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Commissions and Compliance
Commissions and Compliance
Data Protection Officer
Today’s society is characterised by digitalisation and hyperconnectivity; data has become a crucial asset for organisations, many of which consist of personal data. The law imposes significant responsibilities on their processing, applying to their activities in a cross-cutting manner. At INESC TEC, these responsibilities primarily stem from research and development, but also extend to other activities common to most organisations, carried out by Centres and Services. Following the full implementation of the GDPR in 2018, INESC TEC decided to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO), supported by an internal multidisciplinary team. The Data Protection Officer has a specific legal status and plays the role of informing and advising the Board and general staff of the Institute on existing legal obligations, as well as monitoring compliance with applicable data protection legislation and the internal procedures that implement it. The DPO is the point of contact for the competent supervisory authorities in this area (the CNPD, in Portugal), while ensuring the fundamental rights of data subjects, whether they are employees or others who collaborate with the Institute.
Conflict of Interest Management Committee
We believe that transparency and integrity are vital principles to the foundations of scientific credibility. In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, relationships between organisations, external entities, and their members are multiplying. Hence, it’s important to ensure that said interactions do not compromise the impartiality and objectivity of the decisions and activities carried out. To establish a robust regulatory framework capable of identifying, preventing, and mitigating potential risks, we implemented a new Conflict of Interest Management Policy, in 2017. This Policy sets out clear guidelines for detecting, analysing, and solving conflict situations, ensuring that personal or institutional interests do not interfere with the mission and values we pursue. One of the measures introduced under this policy was the creation of the <b>Conflict of Interest Management Commission</b>, an independent body responsible for evaluating, monitoring, and issuing recommendations regarding potential conflicts. The team operates across various areas by managing declarations of interest, promoting the adoption of good practices, ensuring compliance with the established rules, and raising awareness among the community about the importance of transparency and ethics in the performance of their duties.
Diversity and Inclusion Commision
The INESC TEC Board of Directors established the Commission for Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) in September 2021, following the presentation of the report by the <a href="https://repositorio.inesctec.pt/bitstreams/fea058dd-7249-4f75-b32d-6cdd2eec1804/download" target="_blank">Working Group on Gender Equality + Diversity and Inclusion</a>. Our core mission is to propose and implement a D&I programme, with gender equality as a top priority. We focus on four dimensions: <ul> <li><b>Fostering an Inclusive Environment</b>, where everyone feels valued, respected, and included, regardless of their background, identity, or experience, through open and constructive dialogue;</li> <li><b>Promoting Diversity</b>, by committing to advancing diversity in all forms, acknowledging its impact on our culture and innovation;</li> <li><b>Supporting Community Development</b>, by ensuring that everyone benefits from equal opportunities for growth and development, contributing to a fairer and more equitable working environment;</li> <li><b>Monitoring and Improvement</b>, by collecting data to define objective progress indicators and adjust strategies, ensuring the institution moves towards a healthier environment.</li> </ul>
Technical Committe for Social Responsability
In 2019, we created the <b>Technical Committee for Social Responsibility</b>, as we believe that everyone plays an active role in building a fairer society. Throughout the year, we have developed a wide range of initiatives that contribute to a more sustainable future, driven by the impact of science, technology, and innovation. Our work is structured along two main dimensions: <ul> <li><b>Internal</b>: we aim to integrate social responsibility into our institutional culture by promoting the well-being of staff and reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to ethics, inclusion, and sustainability. This includes initiatives such as promoting health and well-being in the workplace, encouraging volunteering, and embedding sustainable practices within the institution, particularly by raising environmental awareness.</li> <li><b>External</b>: we seek ways to support the local community by establishing strategic partnerships. We are involved in the development of educational and scientific literacy programmes, encouraging access to science and technology among underrepresented groups, and implementing initiatives with social and environmental impact; we also promote events and campaigns that strengthen the bond between the institution and society.</li> </ul>
Ethics Committee
As an independent body, the Ethics Committee plays a key role in ensuring that all activities and decisions are carried out transparently, in accordance with the values and standards of our institution. We are responsible for monitoring and promoting standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability across various areas of research, issuing opinions on projects involving ethical considerations, and ensuring the implementation of the Code of Ethics. This Code systematises and formalises the ethical and deontological principles that guide both institutional and individual conduct, ensuring that all practices meet the institution’s mission. More than just a regulatory body, we reinforce society and partners’ trust in the Institute. Our actions help to prevent legal and reputational risks, reinforce the organisation’s credibility, and consolidate a culture of ethical responsibility, ensuring that all decisions and practices are consistent with the principles underpinning our mission.