Agenda

The Social Work Institute (ISS – FCSEA) marks the opening of the 2025/26 academic year with an exhibition that recalls and pays tribute to women distinguished with the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, awarded by the European Union to those who stand out for their exceptional contribution to the defense of human rights, freedom of thought, and other fundamental freedoms.

The exhibition “Women Laureates of the Sakharov Prize”, organized by Prof. Nélson Ramalho (ISS – FCSEA) in partnership with Europe Direct – Lisbon Metropolitan Area, will be on display from 16 to 30 September in the -1 atrium of the Vítor de Sá Library Building at Universidade Lusófona.

Exhibition content
The exhibition brings together 11 panels with biographical notes on the laureates, highlighting the central role of women’s activism in multiple causes: from the fight against dictatorial regimes to women’s emancipation, from combating religious extremism to defending the right to education as a cornerstone of more just and peaceful societies.

Guided visits with students
The ISS will organize guided tours for undergraduate and master’s students in Social Work on the following dates:

• 19 September (Friday) – 2nd year undergraduate and master’s students;

• 24 September (Wednesday) – 3rd year undergraduate students;

• 25 September (Thursday) – 1st year undergraduate students.

We invite the entire Lusófona community to visit the exhibition.

The Sakharov Prize
Created in 1988, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is the highest distinction awarded by the European Union in recognition of outstanding work in the defense of human rights. Among the first awardees were Nelson Mandela and Anatoly Marchenko. The prize honors individuals, groups, and organizations who make exceptional contributions to the defense of freedom of thought, freedom of expression, minority rights, respect for international law, the strengthening of democracy, and the rule of law.

Debate-conversation on the role of Psychology within the disciplinary field of Religious Studies, as well as epistemological, critical, and clinical questions that relate Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality in contemporary society and the world.

From March 2025 until December 2025, the sixth edition of the Permanent Seminar on Islamic Studies will be held at Universidade Lusófona, coordinated by Fabrizio Boscaglia. This cycle of events consists of scientific lectures on Islam and Islamic civilisation, given by Portuguese and international experts, in Portuguese, Spanish, and English.

The IV International Congress on Humanism, Human Rights, and Citizenship will be held on October 23-24, 2025. It will bring together experts, researchers, and professionals to discuss crucial global issues.