for the week of 3 to 7 January 2022, be postponed to the following week, 10 to 14 January, with the exception of lessons for which assessments are scheduled.

The evaluations foreseen in the Exams Calendar will not be changed and will continue to be carried out face-to-face.

Considering, also, the need to redefine the operating measures for the current academic year, I approve the 12th update of the Faculty's Contingency Plan - COVID-19, which makes changes taking into account the evolution of the pandemic situation, namely:

restricting all public events that are not directly integrated in academic activities (as is the case of some seminars);
authorisation is required for coffee-breaks, which may only take place outdoors;
suspension of all public events that are already scheduled - those responsible must reapply for authorisation.

Faculdade de Ciências, 7 December 2021

Jorge Maia Alves

Subdirector

Order D/50/2021

Considering the gradual strategy of lifting measures to fight the COVID-19 pandemic at a national level, I approve the 11th update of the Faculty's Contingency Plan - COVID-19, which adopts the necessary measures regarding the preparation for the return to normality in the academic year 2021/22.

The lifting of all restrictions associated with COVID-19, except for the measures listed below, are a priority in preparation for the return to normality in the 2021/22 school year:

the obligation of permanent use of mask in closed spaces of the Faculty, except for lecturers in class and speakers, if it is possible to maintain 2m of distance from the students or audience during the class/session;
compliance with general preventive measures, namely hygiene and cleanliness of premises, hygiene and disinfection of hands and respiratory etiquette;
the possibility of rapid testing for SARS-CoV-2 for teaching staff, researchers, non-teaching staff and students, in articulation with the ULisboa testing programme;
the monitoring of the specific measures for the prevention and control of the transmission of COVID-19 still in place;
the permanent evaluation of the effectiveness of the measures, reviewing or adapting them, whenever necessary, according to the global and local evolution of the pandemic and the indications of the competent authorities.

The 11th update of the Faculty's Contingency Plan - COVID-19 comes into force on this date, replacing in its entirety the previous versions of the Faculty's COVID-19 Contingency Plan.

These measures remain in force until further notice and will be adjusted as the situation evolves.

Faculdade de Ciências, 22 October 2021

Luís Carriço

Dean

Announcement (12/10/2021)

Dear Faculty Members,

Following the lifting of the restrictive measures related to COVID-19 and the Order 177/2021 of the Dean of the University of Lisbon (6 October 2021), the Faculty Board clarifies that the general principles that guide the lifting of the restrictions associated with COVID-19 and the resumption of classroom activities at the Faculty are those contained in the Contingency Plan in force, with emphasis on the following:

The mandatory wearing of masks to access or remain inside the buildings of the Faculty campuses, with the exceptions provided for in the Contingency Plan in force;
The end of restrictions on space capacity;
The availability of the rapid testing programme at the University of Lisbon Medical Centre to the Faculty members;
The carrying out of work in person, regardless of whether telework is adopted in specific situations, namely for workers, through medical certification, who are covered by the exceptional regime of protection for people with immunosuppression conditions, under the terms of article 25-A of Decree-Law no. 10-A/2020, of 13 March, in its current wording;
The attendance of the service units is done, whenever possible, by non-face-to-face communication methods, using the disclosed contacts. When face-to-face service is required, it is recommended that an appointment is made in advance for the respective service.

The Faculty Board

Order D/42/2021

Considering the academic calendar for 2021/2022; the absence of specific references by the competent entities for the operation of higher education institutions in the 2021/22 school year and the need to define operation measures for the beginning of the 2021/22 school year in the Faculty of Sciences, I approve the 10th update of the Faculty's Contingency Plan - COVID-19, which adopts the necessary measures regarding the return to in-person activities.

These are priorities for the 2021/22 school year:

the resumption of face-to-face activities in the Faculty, maintaining the obligation to wear a mask in the premises at all times and to comply with general prevention measures, namely hygiene and cleanliness of the premises, hygiene and disinfection of hands and respiratory etiquette;
make rapid testing for SARS-CoV-2 available to teaching staff, researchers, non-teaching staff and students, in articulation with the ULisboa testing programme;
maintain and monitor practical measures to prevent and control the transmission of COVID-19;
carry out a continuous evaluation of the effectiveness of the measures, reviewing or adapting them, as necessary, according to the global and local evolution of the pandemic and the indications of the competent authorities.

This COVID-19 Contingency Plan - 10th update comes into force on this date, fully replacing the previous versions of the Faculty's Contingency Plan - COVID-19.

These measures will remain in force until further notice and will be adjusted as the situation develops.

Faculdade de Ciências, 8 September 2021

Luís Carriço

Dean

Announcement (31/08/2021)

Dear Colleagues,

Although we have not yet received official information, everything points to the next academic year starting within the normality that we knew until December 2019. That is, it is expected that on 13 September we will return to face-to-face teaching, without restrictions on occupying spaces but still with the remaining measures in place (hand hygiene, mask use, ...). This message, which we all hope will be the last on this subject, draws your attention to some particular aspects of the return to the "old" normality.

1. (Re)adaptation of students

The return will be a time of readjustment for teachers but also for students. Some of the students are very worn out after a very long academic year and are also in a situation of emotional and psychological vulnerability, being a group at risk of burnout.Here are some suggestions and reminders prepared by the Office for Psychopedagogical Support in Science (GAPsi), which has been monitoring the impact of the pandemic with studies on a significant proportion of the population (the full reports can be consulted, starting tomorrow, on the page https://ciencias.ulisboa.pt/estudos-impacto-confinamento):

The length of time some students will be able to maintain attention in class may be shortened compared to pre-pandemic levels. The tendency will be for a greater drive to seek distraction activities. To address this trend, it is suggested:
- To take short breaks during the lesson (2/3 minutes), just so the students can assume that they are not focused. After a short break it is easier to regain the full attention of the audience;
- To incorporate activities into classes, as the totally expository method favours a loss of focus;
- When planning classes, consider alternating ways of passing on information. Each time the means of passing information changes, there is a natural grabbing of attention (e.g. incorporating videos or asking to read documents using personal phones);
- Try to increase students' involvement in classes - for example, giving them the opportunity to choose content to be explored in more depth.
In order to fight burnout and the vulnerability in which many students find themselves, it is suggested:
- To plan the classes and the work to be developed throughout the semester so that the most valued dimension is quality rather than quantity, avoiding overload of work. Along the same lines, helping students to prioritise essential work;
- Conducting short accessible assessments, such as diagnostic forms or quizzes, that promote early success experiences and engage the student in the curricular unit.

Generally speaking, teachers and coordinators of study cycles should be alert to some indicators, such as the absence of compulsory practical classes, the non-delivery of assignments or other signs that may indicate that something is happening to the student. In these cases, a discreet and individualised approach should be made in order to understand if there is any situation of vulnerability, equating the referral of the student to GAPsi.

2. Reuse of contents and teaching strategies

The pandemic forced us to investigate and implement alternative teaching, learning and assessment strategies and create new teaching resources. The excellent work done and much time spent during the pandemic can and should now be capitalised on and continued to improve the quality of classroom teaching.

There is no reason why watching videos, reading scientific articles or book chapters or many other developed strategies should not remain as part of the reinvention of the concept of "contact hours", especially of the theoretical classes. At the end of next week (coinciding with the end of the enrolment period) a message will be sent to students that will reinforce the fundamental role that autonomous work will play in their academic success.

In face-to-face classes, the tools we used to keep students on their toes in distance learning can continue to be used. It is still beneficial to incorporate more technology and interactivity in the management of classes, making them more dynamic. For example, by using Kahoot for online quizzes or other platforms that promote interactivity.

In assessment, the use of Moodle has proved to be an excellent way of reducing the effort of teachers, with important environmental gains resulting from the reduction of paper consumption. With Moodle, it is possible to take tests with different levels of restriction - the instructions are available online (access only from the Faculty of Sciences or by VPN).

3. Testing

To date, we have no indication of any mandatory testing measures or restrictions to be applied at the beginning of the school year. Excluding any changes that may be necessary depending on the evolution of the pandemic situation, we will not resume the rapid testing programme at the Faculty of Sciences at the opening of the 2021/22 school year. The rapid testing programme will continue at the University of Lisbon Medical Centre, as follows:

Medical Centre at University Campus: Wednesdays and Fridays, between 9am and 1pm, starting 8 September 2021;
Medical Centre at Ajuda Campus: Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 9am and 1pm, starting 7 September 2021.

Rapid Antigen Tests will be maintained, with the possibility of repeating the sample for PCR testing, at the premises of the Faculty of Pharmacy, in case of positive results in the rapid tests. Registration for testing in these centres is done by email (covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt).

4. Training and Support

The Faculty Board has been promoting a set of pedagogical training actions of very short duration (4h) that address pedagogical innovation and encouraging autonomous work by students. The next ones are planned for January/February 2022. As always they will be announced first in the mailing list created for this purpose and that is of free registration and only if there are vacancies, for the general community.

The Moodle support page for distance learning is inactive but the forums continue to be monitored. Availability to support the use of new tools is maintained and further sharing of experiences is encouraged.

The Faculty Board wishes you all an excellent academic year 2021/2022.

Announcement (31/05/2021)

Rapid Testing Programme | Collection Centre (timetable correction)

Following the information provided last Friday, regarding the timetable of the Collection Centre of the Rapid Testing Programme, it is informed that the opening hours have undergone the following corrections:

Mondays, running in the morning and in the afternoon, not only in the morning;
Thursday mornings rather than afternoons.

Thus, from tomorrow, 1st June, the Collection Centre will operate with the following timetable:

Mondays: 9 am - 12.30pm | 2 pm - 5.30pm
Thursdays: 9 am - 12.30 pm

For further information, please refer to Rapid Testing Programme.

The Faculty Board

Announcement (28/05/2021)

Rapid Testing Programme | Collection Centre (timetable change)

Faculty members are informed that as of 1st June, the Collection Centre of the Rapid Testing Programme will operate with the following opening hours:

Mondays: 9 am - 12.30 pm
Thursdays: 2 pm - 5.30 pm

It is also informed that the operation without prior appointment is maintained, by direct admission of users to the collection centre.

For further information, please refer to Rapid Testing Programme.

The Faculty Board

Announcement (11/05/2021)

Dear students,

(With copy to all teachers)

In anticipation of the (long) exam season ahead, we are sending you the following set of recommendations for the preparation and conduct of exams, which do not forget the restrictions still imposed by the pandemic. At this moment, the Faculty has an unblemished record of contagion in the school environment and the collaboration of all is essential to maintain this result that should make us all proud.

1. Safety conditions for the exams

Inside the buildings only air extraction is taking place, which generates some thermal discomfort that cannot be avoided. For the same reason, the doors should remain open.

The hygienic plan ensures that all room seating will be disinfected between exams. During exams, teachers will use whatever criteria they choose to seat students, ignoring any signs in the rooms. The criteria adopted will necessarily be equal or stronger than those dictated by the Directorate General of Health (DGS), which imposes a minimum of one place between every two students, and all rows may be occupied.

All students must perform COVID tests every fortnight, for which they can use the free testing program of ULisboa. To do so, just go to the C4 building at the indicated times.

2. Exam absences for COVID related reasons

Students who are unable to attend an examination due to compulsory confinement must state the situation to the e-mail covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt, indicating the necessary information for COVID case management:

Full name, category, employee/student number, institutional e-mail, mobile phone number, National Health Service user number (or, in the case of foreign citizens, identification document number) and postal code of current residence address;
The last day you were in person at the Faculty;
The corresponding proof of isolation issued by the health entities (in the case of access credentials to prophylactic isolation declarations, it is necessary, in addition to the declaration access code, to send the date of birth and Social Security number);
Name and contact details of people (Faculty members) with whom you have been without a mask (including during meals), at a distance of less than 2 metres and cumulatively for 15 minutes or more in the reporting period:
- If you are confirmed to be infected with COVID-19, the reference period is the 72 hours before the onset of symptoms or the date of testing in asymptomatic cases;
- If you have had high-risk contact with a confirmed case, the reference period is the period between the date when the contact occurred and the date you started isolation or the date you became aware of the positive test from the confirmed case.

They should also indicate which exams (date and name of curricular unit) they will not be able to attend. After sending the complete information to the e-mail covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt, they must contact the teacher of the curricular unit to schedule a new date for the assessment exam.

Teachers will be informed by the Academic Unit of all situations of compulsory confinement communicated by students to the e-mail covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt. After being contacted by the student, they should provide an alternative assessment test on a date when the students are able to perform it (after medical discharge or the end of the isolation period, as appropriate).

3. Student distribution across rooms

To avoid crowding at the entrance of the room(s), students should wait outside the building until a few minutes before the start of the examination and have their identification document readily available.

The day before they should check the curricular unit's page and e-mail, since many teachers will publish maps of students' distribution by rooms. To make the distribution easier, students are asked to register for the exams as early as possible.

4. Storage of belongings

The material to be taken to the examination should be as little as possible in order to avoid creating deposits of belongings (coats, backpacks, etc.) during the examination and thus touching other people's objects.

5. Exams at C3

On an experimental basis, the amphitheatres of C3 will remain open during the entire 1st season of the 2nd semester. Whenever the amphitheatres are being used for examinations of different curricular units, a virtual barrier will be maintained between the rooms and it will not be possible to pass beyond the room where the examination is being held. Noise will necessarily be kept to a minimum at all times, including when handing in the examination papers. All students must proceed to the outside of the building as soon as they hand in their examination papers.

Circulation paths inside the C3 building

In order to reduce the concentration of students at the entrance and exit, circulation circuits have been defined for the C3 building. Thus, the entrance of students for the exams taking place in the amphitheatres 3.2.13, 3.2.15 and 3.2.16 will be through the doors on the upper floor (floor 3). The entrance to 3.2.14 will be through the side entrances (near the washrooms) of the amphitheatre. The attached figures show these circuits. The exit from all amphitheatres will be through the central entrances. Students will not be allowed to remain inside the building after the exam is over.

6. Performing examinations on computers

The computer rooms follow the same rules as the others in terms of space limitation, ventilation and hygiene. Students may bring their own keyboard and mouse, thus reducing contact surfaces.

7. Further questions

The address covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt is still available to clarify doubts and support all teachers and students.

On behalf of the Faculty Board,
Hugo Miranda

Announcement (08/05/2021)

Dear members of Ciências ULisboa,

Considering the exam registration calendar, it will not be feasible to call students for prior booking of the COVID test. Therefore, from Monday, 10 May onwards, the Testing Programme will operate without prior booking, by direct admission of users at the collection point (in building C4, atrium of the Library), during the opening hours specified on the rapid testing programme page.

Limiting the spread of COVID through early detection of cases is critical to the safety of the entire Faculty community, so students and faculty members should be tested before their first examination and regularly every fortnight thereafter. The testing program is still available to other Faculty members who carry out R&D activities or other activities in a face-to-face or mixed regime, working also in a direct admission regime and with a recommended fortnightly testing.

For further information, please contact covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt.

Order D/17/2021

Considering the controlled deconfinement measures defined by the Government, namely the Recommendation to scientific and higher education institutions in the context of the controlled deconfinement measures defined by the Government, of 11 March 2021 and the statement regarding the Implementation of a screening strategy in the resumption of classroom activities in scientific and higher education institutions in conjunction with the Portuguese Red Cross: "CVP Testing Programme - Higher Education", of 19 March 2021, both from the Office of the Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education; after hearing the Governance Bodies and the Safety, Health and Sustainability Office, I approve the 9th update of the Faculty's Contingency Plan - COVID-19, which adopts the necessary measures relative to the teaching practice, should the third phase of the deconfinement plan foreseen in the Resolution of the Council of Ministers no. 19/2021, of 13 March 2021, be confirmed by the competent entities.

These are priorities, as of 19 April 2021:

allow, under safe conditions, the carrying out of practical classes of certain curricular units, listed in the contingency plan, with the field experimentation component, or laboratory and face-to-face evaluation tests foreseen in the examination calendar;
maintain all other teaching activities using non-contact teaching, namely theoretical, theoretical-practical and practical lessons without a component of field or laboratory experimentation;
provide, in the Faculty Campus, conditions for rapid testing for SARS-CoV-2 for teachers, researchers, non-teaching staff and students who develop their activity in person, according to the updated information available at https://ciencias.ulisboa.pt/programa-de-testagem-rapida;
maintain in teleworking regime all the functions compatible with this regime;
keep rotation schedules of workers between face-to-face work and teleworking or differentiated entry and exit times, for the functions that cannot be carried out in a teleworking regime, in order to maintain the physical distance in the work spaces;
maintain the limitation of in-person R&D activities to those that cannot be carried out in a teleworking regime, nor postponed;
keep and monitor practical measures to prevent and control the transmission of COVID-19 in all non-enclosed spaces;
carry out a permanent evaluation of the effectiveness of the measures, reviewing or adapting them, whenever necessary, according to the global and local evolution of the pandemic and the instructions of the competent authorities.

This COVID-19 Contingency Plan - 9th update comes into force on 19 April 2021, if the entry into the third phase of the deconfinement plan foreseen in the Resolution of the Council of Ministers no. 19/2021, of 13 March 2021 is confirmed - then it will replace the previous versions of the COVID-19 Contingency Plan.

These measures will remain in force until further notice and will be adjusted as the situation develops.

Faculdade de Ciências, 13 April 2021

Luís Carriço

Dean

Order D/7/2021

Considering the worsening of the pandemic situation and following the Order D/5/2021 of 25 January, the Recommendation to scientific and higher education institutions in the context of extraordinary measures of the state of emergency, of 21 January, of the Office of the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education and the Order of the Rector no. 15/2021, of 21 January, concerning the Recommendations on the adaptation of the activities developed at the University of Lisbon in the context of extraordinary measures of the state of emergency; after hearing the Governance Bodies and the Safety, Health and Sustainability Office, I approve the 8th update of the Faculty's Contingency Plan - COVID-19, which takes the necessary measures for the start of the 2nd semester of 2020/2021 using only face-to-face teaching.

These are priorities for the start of the 2nd semester of 2020/2021:

using only face-to-face teaching until determined otherwise;
reorganise the planning of the UCs, by those responsible for them, so that classes requiring face-to-face teaching (laboratory, field trips, etc.) are concentrated at the end of the semester, and a contingency plan should be drawn up to deal with any eventual impossibility of carrying them out in person;
employ methods of continuous assessment in UCs with a number equal to or less than fifty students, and that, whenever possible, this continuous assessment replaces the final examination, and for this purpose the teachers responsible should draw up a plan of continuous assessment that should be approved by the coordinator of the cycle of studies;
keep all functions compatible with teleworking;
maintain scales of worker rotation between face-to-face work and teleworking or different times of entry and exit, for those functions that cannot be performed by teleworking, in order to maintain physical distance in work spaces;
keep the limitation of in-person R&D activities to those that cannot be carried out by teleworking or postponed;
maintain and monitor specific measures to prevent and control the transmission of COVID-19 in all non-enclosed spaces;
carry out an ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of the measures, reviewing them or adapting them, where necessary, in accordance with global and local developments in the pandemic and directions from the authorities.

This 8th update of the Contingency Plan COVID-19 fully replaces the previous versions of the Contingency Plan COVID-19 in Ciências ULisboa.

These measures will remain in force until further notice and will be adjusted as the situation develops.

Faculdade de Ciências, 10 February 2021

Luís Carriço

Dean

Order D/5/2021

Considering the Recommendation to scientific and higher education institutions in the context of extraordinary measures of the state of emergency, of 21 January, of the Office of the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education and the Order of the Rector no. 15/2021, of 21 January, concerning the Recommendations on the adaptation of the activities developed at the University of Lisbon in the context of extraordinary measures of the state of emergency:

1. I approve the amendments to the academic calendar, as set out in the Annex to this Order, after hearing the Teaching and Scientific Boards.

2. I maintain my determination to suspend face-to-face evaluation activities, calling for the continuation of as many evaluations as possible scheduled for the first half of the year, using alternative methods, in scrupulous compliance with the Rector's recommendations set out in his above-mentioned order,

«When, through remote evaluation, the reliability of evaluation processes can be guaranteed, this methodology will be adopted. For example, exams with a small number of students, individual oral exams, project presentations and discussions, monographs or computer programs can be carried out at a distance with a video camera on and ensuring their reliability.»

3. I determine that, according to the above mentioned Order, for students of the University of Lisbon under mobility programmes, evaluation processes and dates should be adopted adapted both to their needs of return to their country of origin (foreign students who attended UCs at FCUL in the first semester) and of stay abroad (FCUL students with mobility planned for the second semester).

4. I determine that the discussion of theses and dissertations, already scheduled or to be scheduled, take place remotely. In the absence of an agreement to do so, these discussions will be postponed until the situation allows them to take place in person.

5. I determine that the second semester should begin exclusively with the use of non face-to-face teaching, and that it should remain under this regime until determined otherwise, so that those in charge of the UCs should reorganise their planning so that classes requiring face-to-face teaching (laboratory, field trips, etc.) are concentrated at the end of the semester, and should nevertheless define a contingency plan to deal with any impossibility of conducting them in person.

6. In line with the recommendations of the Teaching Board, I recommend that, during the 2nd semester, methods of continuous assessment should be adopted in UCs with a number of fifty students or less, and that, whenever possible, this continuous assessment should replace the final examination, and for this purpose the teachers responsible should draw up a plan of continuous assessment which should be approved by the coordinator of the cycle of studies.

These measures are in force until further notice, will be adjusted in the light of developments and complement those contained in Order D/4/2021.

Faculdade de Ciências, 25 January 2021

Luís Carriço

Dean

7th update of the Faculty's Contingency Plan - COVID-19: Rectification statement (25/01/2021)

Since the 7th update of the Faculty's Contingency Plan - COVID-19, of 22 January 2021, which reinforces the restrictions and conditions to face-to-face activity, was published with inaccuracy, it is rectified that:

In Chapter 3. Definição de prioridades (page 7)

Where it reads:

«Contribuir para diminuir contágios, suspendendo as atividades de avaliação;»

it should read:

«Contribuir para diminuir contágios, suspendendo as atividades de avaliação presenciais;»

In Chapter 4. Restrições e condicionamentos (page 9)

Where it reads:

“1. Todas as atividades de avaliação com efeitos a partir de dia 22 de janeiro de 2021 (inclusive). As medidas de mitigação do impacto desta decisão nas atividades académicas, definidas pela Direção e pelo Conselho Pedagógico, são comunicadas a toda a comunidade e disponibilizadas no portal de Ciências.”

it should read:

“1. Todas as atividades de avaliação presenciais com efeitos a partir de dia 22 de janeiro de 2021 (inclusive). As medidas de mitigação do impacto desta decisão nas atividades académicas, definidas pela Direção e pelo Conselho Pedagógico, são comunicadas a toda a comunidade e disponibilizadas no portal de Ciências.”

In Chapter 5. Resposta ao agravamento da situação pandémica (page 10)

Where it reads:

“Suspendem-se as atividades de avaliação e limitam-se as atividades presenciais de I&D às que não podem ser realizadas em regime de teletrabalho nem adiadas, mantendo-se em vigor medidas concretas que contribuem para minimizar a propagação do vírus nas atividades presenciais em Ciências.”

it should read:

“Suspendem-se as atividades de avaliação presenciais e limitam-se as atividades presenciais de I&D às que não podem ser realizadas em regime de teletrabalho nem adiadas, mantendo-se em vigor medidas concretas que contribuem para minimizar a propagação do vírus nas atividades presenciais em Ciências.”

Order D/4/2021

Considering:

a) the Decree no. 3-C/2021 of 22 January, amending the regulations on the state of emergency declared by Decree of the President of the Republic no. 6-B/2021 of 13 January, in force until 23:59 on 30 January;
b) the Recommendation to scientific and higher education institutions in the context of extraordinary measures of the state of emergency, of 21 January, of the Office of the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education and the Order of the Rector no. 15/2021, of 21 January, concerning the Recommendations on the adaptation of the activities developed at the University of Lisbon in the context of extraordinary measures of the state of emergency;

after hearing the Governance Bodies and the Safety, Health and Sustainability Office, I approve the 7th update of the Faculty's Contingency Plan - COVID-19, which reinforces the restrictions and constraints on face-to-face activity.

The following measures are of particular importance:

Face-to-face assessment activities are suspended.
Presential R&D activities, and support activities in general, are limited to those which cannot be carried out by teleworking or postponed.
Access to buildings is made exclusively through the use of a card, or a specially issued authorisation, except for the C3 building, which is closed.
Reading rooms of the Libraries are closed - the service of requesting and delivering publications to the Central Library remains operational by appointment.
Work schedules are adopted between face-to-face work and teleworking, or differentiated entry and exit times, for those functions that cannot be performed by teleworking, in order to maintain physical distance in the work spaces.
Attendance in the service units is carried out, whenever possible, by non-presential means of communication, using the available contacts. When indispensable, the face-to-face service is made by prior appointment for the respective service. Exceptionally, services of attendance are maintained without previous appointment in the Correspondence Centre (C5 building), and in the Entrances of C8 building and of Tec Labs ordinance, for the reception and delivery of packages and other mail.
Field trips are limited to those that cannot be postponed and require prior authorisation as stipulated in the contingency plan.
External visitors to ULisboa, including students, are restricted to participating in acts that cannot be performed by videoconference and to indispensable and unavoidable interactions, expressly authorized on a case-by-case basis by the Faculty Dean.
All meetings are held by videoconference.

These measures are in force until further notice and will be adjusted in the light of developments and the adoption of the new academic calendar.

Faculdade de Ciências, 22 January 2021

Luís Carriço

Dean

Order D/3/2021

Considering the evolution of the pandemic situation and the consequent governmental determinations, as well as those resulting from the meeting of the Coordinating Council of the University of Lisbon held today, I determine the immediate suspension of the assessment activities and the respective postponement of the examination period, to take place in a period to be defined.

The Faculty Board and the Education Board are seeking solutions that minimise the impact of this situation on academic activities that will be communicated as soon as possible.

Faculdade de Ciências, 21 January 2021

Luís Carriço

Dean

Order D/1/2021

Considering:

a) the Decree no. 3-A/2021 of 14 January regulating the renewal of the state of emergency declared by the Decree of the President of the Republic no. 6 -B/2021 of 13 January, in force until 23:59 on 30 January;
b) the recommendation to scientific and higher education institutions in the context of extraordinary emergency measures of 14/1/2021 of the Office of the Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education;

after hearing the Governance Bodies and the Safety, Health and Sustainability Office, I approve the 6th update of the Faculty's Contingency Plan - COVID-19, which maintains several restrictions and conditions and reinforces the protection measures that allow the basic principles on which the guidelines for the continuity of the 2020/2021 school year are based to be met. To this end:

Ciências, as an Organic Unit of a Higher Education Institution, maintains its operation, with face-to-face activities of teaching, research and support to these activities, in the same way as the current semester.
Teleworking regime is adopted whenever the functions allow it without jeopardizing the face-to-face operation of teaching, research and support activities in Ciências.
Exams remain in person. Absences on the dates set out in the compulsory confinement examination schedule will be dealt with in the 6th update of the COVID-19 Contingency Plan.
The academic community should strengthen the general measures to prevent and control the transmission of COVID-19 by promoting adequate physical distance and avoiding the concentration of people either inside or outside the premises.
The use of correctly placed masks remains mandatory in the Faculty's facilities.
It is not necessary to issue declarations for travel by students and workers, within the framework of their academic and/or professional activities, on working days or weekends, as these are considered authorised travel exceptions.
Restaurants and similar establishments on campus are only allowed to operate on a take-away basis.

Faculdade de Ciências, 15 January 2021

Luís Carriço

Dean

Reminder (08/01/2021)

Dear Students,

We remind you of the need, now more than ever, and in particular at the entrance of exams, to comply with and help enforce the safety rules (use of masks and social distancing) determined by the DGS.

We also inform you that in the examination rooms, the "Guidelines for Teaching and Non Teaching Activities in Scientific and Higher Education Institutions for the academic year 2020/21", issued by DGES and DGS, are being followed, and reinforced in the announcement of the Office of the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education of 4th August 2020.

The Faculty Board

Clarification (07/01/2021)

Dear Students, Dear Colleagues,

The Faculty Board has received requests for clarification on situations where students, either because they are with COVID or because they are in prophylactic isolation, cannot take one or more exams.

1. The Faculty Board informs that the students:

Must report to covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt the situation of mandatory confinement, accompanied by the information contained in the Announcement of 15 October 2020;
In the same message, they must send the proof of isolation issued by the health authorities (in the case of credentials for access to prophylactic isolation statements, the date of birth and the Social Security number must be sent in addition to the declaration access code);
They must also specify which exams they will not be able to attend (example: date: zz-zz-2021, correct UC designation "xxxxxx");
After sending the complete information mentioned above to the e-mail covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt, they should contact the teacher of the curricular unit for the purpose of scheduling a new date for the assessment test;

2. The Faculty Board informs that the teachers responsible for the curricular units:

Will be notified by the Academic Unit of all mandatory confinement situations reported by students to covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt;
After being contacted by the student(s), they should provide an alternative assessment test on a date on which students can take it (after medical discharge or the end of the isolation period, as appropriate).

The Faculty Board

Announcement (19/11/2020)

2nd round of COVID-19 tests

The Announcement of 15 October 2020 made public the possibility of self-proposing for the diagnostic test for infection by SARS-CoV-2, in the scope of the 2nd phase of diagnostic tests promoted by the University of Lisbon, through the expression of interest by filling in a form available for this purpose.

Considering that only about 1/6 of the Faculty members have volunteered for the diagnostic test, the remaining members of Ciências are informed that the form for the diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 infection has been reopened until 26 November.

The coordination of testing remains the responsibility of the ULisboa Medical Centre, which requests the following information:

The testing universe that includes this 2nd phase is not compatible with appointments taking into account personal availability. It is not possible to meet requests for changes in times and dates, as well as requests for appointments at specific dates and times. Consequently, the greatest personal flexibility is requested in accepting the scheduled date and time;
The call to the tests will consider 3 states after submission:
- Accepted, when the specific action of acceptance exists;
- Rejected, when there is a specific action of non acceptance. If presence at the scheduled date and time is impossible to accept, the rejection option must be activated. In these cases, the person who has rejected will be considered in a future process;
- Not Confirmed, by default and when no specific action exists. The person who does not accept or rejects a call will be considered in new calls.

The Faculty Board

Announcement (18/11/2020)

Dear members of Ciências ULisboa,

An information page on confirmed cases, high risk contacts and number of diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection proposed by Ciências is available on the Faculty's webpage, as part of ULisboa's urgent case testing programme.

This page, called Situation report (only available to registered users) is updated weekly and on Fridays.

The community is encouraged to stay up-to-date with the latest developments through the Faculty's COVID-19 webpage. Remember how to act in the COVID-19 cases linked to members of Ciências and comply with the authorities' recommendations.

The Faculty Board

Announcement (10/11/2020)

Dear colleagues,

Decree No. 8/2020 of 8 November was published, regulating the implementation of the state of emergency decreed by the President of the Republic (Decree of the President of the Republic No. 51-U/2020 of 6 November).

According to the Decree, there are no restrictions on teaching activities, including classes and assessment tests.

With regard to freedom of movement, the Decree provides for the prohibition of movement - in certain councils with high risk - in public spaces and streets daily between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., as well as on Saturdays and Sundays between 1 p.m. and 5 a.m., except for the purposes of urgent and unavoidable journeys under the terms laid down in this document.

Workers who need to go to the Faculty during those periods should contact their centre to obtain the necessary declaration from their employer.

Best regards,
Guida Carvalheiro

Announcements (03/11/2020)

Dear students,

Yesterday MCTES communication, available at https://ciencias.ulisboa.pt/pt/legislacao-covid-19, reinforced the need to maintain classes as defined at the beginning of the school year. Namely, the document states that privilege must be given to classroom experimental / laboratory classes. The rest will be taught in person whenever the conditions allow, or in a alternative regime, when it is not possible to ensure the security conditions imposed by DGS.

Naturally, we will not change the mandatory attendance regime in theoretical classes and in theoretical-practical classes, which was imposed at the beginning of the academic year and which match with the operating regime of these classes at Ciências, in previous years.

The document also calls for the diversification of teaching methods, reinforcing the autonomous study and alternative mechanisms for knowledge assessments, which are not necessarily focused on the realization of written tests, but, if they happen, they will necessarily be in person. Once again, these recommendations match with the guidelines defined since the beginning of the school year.

Best regards,
Luís Carriço

Dear colleagues

Naturally, as has been happening more often since the beginning of the year, students do not have, and never had in previous years, mandatory presence in theoretical classes and in some theoretical-practical classes. If they choose not to be present and attend the non-face-to-face counterpart, there are no valid reasons, nor anything expressed in the MCTES recommendation, for the regime of mandatory presence, in these types of classes, to be changed.

Finally, as announced yesterday at the Presidents’ Department Council meeting, the Course Coordinators and responsible teachers should, as far as possible, have a plan prepared so that they can move to a remote regime, should the pandemic situation so impose it, and the MCTES recognizes it. The evolution of the situation seems to recommend that this plan might become very real, remaining for now as such, a plan.

Best regards,
Luís Carriço

Dear colleagues

Yesterday MCTES communication, available at https://ciencias.ulisboa.pt/pt/legislacao-covid-19, reinforced the need to maintain in person ativities. Namely, the document states that:

"... remote work is mandatory whenever it is compatible with the functions performed by the employee",

And that:

“…the presence of non-teaching [...] employees from higher education institutions in their jobs is required, whenever:

- the tasks has to be performed in person, for example, in public attendance and essential services;

- the employee’s presence is superiorly required by the top manager of the service, considering the need to provide technical or administrative support to those performing their duties in person;

- the nature of its functions is necessary to ensure the normal operation of the services and to guarantee the fulfillment of essential duties and obligations, such as, namely, processing workers' remunerations, fulfillment of financial obligations, assistance and maintenance of computer equipment, support to laboratories or other duties essential for employees in remote work;

- the nature of its functions requires the assess of databases or other applications considered sensitive by the manager of the institution and which should not, or cannot be accessed from the outside;

- the nature of its functions requires assess, analysis or treatment of confidential information, whenever this is considered to be a breach of security rules by the institution's manager.”

Accordingly, the Diretors prepared, together with the Service Unit managers, a plan that ensures that:

1) the mentioned services, that are not in remote work, are fully operational, mitigating, whenever possible, the risk of infection, through the turnover of employees;

2) it will be in remote work those who are able to perform their duties under this regime.

Best regards,
Luís Carriço

Announcement (23/10/2020)

Portuguese society is going through a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, to which it is crucial to respond quickly, rigorously and with confidence. With this objective, the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon and SGS Portugal, institutional partners since 2015, have combined efforts and technical skills in a project - FIGHT COVID - aimed at fighting the new coronavirus.

The FIGHT COVID project consists in the allocation and provision of mobile laboratory structures for Covid-19 testing to the community under the best possible conditions of epidemiological and clinical safety. In this context, a biological harvesting post will soon be placed outside the campus of Ciências ULisboa, in the area between the C6 Building and the School of Arts and Humanities. This infrastructure fully respects the current recommendations of the DGS and is also registered with the Regional Health Administration of Lisbon and the Tagus Valley and INEM. Its operation will be ensured by a team of qualified nurses with proven professional experience in COVID-19 case management and a medical officer. The structure will operate by prior appointment system, having emergency medical equipment, contingency plan and clinical referral to emerging situations, thus ensuring the best safety conditions. The same infrastructure will also be equipped with a disinfection system, by nebulization, in order to guarantee microbiological control of the infrastructure, surfaces and air.

Diagnostic and screening tests will have the rigour and quality guaranteed by the COVID Testing Centre (CTC) of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, member of the Portuguese Network of Diagnostic Laboratories of COVID-19. The CTC, which has a Level 3 Biological Containment System recommended by the World Health Organization, is certified by the National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge and licensed by the Health Regulatory Authority. Recently, it was also equipped with reference technology in clinical information management (CLINIDATA®), certified by the Shared Services of the Ministry of Health, thus ensuring the communication of laboratory information in real time with the Directorate General of Health - Ministry of Health.

The Faculty Board

Announcement (15/10/2020)

Case management and COVID-19 tests in Ciências ULisboa

Rapid and effective contact tracing (identification, risk assessment and implementation of measures) is a key element in the early detection of cases and limitation of the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, it is important that the information provided by the members of the Ciências ULisboa community to the Faculty's services, through the e-mail covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt, is adequate so that the procedures adopted, in articulation with the Public Health Unit (USP), are fast and effective. The Faculty's services directly monitor the evolution of the health situation of confirmed cases and high risk contacts from members of the community, so any changes associated with these cases should be communicated as soon as possible to the e-mail covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt.

Definition of confirmed case, suspect case, high-risk contact, low-risk contact and symptoms of COVID-19

Signs and symptoms associated with COVID-19: signs and symptoms of COVID-19 vary in severity from absence of symptoms (being asymptomatic) to fever (temperature ≥ 38.0ºC), cough, sore throat, muscle fatigue and severe acute respiratory syndrome. It was also verified anosmia (loss of sense of smell) and in some cases the loss of taste, as symptom of COVID-19.

In accordance with Standard 015/2020 of 24/07/2020 of the Directorate General of Health, and considering the type of activities of the Faculty:

Confirmed case: A person with confirmed positive laboratory test for infection by SARS-CoV-2, regardless of the signs and symptoms presented.

Suspect case: A person who develops acute respiratory symptoms with a cough or fever (temperature ≥ 38.0ºC) or dyspnea / difficulty breathing or a person who develops symptoms associated with COVID-19 and has been in contact with a confirmed case.

High-risk contact: A person who has been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 without a mask (including during meals), at a distance of less than 2 meters and simultaneously for 15 minutes or more.

Low-risk contact: A person who has been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 having both worn a mask, albeit indoors and even for more than 15 minutes.

Confirmed cases and high-risk contacts

For effective management of information by the Faculty, only confirmed cases and high-risk contacts with confirmed cases should send, as soon as possible, a message to covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt with the following information:

Full name, category, employee/student number, institutional e-mail, mobile phone number, National Health Service user number and current residence address;
Last day you were at the Faculty;
Regarding the 48 hours prior to the last day you were at the Faculty, the name and contact details of the people (Ciências ULisboa members) with whom you were without a mask (including meals), at a distance of less than 2 meters and for 15 minutes or more for the services to assess the risk and make the necessary contacts, ensuring the protection of data from the source of potential contagion.

High-risk contacts should contact the SNS24 line (808 24 24 24) and follow the received instructions. Home confinement or immediate prophylactic isolation is determined by health authorities.

The Faculty's services directly send USP the personal data that has been requested from members of the Faculty considered confirmed cases or high-risk contacts.

The whole community and in particular the students are alerted to the fact that all institutional contacts for the purposes foreseen in this document are made through their institutional Ciências ULisboa e-mail addresses, so they should pay special attention to the operability of these mail addresses, in particular by regularly consulting this e-mail and by avoiding that their e-mail boxes are full.

The information collected will be processed solely for the purpose of ensuring the follow-up of confirmed cases and high risk contacts, the information to USP and the processing and dissemination of anonymised statistical data. The data collected are confidential, accessible only to the members of the Security, Health and Sustainability Office and to the management bodies of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon. The data is destroyed as soon as the incident is deemed closed.

Suspect cases and low-risk contacts: procedures to follow

Suspect cases should contact the SNS24 line (808 24 24 24) and follow the received instructions. They will only inform the Faculty, via e-mail covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt, if they need to regularise their attendance because they have been given prophylactic isolation.

Low-risk contacts, as well as suspect cases, must maintain passive surveillance for 14 days since the date of the last exposure:

Monitor daily symptoms compatible with COVID-19;
Measure and record body temperature twice a day;
Implement strictly the prevention measures available, including distance, hand hygiene, respiratory tag and the permanent use of a well placed mask, covering the nose and chin;
Not to go to places with crowds of people, maintaining the face-to-face activity in Ciências ULisboa and ensuring compliance with the previous paragraph;
If symptoms compatible with COVID-19 appear, contact SNS24;
If prophylactic isolation is determined, please inform the Faculty's services by e-mail covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt.

Both suspect cases and low-risk contacts can self-propose for a diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 infection (see information below in ULisboa test programme).

For other types of contacts, which are indirect links between cases, there is no need to adopt additional measures to the general prevention measures available.

Regularisation of attendance

For the purpose of regularisation of attendance, the decision of prophylactic isolation or confinement is always the responsibility of the health authorities who send the respective declaration to the worker/student who, in turn, will forward it to covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt.

The return to the face-to-face activity must take place on the working day following the last day of the period indicated in the declaration, no discharge document being required.

ULisboa test programme

The University of Lisbon, through its Rectory, has implemented a 2nd phase of diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection, which covers regular testing of its population. In addition, a testing service for suspect cases is always under way.

The tests are coordinated by ULisboa Medical Centre services. Members of Ciências ULisboa interested in performing diagnostic tests should fill in the available form by 25 October (new deadline). Subject to test availability and the number of people interested, the Faculty Board will define priority criteria and will send the data on the form to the Medical Centre, which will directly schedule the test with those interested.

For suspected cases or contacts with confirmed cases, a testing service is also under way. These cases can propose themselves for a diagnostic test of infection by SARS-CoV-2, by sending to the e-mail covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt the indication of the case and type of connection, as well as full name, category, employee/student number, institutional e-mail, mobile phone number and National Health Service user number. The test schedule is only possible after the sending of all the indicated elements.

The costs of the tests proposed by the Faculty, whether in the case of the testing programme or in the case of suspect cases and high or low risk contacts, are paid by the Faculty.

Emergency number in Ciências ULisboa and isolation room

Any member of Ciências ULisboa, who is in the Faculty, in case of an emergency, or if they have symptoms of COVID-19, should contact the Ciências emergency number (internal extension 20000 or direct number 217 500 600). In this case, you will be directed by the emergency teams (or security team members) to the isolation area (room 8.1.02). Access to the isolation room must be made directly from outside the C8 building. When moving, the places with the greatest crowding of people/workers on the premises should be avoided.

The Faculty Board

Order D/39/2020

Considering:

a) the "Recommendation to scientific and higher education institutions for the preparation of the 2020/2021 school year" issued by the Office of the Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education on 5 August 2020;
b) the joint guidelines of the Directorate General for Higher Education and the Directorate General for Health for Scientific and Non-Legative Activities in Higher Education Institutions - School Year 2020/2021;

after hearing the Governance Bodies and the Safety, Health and Sustainability Office, I approve the 5th update of the Faculty's Contingency Plan - COVID-19, which maintains several restrictions and conditions and reinforces the protection measures that allow the basic principles on which the guidelines for the preparation of the 2020/2021 school year are based.

To that end:

1. The general principles guiding the preparation of the 2020/2021 school year were to ensure the presence of students, teachers, non-teaching staff, researchers and other collaborators, respecting the standards and measures of prevention and control of transmission of COVID-19, namely the mandatory use of masks, the physical distance between people and the hygiene of hands and spaces.
2. Teaching and non-teaching activities in person are subject to specific measures that contribute to minimise the spread of the virus.
3. The classroom capacity is limited, thus requiring the use of different teaching models:

i) Mixed Non-Personal Model (MMNP);
ii) Synchronous Non-Personal Model (MSNP);
iii) Synchronous Alternating Model (MSA);
iv) Live Synchronous Model (MSP);

with classes being able to operate in face-to-face, non-face and/or mixed models.

4. Students who belong to groups considered to be at risk may request to be excused from attending classes in person, all or part of them, upon request addressed to the Dean, proving this condition by presenting a medical certificate.
5. For workers belonging to groups considered to be at risk, Decree-Law no. 10-A/2020 of 13 march, in its current wording, provides for an exceptional system of protection for immunosuppressed and chronically ill people, requiring the presentation of a medical declaration proving the health condition that justifies their special protection.
6. In order to ensure the operation of the service units, the models of service provision provided for in the regime establishing the exceptional and temporary response measures to the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic can be used.
7. The following restrictions are lifted:

i) access to buildings, which is now free for the community of Ciências ULisboa, on working days from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and subject to authorisation at night, on weekends and public holidays;

ii) face-to-face service, is resumed in all service units;

iii) missions are no longer subject to specific restrictions, while compliance with the preventive measures of COVID-19 remains mandatory;

iv) study visits may be carried out under the terms better defined in the Contingency Plan;

v) external visitors to the University of Lisbon, provided they comply with the prevention measures of COVID-19, being advised to come only when participation by videoconference is not possible;

vi) events, including congresses, international meetings and exhibitions, may take place with the express authorization of the Dean and with the indication, by the event organizers, of an element responsible for the implementation and follow-up of the prevention measures of COVID-19.

8. Any member of the Faculty with symptoms associated with COVID-19 (cough, fever and/or respiratory difficulty) or who has had close contact with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19, should not enter the facilities without first confirming that there is no risk to himself or others, and to this end should contact Line SNS24 (808 24 24 24) and have that confirmation.

Faculdade de Ciências, 11 September 2020

Luís Carriço

Dean

Announcement (03/07/2020)

Dear members of the Ciências Community,

In the last few days, we have been informed of confirmed cases of infection by SARS-CoV-2 among members of the Faculty.

In this context, the recommendations of the health authorities have been put into practice and close contacts with these cases have been identified – in such cases, return to the facilities is only permitted after the quarantine period has elapsed or after a negative test.

As the Lisbon and Tagus Valley region is currently the most active epidemiological situation in our country, unfortunately an increase in suspected and/or confirmed cases that directly or indirectly affect our community is expected in the coming days and weeks.

Being this increase in the number of cases related with the increase in the occupancy rate of buildings as a result of the measures of deconfinement, we again stress the importance of each one of us strictly complying with the general prevention measures of COVID-19 in Ciências ULisboa. Once again, we urge the community to pay special attention to the mandatory use of a well-placed mask, covering the nose and chin, inside the Faculty buildings.

We also call on community members, who have symptoms or are identified as close contacts to confirmed cases, to contact the SNS24 Line immediately (808 24 24 24) and inform the Faculty (covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt).

Don't neglect your own protection.

By protecting yourselves, you protect us all.

The Faculty Board

Recommendations for the operation of the school year 2020/2021 (09/06/2020)

Dear students, teachers, researchers and non teaching and non research staff,

Considering the uncertainties about the development of the pandemic situation, it is not possible to state how the next school year will work. Ciências ULisboa has a very broad discussion going on about the teaching methods that will be used and that will allow the next semesters to be given the 'possible' normality. You can consult the current version of the document at our website.

It is already certain that, if nothing changes, in the next semester we will continue to have some distance learning classes. These classes will contribute to reduce the risk of contagion, an unquestionable priority in the ongoing discussion.

However, we are also making every effort to increase the proximity between students and teachers. At times when health restrictions allow, there will certainly be face-to-face classes.

These classes will be defined course by course, and will privilege experimental practice, a unique element of our teaching model of which we are so proud.

The adaptation to this new reality will require an effort from all, teachers and students. We count on you to transform the restrictions to which we are subject into opportunities for learning and life experience.

On behalf of the Faculty Board,

Hugo Miranda

Order D/25/2020

Considering that:

in the context of measures to prevent and combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the Order D/14/2020, of 10 March, determined the restriction of missions, namely field trips;
the Order D/21/2020, of 1 May, determines the gradual resumption of presence activities at the Faculty.

I determine that from the present date onwards, field trips may be authorised within the scope of research projects or thesis and dissertation work for Masters, Postgraduate or Doctorate courses, provided that strict compliance with the measures set out in Annex III of the COVID-19 Contingency Plan of the Faculty (4th update) is ensured.

The restrictions and internal requirements of Orders D/14/2020, of 10 March, D/16/2020, of 27 March, D/19/2020, of 10 April and D/20/2020, of 24 April, and still in force, with the exception of those rules that provide otherwise of what is laid down in this Order.

Faculdade de Ciências, 20 May 2020

Luís Carriço

Dean

Announcement (04/05/2020)

Dear Ciências Community,

Some doubts have arisen about our recovery plan and the Order D/21/2020, which I will now clarify.

We are currently in phase 1 of this plan, aimed at preparing the facilities of the Faculty and acquiring the means and materials that will allow us to resume some of our activities as soon as possible. In this phase, regarding the movement of people on campus, nothing changes compared to the situation that we experienced during the state of emergency. As I'm sure you understand, the duration of this first phase depends on several factors that are external to us.

When the minimum conditions are established, and when the Faculty Board has the recovery plans requested from the R&D Units, departments and service units, we will enter phase 2, which will be duly announced through a new communication. These plans will, among other things, identify the people who necessarily have to carry out their research work at the Faculty. In this phase, we will start by testing the people who have already been at the Faculty during the state of emergency, in continuous work or in shifts, providing them with the means and materials, as well as the necessary equipment to continue their work (please read the contingency plan, 3rd update). Therefore, even in the middle of phase 2, which has not yet begun, the people authorized to work on campus are the same people who were working on campus during the state of emergency. Nothing changes, except that these people have been tested, have masks provided by the Faculty, have faster access to disinfection dispensers, have places to put the used masks... Throughout phase 2, probably in the middle/end of May, we will be able to apply this procedure to other Faculty members so that, in those conditions, they can return to their research work/research support.

In short, today nothing changes in terms of access.

With best regards,

Luís Carriço

Dean

Order D/21/2020

Considering:

a) The recommendations of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education of 17 April, on the elaboration of plans for the progressive lifting of containment measures motivated by the COVID-19 pandemic;
b) The "Recommendation to scientific and higher education institutions regarding the cessation of the state of emergency motivated by the COVID-19 pandemic" issued by the Office of the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education on 30 April;
c) The monitoring of the evolution of the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the perspectives for the near future;

After hearing the Course Coordinators, the R&D Units Coordinators Board and the Safety, Health and Sustainability Office, I approve the 3rd update of the Faculty Contingency Plan - COVID-19, which maintains the various restrictions and constraints and reinforces the protection measures that will allow a gradual resumption of face-to-face activities.

1. For the gradual resumption of on-site activities, the priorities are:

i) to continue to privilege the telework regime, whenever possible;
ii) to resume in-person activities slowly, gradually and with caution, in phases, ensuring health and safety conditions in jobs and community confidence in the measures adopted;
iii) to provide, in PHASE 1, with the means, materials and products necessary to comply with the health and safety conditions set forth in the aforementioned plan;
iv) to prioritise, in PHASE 2, the application of procedures that guarantee the above-mentioned conditions to the administrative, technical, and public service activities that have ensured the functioning of the Faculty until now;
v) to prioritise, in PHASE 2, the resumption of research and innovation activities developed in the scope of the R&D Units that, due to the situation, have suspended, altered or decreased their activities, because they require the use of laboratories and materials based on campus;
(vi) to extend, in PHASE 3, the resumption of other on-site activities, in particular those of an administrative, technical and public service nature, including the reopening of campus life support facilities;
(vii) to maintain an ongoing assessment of the effectiveness of the measures, which will be reviewed or adapted in accordance with global and local pandemic developments.

2. The academic activities shall maintain the distance learning and assessment system in accordance with Order D/20/2020.

3. The resumption of the above activities is only allowed after the Dean's authorisation, which depends on the necessary conditions being met to enable the Faculty members to comply with all the protection measures defined in the Contingency Plan, namely:

i) conducting diagnostic tests to COVID-19, within the scope of the testing program defined by ULisboa;

ii) the mandatory use of a mask inside the buildings, except in dining rooms;

iii) the mandatory disinfection of hands with alcohol-based solution at the entrance of the buildings;

iv) the deposition of masks, gloves and wipes, after use, in specific containers;

(v) the physical distance of 2 meters between people;

(vi) the hygienisation/disinfection, by users themselves, of shared equipment, objects and surfaces before and after use;

(vii) the non-use of lifts and sanitary facilities by more than one person at the same time - the use of lifts is not recommended, except in duly justified situations.

4. Retired workers and groups subject to special protection duties are strongly discouraged from resuming face-to-face activities at the Faculty.

5. Any member of the Faculty, with symptoms associated to COVID-19 (cough, fever and/or respiratory difficulty) or who has had close contact with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19, should not access the Faculty facilities without first confirming that there is no risk to himself or others and should contact the SNS24 Line (808 24 24 24) and have that confirmation.

Faculdade de Ciências, 1 May 2020

Luís Carriço

Dean

Order D/20/2020

Following the renewal of the declaration of the State of Emergency motivated by the COVID-19 pandemic until 2 May, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education issued a statement with recommendation and clarification to the scientific and higher education institutions, in which it advises the development of plans for the progressive lifting of containment measures motivated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Following these recommendations, the Faculty Board, in a meeting on 20 April, decided:

to resume all research and innovation developed within the Faculty and the R&D Units which, due to the situation, have suspended, changed or decreased their activities, as they require the use of laboratories and materials based on campus, gradually and with due caution, bringing teachers, researchers and students in thesis/dissertation, to the extent strictly necessary and in accordance with the recovery plan being prepared;
gradually and as needed, to resume administrative, technical and public service activities, in particular those related to research support, in accordance with the recovery plan under preparation;
to prepare a detailed recovery plan, in order to progressively end the containment measures currently in force, ensuring working conditions within the parameters required in the current situation.

Regarding academic activities, following the declaration of the State of Emergency, the legal regime in force, the decision of 8 April of the University Coordination Council, the Order D/19/2020, which keeps the suspension of classroom activities until the end of the semester and the recommendations of the Education Board, resulting from the meeting of 22 April, regarding the operation of classes and assessments in the 2nd semester, in accordance with the competences conferred to me in paragraph x) of article 50 of the Statutes of the Faculty, published in annex to the Order no. 9251/2017, in the Diário da República, 2nd series, no. 203, of 20 October, amended by the Order no. 220/2019, of 7 January, published in the Diário da República, 2nd series, I hereby rule that:

the decision is maintained that all classes and evaluations of the current semester will be non-presential;
the teachers must make available in the e-learning platform, information about the different modalities of distance evaluation that will be used in the curricular unit for which they are responsible, according to the Order D/19/2020;
all the final tests or exams of the second semester will be carried out in a non-presential way, using for example the Moodle platform - teachers may, regardless of the classification that the student obtains in the written test, perform an individual oral confirmation, by videoconference, of the knowledge demonstrated in the test or exam;
the oral tests should be held by videoconference, with the participation, whenever possible, of at least two teachers;
for tests that need to be taken by videoconference, the necessary means will be made available to students who do not have access to cameras;
the beginning of each of the three exam seasons will be postponed for at least five days, according to the new exam schedule, which will be made available on the Faculty's website;
the Special Season exams related to the UC that functioned in the 1st semester, may be face-to-face, provided that there is agreement of teachers and students, and that due social distance is maintained.

The Order D/19/2020, of 10 April, remains in force, with the exception of those rules that provide otherwise of what is laid down in this Order.

Faculdade de Ciências, 24 April 2020

Luís Carriço

Dean

Laboratory infrastructure | COVID-19 screening tests (20/04/2020)

Dear Ciências Community,

As we all know, the Faculty has joined, from the outset, the national efforts in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In this process it has relied on the solidarity of the entire community, which provided equipment, masks and other laboratory material to health institutions, volunteered to support molecular analysis, placed its capacity for innovation at the service of society through the construction of protective visors, and used its technical-scientific skills to support decision-making, either by consulting government agencies or by providing models based on scientific evidence. There are countless examples of these initiatives whose information will soon be made available on an intranet page under construction.

These initiatives have been recognised and received the support of the Faculty Board which, according to previous information, has also taken the decision to invest in the construction of a COVID Testing Centre (CTC @ Ciências), to be installed in the Tec Labs building, and which will start operating in the next few days. This Centre, which implements one of the objectives that guided the current Faculty Board's action program - optimisation of resources - represents an infrastructure for research and provision of services, transversal to the different R&D Units, currently entirely dedicated to the mitigation of COVID-19 (virus screening and immunological testing) but with high potential for future research where similar safety conditions are required. The support of our research units has, once again, been exemplary, either through the provision of equipment or by volunteering to support the most diverse associated activities.

Aware that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus represents a risk to public health, the objective of this communication is to reassure the community of Ciências that all safety conditions are assured. In this context, it is stressed that:

Although in the validation/certification process the new Testing Centre appears to be a place where direct biological sampling can be performed, this is not expected to happen, as partnerships have already been closed with collection sites that guarantee the full production capacity. Thus, it is expected that the Faculty will only act as a place to receive samples collected by health professionals in hospitals or clinics, who will send them afterwards, safely, to the Testing Centre;
In order to ensure that the "traffic" of samples on the campus of Ciências will be kept to a minimum, specific signage is already being produced, which will be placed at various points on campus, preventing the circulation of samples in the remaining buildings;
The biological samples will enter directly from the outside into a new biological security room, installed in the Tec Labs support building, where the inactivation and extraction of RNA from the virus will be carried out, with the adaptation of the space for this purpose and a biological containment infrastructure has been acquired in accordance with the World Health Organization's biological risk security level 3. The same infrastructure is certified in accordance with EN 1822-1 (HEPA and ULPA classification, performance testing and marking), EN 12296, EN 12297, EN 12298 (Guidelines on testing procedures for cleanliness, sterilizability and watertightness of biotechnology equipment) and EN 12741 (Guidelines for biotechnology hospital operations). The construction project complies with ASHRAE 170 (Standards for Ventilation of Health Care Facilities). This infrastructure is equipped with a class II type B2 biosafety laminar flow chamber for handling, and its processing will be carried out by specially trained investigators equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment;
Only after inactivation, the RNA samples, already harmless from a biological risk point of view, will proceed to the laboratory on the 1st floor of the Tec Labs Main Building where the molecular tests (RT-PCR) and genomic sequencing, or other methodological protocols that become available in the meantime, will be performed for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2;
The analyses to be carried out at the COVID Science Testing Centre will be done primarily on samples whose analysis request is issued by entities associated with the Ministry of Health or other Ministries that establish partnership protocols with Ciências.

By decision of the Faculty Board, the coordination of the whole operation regarding the COVID-19 screening tests is ensured by the researcher Ricardo Dias (Researcher of Ciências associated to BioISI - Institute of Biosystems and Integrative Sciences) and all contacts regarding this matter should be addressed to fightcovid@ciencias.ulisboa.pt.

We thank once again the contribution of everyone in this new and important mission of Ciências, because together we are even stronger.

The Faculty Board

Order D/19/2020

Following the declaration of the State of Emergency, the legal regime in force, the decision of 8 April of the Council of University Coordination and the Orders D/16/2020, of 26 March, and D/14/2020, of 10 March, I hereby order the following measures:

to maintain the suspension of all classroom activities until the end of the semester, and to promote its replacement by distance learning procedures and dissemination of content, enabling students to follow the school activities; therefore, the teachers responsible for each curricular course (whatever its nature, including laboratory and fieldwork), must define by 17 April a full plan of non-presential teaching/learning, to take place until the end of the academic calendar 2019/2020, which should be communicated to students;
to promote, in all evaluation activities, the evaluation of knowledge by remote means, through the existing platforms or platforms to be made available, to be defined by the teachers responsible for each curricular course by 24 April (whatever its nature, including laboratory and fieldwork); therefore, a full plan of non-presential evaluation, running until the end of the evaluation period, should be communicated to the students;
to ensure that all evaluation activities for the 2019/2020 school year take place by the end of the evaluation period provided for in the academic calendar, subject to the exceptions corresponding to the completion of final work of master's and doctorate;
to take the necessary measures to ensure the participation of all students and teachers in the activities of distance learning and evaluation;

The Order D/16/2020, of 26 March, remains in force, with the exception of those rules that provide otherwise of what is laid down in this Order.

With the exception of the above measures which establish later periods, all the measures are in force until 30 April and will be adjusted as necessary and as the situation develops.

Faculdade de Ciências, 10 April 2020

Luís Carriço

Dean

Laboratory infrastructure | COVID-19 screening tests (09/04/2020)

Dear Ciências community,

As you know, our Faculty will soon have a new laboratory infrastructure where the screening tests to COVID-19 will be carried out, under the coordination of Researcher Ricardo Dias. This initiative counts with the precious collaboration of several colleagues of the Faculty, which, shortly after disclosing its preparation and with the help of the Order of Biologists, recruited more than 350 volunteers. This extraordinary number is a testimony to the commitment of the entire community to tackling this problem. Of these, only a small group of volunteers should start the process and new groups will be called as soon as necessary. Our deepest thanks to all those who have rolled up their sleeves to set this initiative in motion, and in particular to all the volunteers!

The Faculty Board

Message (09/04/2020)

Dear Members of Ciências,

Since the beginning of this unique phase of our personal and professional lives, the Faculty has been adopting measures, as early as possible, proportional to the evolution of the COVID-19 situation.

The Faculty Board thanks everyone, on behalf of our entire community, for the exemplary way in which, in the various fields, they have managed to keep Ciências united and connected to the world, demonstrating an enormous commitment and team spirit in these difficult times.

We encourage everyone to stay up-to-date with the latest developments by reading our COVID-19 webpage and the usual communication channels (news and weekly Newsletter), recalling the need to comply scrupulously with the authorities' recommendations.

As we enter the Easter weekend, we hope you will take the opportunity to "hang up". Whether you are teleworking, teaching online or working on essential activities at Ciências, this has been a very intense period for all of us, and usually more demanding, for various reasons, than the work in "regular configuration". We therefore need time to rest and recharge batteries, even if we cannot spend this time in the same way we usually do, for example by visiting our families.

Finally, and because we believe that together we are really stronger, we suggest everyone to add the following message to their e-mail signature:

A Ciência não para e Ciências também não.
Distantes para nos protegermos a todos, mas ligados para continuar a responder aos desafios do futuro.
#EstamosOn #FiqueEmCasa

The Faculty Board wishes you all, and also your families and friends, a Happy Easter, much courage and health.

Announcement (02/04/2020)

In this period of crisis, Ciências ULisboa has joined forces and will move towards testing COVID-19.

To do so, a new investment will be made in a modular installation (BOX with level 3 certification (BSL3) - suitable for this type of handling) which will be purchased by the Faculty and placed in the area where the Tec Labs restaurant used to operate.

Testing should start in about 2 weeks, with a first phase of about 100 daily analyses. Epidemiological sequencing and screening will also be carried out.

Until then, volunteers who have already been identified will be trained with the support of the order of Biologists and the process of certification of screening tests will be initiated. Other initiatives, such as the production of visors and visor supports for the protection of health professionals, are also underway in our community.

In addition to the fast identification of the presence of SARS-Cov-2, the Faculty can, in less than 24 hours, trace the epidemiological origin of cases by sequencing the viral genome in real time. This capacity is only possible due to the innovation and development strategy implemented by Ciências ULisboa in the last 5 years, in collaboration with several international entities, for the development of new applications and technology for genome sequencing and real-time data analysis. This capacity will not only make it possible to distinguish "imported" cases from cases of community dissemination, but also to identify possible focus of local dissemination of infection.

The Faculty thanks all colleagues and volunteers for their hard work in this joint fight, and will be available to the community for any collaboration that makes sense in this context. Send your proposal to fightcovid@ciencias.ulisboa.pt.

The Faculty Board

Order D/16/2020

Following the declaration, on 18 March, of the "State of Emergency", the legal regime in force and my Order D/14/2020, of 10 March, I hereby determine:

The academic Master's and Doctorate examinations, provided that the mutual agreement between the jury and the respective candidate exists and is recorded and the technical conditions for the public performance of the examinations are met, will now be performed by videoconference. The marking of the exams, the conditions of public access to the virtual room where the exams will take place and the respective result must be published on the websites of Ciências ULisboa (https://ciencias.ulisboa.pt/) and ULisboa (www.ulisboa.pt).
The examinations for the award of the academic title of Aggregate and the title of Specialist, provided that there is and is recorded the mutual agreement between the jury and the respective candidate and that the technical conditions for the public performance of the test are met, will now be held by videoconference. The marking of the tests, the conditions of public access to the virtual room where the tests will take place and the respective result must be published on the websites of Ciências ULisboa (https://ciencias.ulisboa.pt/) and ULisboa (www.ulisboa.pt).
Jury meetings for the recruitment of teaching or research staff will now be held using telematic means, namely video or teleconference. The procedure for signing the minutes is established in paragraph 2 of Order 98/2020 of the Rector of ULisboa, dated 23 March 2020.
The jury meetings for the recruitment of non teaching and non researching staff shall now be held using telematic means, namely video or teleconference. The procedure for signing the minutes shall be as established in paragraph 2 of Order 98/2020 of the Rector of ULisboa, dated 23 March 2020.
That the school break (Easter holidays) foreseen in the school calendar 2019/2020 is maintained.
That the attendance services are maintained without appointment, in the Expediente Center (C5) and in the main entrance of C8 building, for the reception and delivery of packages and other mail.
The Order D/14/2020 of 10 March remains in force, with the exception of the rules that have a different meaning from the one established in this Order.
These measures are in force until 9 April and will be adjusted according to the need and the evolution of the situation.

Faculdade de Ciências, 26 March 2020

Luís Carriço

Dean

COVID-19 | Information (20/03/2020)

Constraints and changes - Faculdade de Ciências

We warn the community of the Faculdade de Ciências that, until new information is available, Dean's Order D/14/2020 remains in force and that, in addition, they should consider the following relevant information in this phase of exception related to COVID-19:

Emergency Management

Given the measures to promote teleworking and the restrictions on access to the Faculty's facilities, the effectiveness of emergency responses is constrained by the substantial reduction in the number of emergency team members. Thus:

In the event of an emergency, you should place yourself in safety, call the emergency number of the Faculdade de Ciências (ext. 20000 or +351 217 500 600), indicate the type of occurrence and exact location and follow the instructions of the emergency teams or, in their absence, the security guards. Where appropriate, and pending the arrival of the emergency teams or security guards, you should call 112 and follow the instructions. Do not forget that if means of rescue are activated, it is essential to ensure correct routing, so you should always report the occurrence to the emergency number.
In case of a fire alarm in a building, as soon as the alarm sounds you should leave the building, follow the evacuation instructions and follow the signs posted along the evacuation paths, never using the elevators and never turning back. Follow the instructions of emergency teams or security guards. As soon as you are safely outside the building, report the occurrence via the emergency number of the Faculdade de Ciências (ext. 20000 or +351 217 500 600) and follow the instructions in point 1.

Use of lifts

The lifts are kept in operation to allow the transport of heavy and/or bulky material. However, their use is advised against, except in duly justified situations.

Liquid nitrogen supply

The supply of liquid nitrogen shall take place weekly on Wednesdays at 11 a.m.

Hazardous waste

Deliveries of hazardous waste will take place every fortnight (26 March, 9 April, 23 April, etc.), at the usual times and collection points (information available at http://www.ciencias.ulisboa.pt/residuos).

Faculdade de Ciências, 20 March 2020

Guida Carvalheiro

Administrator

Order D/14/2020

Following the latest events related to the spread of the new coronavirus, I determine:

Suspension of activities

The suspension, until further notice, of all public events, including national and international congresses and meetings. New exhibitions, visits to and from other schools are also suspended.
The suspension of all classroom activities, replacing them whenever possible by other means of teaching, namely through distance learning instruments. For this purpose, information about the procedures to be adopted in order to allow the functioning of classes by videoconference, or other equivalent solution, is being prepared. Such procedures are expected to be in work as of 16 March, or/and as soon as possible. With this the students should preferably participate from their homes.
Adaptations/changes of the programmatic contents and the evaluation methods of 1st and 2nd cycle Degrees curricular units will be allowed to the new teaching reality mentioned in 2. Such will be subject to a specific Order.

Restrictions

The restriction on public attendance in person. In all services, and until further notice, the public attendance is now being made by non-face-to-face means of communication by using the contacts available in the institutional webpage of Ciências.
The face-to-face service is maintained exclusively for the delivery of mandatory and urgent documents and/or delivery of informatics equipment and activation of cards, through scheduled appointment for the responsible service. Exceptionally, face-to-face attendance is maintained at the Mailing Services (C5 Building), at the Administrative Support Centres (C2, C6 and C8 Buildings) and at the C8 Building and Tec Labs, for the reception and delivery of packages and other mailing.
That missions/business travelling are restricted to those indispensable and unavoidable, expressly authorized by the Dean, following a duly substantiated request to the Presidents of Departments or Service Officers.
That the coming of external visitors to ULisboa, including students, is restricted to participation in acts that cannot be performed by videoconference and to indispensable and unavoidable interactions, expressly authorized by the Dean.
All meetings should preferably be held by videoconference.

Academic Examinations

That the participation of external elements to Ciências in Master's and PhD academic examinations will now be carried out by videoconference.
By means of a Rector's Order that authorizes it, this type of participation may be extended to the other members of the Jury, with the exception of the President who, like the student, must necessarily be present in the room where the examinaton takes place. If the President of the Jury or the candidate are in quarantine, the examination will necessarily be postponed.
That the number of members attending the academic examinations referred to in the previous number be limited to a maximum of 10% of the room capacity where the act takes place.
That the Aggregations Proofs and the Jury Meetings of Selection Procedures involving members outside Ciências, as they cannot legally involve any participation by videoconference, are suspended.

Access to facilities

That access to all the buildings on campus will now be made exclusively through the use of a card, or authorisation, except in the case of the C3 building, which will be closed. All libraries and student spaces are also closed.
That the authorisation referred to in the previous number to 2nd and 3rd cycle students will be given by the Dean upon proposal of the Presidents of Departments for the development of Thesis or Dissertation works that manifestly require access to laboratories or other research infrastructures, calculus included. Previously access granted authorisations to buildings are now revoked.

Enabling of telework

That the Service Officers, Presidents of Department and Research Unit Coordinators identify the teaching and non-teaching staff, researchers and scholarship holders whose duties may be performed by telework and, after their agreement, propose to the Dean a plan for temporary transition to this regime.
The obligation of the working hours registration for all teleworkers will be suspended, without loss of entitlement to the meal allowance.

These measures are in force until 27 March and will be adjusted as necessary and as the situation evolves.

Faculdade de Ciências, 10 March 2020

Luís Carriço

Dean

COVID-19 | Suspension of classes and additional measures (09/03/2020)

To the members of Ciências Community,

The Faculty Board is currently analysing the best way to put into practice at our Faculty the measures announced today by the Rectorate of ULisboa (available here). The implementation of these measures will be communicated again, with all classes suspended until then, starting tomorrow 10 March.

Faculdade de Ciências, 9 March 2020

Luís Carriço

Dean

Announcement (09/03/2020)

To the members of Ciências Community:

Following the latest events related to the spread of the new coronavirus, the information already provided by is supplemented by the following:

Ciências Emergency Number: Any member of the Ciências Community who is in the Faculty and has symptoms and epidemiological link (compatible with the COVID-19 suspect case definition), should contact the Ciências Emergency Number (internal extension 20000 or direct number 217 500 600).
covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt: the preferred contact for all communications and information regarding coronavirus/COVID-19 is covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt.
Updated information: information related to COVID-19 is constantly being updated on the website of the Directorate General of Health, at https://www.dgs.pt/corona-virus and on the Ciências portal, at https://ciencias.ulisboa.pt/saude.
Suspension of all public events: According to the e-mail of 3 March 2020, all non-essential public events, including congresses and international meetings, are suspended until further notice. New exhibitions, science visits to other schools, as well as visits to science from other schools are also suspended.
Restrictions to face-to-face service at the Academic Direction: From 10 March until new information, the service at the Academic Direction will be done by phone or e-mail. The face-to-face service will be maintained exclusively for the delivery of mandatory and urgent documents (Dissertations and Thesis), and will be done by appointment, by e-mail or telephone to the respective service:
- 1st Cycle and 1st Cycle of Integrated Master:
  Email: ua@ciencias.ulisboa.pt
  Telephones: 217500502 / 217500503 / 217500311
  Schedule: working days from 10am to 1pm.
- 2nd Cycle, 2nd Cycle of Integrated Master's Degree and Non-Conferential Degree Courses:
  Email: gepg@ciencias.ulisboa.pt
  Telephones: 217500549 / 217500240 / 217500791
  Schedule: working days from 10am to 1pm.
- 3rd Cycle:
  Email: doutoramentos@ciencias.ulisboa.pt
  Telephones: 217500240 / 217500791 / 217500549
  Schedule: working days from 10am to 1pm.
- Questions related to the Pedagogical Organization Office:
  Email: gop@ciencias.ulisboa.pt
  Telephones: 217500102
  Schedule: working days from 10am to 1pm.
- Questions regarding payments:
  Email: receita@ciencias.ulisboa.pt
  Telephones: 217 500 000 / ext. 25140 / 217 500 983
  Schedule: working days from 10am to 1pm.
Restrictions to face-to-face service at the IT Services Unit: From 10 March until new information, the service at the IT Services Unit will be done by phone or e-mail. The face-to-face service will be maintained exclusively for the collection/delivery of material and activation of cards, and will be done by appointment, by e-mail or telephone to:
Email: suporte@ciencias.ulisboa.pt
Telephones: 217 500 067 / ext. 21248
Schedule: working days from 9am to 5pm.
Academic tests with international juries or coming from Portuguese districts with confirmed cases: Whenever possible, academic tests with international juries or coming from Portuguese districts with confirmed cases should take place by videoconference, for which you can consult https://ciencias.ulisboa.pt/pt/videoconferencia.
Cancellation of institutional trips abroad or to districts in Portugal with confirmed cases: trips abroad or to districts in Portugal with confirmed cases should be restricted to those that are indispensable and unavoidable. Travel expressly authorised by the Dean on a case-by-case basis, following a duly substantiated request to the Presidents of the Departments, which must include a substitution, recovery or alternative plan for the execution of the activities foreseen for the days of departure and for the 14 days following the return, are considered essential and unavoidable. In the event of the displacement, the workers must respect a quarantine period of 14 days after their return. In addition, travel and accommodation arrangements must be made with the possibility of changing the date or cancellation where possible.
Restrictions to visitors from abroad or from districts of Portugal with confirmed cases: The arrival of researchers from abroad or from Portuguese districts with confirmed cases should also be avoided and restricted to indispensable and unavoidable interactions that cannot be made by videoconference. Considering that the application of a quarantine period makes, in most cases, the coming of the visitor totally useless, these visits should be cancelled.
Personal trips: all members of the Ciências community, including students, who go abroad or to districts of Portugal with confirmed cases, on a personal basis, are requested to inform the services of the Faculty by sending an e-mail, indicating the full name, employee/student number and date of return to Portugal, to the address covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt. In these cases, travellers are requested to respect the quarantine period of 14 days after their return.
Quarantine periods: any member of Ciências, including students who, for indispensable and unavoidable reasons, have returned from abroad or from Portuguese districts with confirmed cases must respect a quarantine period of 14 days after their return, guaranteeing the possible activity in telework. If the return trip has taken place within the last 14 days, the previous indication applies to the remaining period since the day of return, requesting an e-mail, indicating the full name, employee/student number and date of return to Portugal, to covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt. If the return journey took place within the last 14 days, the previous alert applies to the remaining period from the day of return. During the quarantine period they must also:
- Pay attention to the appearance of fever, cough or difficulty breathing;
- Measure the body temperature twice a day and record the values;
- Check if any of the people you live with develop symptoms (fever, cough or difficulty breathing);
- If any of the symptoms mentioned appear (in themselves or in their cohabitants), do not immediately go to the health services, stay at home, and contact the SNS24 line (808 24 24 24) and follow their directions;
- As soon as possible, inform the Faculty by e-mail covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt;
- In the 14 days after returning, promote a responsible and calm social distancing, namely, not remaining without necessity in very frequented and closed places.
Erasmus+ mobility:
- Mobilities to be carried out by members of Ciências ULisboa: In the case of mobilities not yet started and not yet contracted, their contracting is suspended, and these should not be carried out. Depending on the evolution of the COVID-19 epidemic, those mobilities may take place at a later date. In the case of mobilities not yet started, but already contracted, students, teachers and employees are advised to, depending on the risk they consider to be subject, to suspend them by their own decision, and these trips may be carried out in a later period.
- Ongoing mobility of Ciências ULisboa members: in the case of mobility already underway, students, teachers and staff should, depending on the risk they consider to be running in their destination regions, consider their suspension and their early return to Portugal. On their return, Ciências members should respect the quarantine period of 14 days after their return, reporting this information to covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt.
- Mobilities to be executed to Ciências ULisboa: students, teachers and staff who are planning to move to Ciências are recommended to postpone them. If they choose not to suspend these mobilities, students, teachers and staff should respect the quarantine period of 14 days after their arrival, please report this information to covid19@ciencias.ulisboa.pt.
- Ongoing mobilities at Ciências ULisboa: it will be up to each of the students, teachers and staff who are already in mobility in Ciências to decide, taking into account their risk assessment, if they wish to suspend this mobility.
General hygiene measures and respiratory label: the Ciências community should reinforce the general hygiene measures and respiratory label:
- Wash your hands frequently, with soap and water, rubbing them well for at least 20 seconds (if these are not available, use a hand disinfectant containing at least 70% alcohol, covering all surfaces of the hands and rubbing them until they are dry; however, soap and water should be used preferably if the hands are visibly dirty);
- Reinforce hand washing before and after food preparation, after using the toilet and whenever the hands seem dirty to you;
- You may also use an alcohol-based solution for hand hygiene as an alternative;
- Use tissues (single use) for blowing;
- Throw the used tissues in a dustbin and then wash your hands;
- Cough or sneeze into the arm with your elbow flexed, not into your hands;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with hands dirty or contaminated with respiratory secretions.

Guida Carvalheiro

Administrator

Order D/12/2020 (04/03/2020)

Following today's meeting of the Coordinating Council of ULisboa, whose agenda was on the importance of strengthening prevention measures in relation to the new Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Faculty Board reinforces the message previously conveyed that only essential and unavoidable trips abroad should be undertaken.

Also, all teaching and non-teaching staff who decide to go abroad under these conditions must respect a quarantine period of 14 days after their return. During this period of quarantine should be maintained the possible activity in telework and, in the case of teaching staff, activated the replacement provided in the request for travel.

Attention is also drawn to the fact that, at any time, more restrictive directives preventing any travel may be issued by the competent authorities.

The Dean

Coronavirus - Holding of events (03/03/2020)

Dear Members of Ciências,

Considering the developments of the last few days and the importance of strengthening prevention measures in relation to the new Coronavirus (COVID-19), and in accordance with the guidelines received from the Rectorate of ULisboa, the Faculty Board has decided to suspend, until further notice, all non-essential public events, including congresses and international meetings.

Information about COVID-19 is available at the Ciências webpage, at the G3S page.

With best regards,

Jorge Maia Alves

Subdirector

Coronavirus | General recommendations and contingency plan (28/02/2020)

Following the developments in recent days regarding Coronavirus in Italy, the Directorate General for Health has issued guidance for the establishment of a contingency plan by companies. Ciências ULisboa has already developed and implemented the preparation procedures set out in the contingency plan, which can be found here (only available to registered users).

On the page of the Directorate General for Health, you will find all the information about COVID-19, namely the official documents, the areas affected and the evolution of the situation in Portugal.

The community is advised to strengthen general hygiene measures and proper breathing practice:

Wash your hands frequently, with soap and water, rubbing them well for at least 20 seconds;
Reinforce hand washing before and after food preparation, after using the toilet and whenever your hands seem dirty;
You can also use an alcohol-based solution for hand hygiene as an alternative;
Use tissues (single use) for blowing;
Throw the used tissues in a dustbin and then wash your hands;
Cough or sneeze into the arm with your elbow flexed, not into your hands;
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with hands dirty or contaminated with respiratory secretions.

The Erasmus+ National Agency has issued a statement informing that force majeure situations will be invoked for mobility activities to affected areas (officially declared by the national authorities as affected regions), so all participants are being contacted directly by the Faculty's services to check whether they intend to postpone their departure or return in advance and to ask them to adopt the appropriate social distancing measures in view of the risks they may have been subject to.

People who have returned from an affected area are advised to comply with the above-mentioned hygiene measures and respiratory label. If you have a fever, cough or possible respiratory difficulty, do not go to the health services, call 808 24 24, and follow the guidelines given to you. If these symptoms manifest themselves in our campus. you should call the emergency number (ext. 20000; tlf. 217 500 600) to activate the contingency plan and follow the instructions given to you.

The Safety, Health and Sustainability Office accompanies the announcements of the Directorate General for Health, making the relevant information available directly on its webpage, namely Information no. 005/2020 of 27/02/2020, addressed to citizens returning from an area with active community transmission of the new coronavirus, and Information no. 003/2020 of 20/02/2020 - Recommendations for travellers.

For further information, you may contact directly the Safety, Health and Sustainability Office Coordinator (Júlia Alves, ext. 24126, jmaalves@ciencias.ulisboa.pt, tlm. 914957401).

The Faculty Board

University Rectory - Previous announcements

Information available at https://ciencias.ulisboa.pt/en/covid-19-announcements-university-rectory.

Ciências ULisboa

You are here

Order D/58/2021

Order D/50/2021

Announcement (12/10/2021)

Order D/42/2021

Announcement (31/08/2021)

Announcement (31/05/2021)

Announcement (28/05/2021)

Announcement (11/05/2021)

Announcement (08/05/2021)

Order D/17/2021

Order D/7/2021

Order D/5/2021

7th update of the Faculty's Contingency Plan - COVID-19: Rectification statement (25/01/2021)

Order D/4/2021

Order D/3/2021

Order D/1/2021

Reminder (08/01/2021)

Clarification (07/01/2021)

Announcement (19/11/2020)

2nd round of COVID-19 tests

Announcement (18/11/2020)

Announcement (10/11/2020)

Announcements (03/11/2020)

Announcement (23/10/2020)

Announcement (15/10/2020)

Case management and COVID-19 tests in Ciências ULisboa

Definition of confirmed case, suspect case, high-risk contact, low-risk contact and symptoms of COVID-19

Confirmed cases and high-risk contacts

Suspect cases and low-risk contacts: procedures to follow

Regularisation of attendance

ULisboa test programme

Emergency number in Ciências ULisboa and isolation room

Order D/39/2020

Announcement (03/07/2020)

Recommendations for the operation of the school year 2020/2021 (09/06/2020)

Order D/25/2020

Announcement (04/05/2020)

Order D/21/2020

Order D/20/2020

Laboratory infrastructure | COVID-19 screening tests (20/04/2020)

Order D/19/2020

Laboratory infrastructure | COVID-19 screening tests (09/04/2020)

Message (09/04/2020)

Announcement (02/04/2020)

Order D/16/2020

COVID-19 | Information (20/03/2020)

Order D/14/2020

COVID-19 | Suspension of classes and additional measures (09/03/2020)

Announcement (09/03/2020)

Order D/12/2020 (04/03/2020)

Coronavirus - Holding of events (03/03/2020)

Coronavirus | General recommendations and contingency plan (28/02/2020)

University Rectory - Previous announcements