Even before i3S came to be, when its comprising institutes were working separately, PhD students have always had a small council to advocate their position and interests. Now, however, an official ombudsperson position was created. Pedro Moradas Ferreira, researcher and ICBAS faculty member, was recently invested as the formal representative of our many doctoral candidates – around 250.

Despite being devoid of decision-making power, the i3S PhD student Ombudsperson is entrusted with championing and promoting students’ rights and legitimate interests in a university setting. Therefore, the Ombudsperson is appointed to receive and appraise complaints filed by students and offer recommendations to competent bodies, faculty members and other relevant actors within the University and respective Organic Units. The purpose is to ameliorate existing services, as well as to repeal, amend or convert acts detrimental to students’ rights. In addition, the ombudsperson is entitled not only to suggest amendments to existing charters, but also to propose new regulations in order to safeguard students’ best interests, particularly regarding academic activities.

An upward approach to the communication flow is of utmost importance for the office’s success. To properly fulfil the assigned duties, students must direct their concerns (be it grievances, suggestions, petitions, appointment scheduling, or even praises) to the PhD Student Ombudsperson via email: provedor@i3s.up.pt.

Our students will surely benefit from Professor Moradas Ferreira’s commitment. Now, it is up to them to get their affairs voiced and heard.