Eight faculty members from the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) at the University of Lisbon have filed a complaint against a full professor for alleged systematic moral harassment over the past 25 years.
The complaint was submitted in February via a letter to the institute’s president, Rogério Colaço.
All eight professors are from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, like the professor accused, and are aged between 50 and 70 years.
They all have longstanding careers at IST, spanning over two decades, hold doctorates, and occupy various positions within the academic hierarchy.
One of the allegations raised by the letter’s signatories is that the accused professor, Paulo Martins, known in scientific circles as a highly competent researcher, “prevented professors from advancing, to remain the sole full professor.”
The complaint also details “control and obstruction of faculty career advancement,” including claims of “obstruction of sabbatical leave approvals; restrictions on faculty access to resources for scientific research and teaching; public discreditation and undermining; and preventing faculty from working in certain scientific areas or projects,” which allegedly contributed to “discrimination, humiliation, and individual isolation at work.”
Notícias ao Minuto contacted IST to verify the complaint and inquire about any measures taken. Técnico stated that “the mentioned process is following the legal procedures for such situations, currently in the investigation phase,” and that they “do not comment on ongoing processes.”
President Rogério Colaço and Paulo Martins declined to comment on the case, with Martins reportedly saying, “I have nothing to comment on this matter” when approached by the paper.
The eight faculty members who filed the harassment complaint have also chosen not to give statements at this time, deferring all clarifications to their representing lawyer.
