When should I use this channel?
The Reporting Channel should be used whenever there is knowledge of, or a well-founded suspicion regarding, a situation that:
- may violate the law, applicable regulations or GIMM’s internal policies;
- represents an ethical, institutional or reputational risk;
- involves serious, systematic or sensitive conduct; or
- cannot be adequately resolved through the usual hierarchical or informal channels.
This channel is not intended to:
- complaints of a personal or purely employment-related nature (unless they involve serious violations);
- legitimate scientific disagreements;
- complaints regarding service quality or routine operational disputes.
How can I submit a high-quality report?
A clear and well-structured report is essential to enable a rigorous and timely analysis. Whenever possible, the report should include:
- a clear and objective description of the facts;
- the context, including date and place of occurrence;
- the areas or persons involved (where known);
- whether the situation occurred on a one-off basis or repeatedly; and
- any documents or other relevant supporting elements.
It is not necessary to have conclusive evidence in order to submit a report; however, the report must be made in good faith and based on reasonable grounds.
The greater ability of GIMM to adequately assess the situation.
What happens after a report is submitted?
After the report is submitted:
- Receipt and preliminary assessment
The report is received through the official channel and subject to an initial independent assessment, by an external entity, to determine its scope and admissibility. - Referral to the competent Committee
Depending on the nature of the reported situation, the report is referred to the Committee responsible for its analysis. - Fact-finding
Where justified, appropriate steps are taken to clarify the facts, in accordance with the principles of impartiality, confidentiality and the right to be heard. - Conclusion and decision
The process concludes with a reasoned decision, which may result in preventive, corrective or disciplinary measures, where applicable.
The reporting person is informed of the developments in accordance with the legally established time limits.
Responsible Committees
To ensure independence, expertise and impartiality, GIMM has two distinct Committees, depending on the nature of the reported situation:
Responsible for analysing reports related to ethical conduct, harassment, discrimination, serious interpersonal conflicts and other situations of a behavioural or organisational nature.
Composition:
- Alda Azevedo, Group Leader at Instituto de Ciências Sociais da Universidade de Lisboa
- Ana Rita Gil, Assistant Professor at Faculdade de Direito da Universidade de Lisboa
- Helder Maiato, Group Leader at Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto
Responsible for analysing reports related to corruption, fraud, scientific integrity, financial management, institutional conflicts of interest and other legal or regulatory infringements.
Composition:
- Jorge Vasconcelos, Non-executive member of the Board of Directors of Fundação GIMM – Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine
- Paula Prado, Non-executive member of the Board of Directors of Fundação GIMM – Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine
The composition of the Committees ensures diversity of profiles and prevents situations of conflict of interest.
Confidentiality and protection of reporting persons
GIMM ensures that:
- the identity of the reporting person is protected and disclosed only when strictly necessary;
- anonymous reports are accepted and duly processed;
- any form of retaliation against individuals who report in good faith is prohibited and subject to sanction; and
- all situations are handled with rigour, proportionality and respect for the individuals involved.
A commitment to integrity
The Reporting Channel is an essential tool for promoting a culture of integrity, responsibility and transparency at GIMM.
The responsible participation of the entire community is fundamental to ensuring a safe, ethical and institutional environment aligned with the highest scientific and organisational standards.