‘This plan ensures that Instituto Superior Técnico is prepared to protect its students, teachers, researchers and non-academic staff, regardless of nationality or location. Solidarity, security and academic support remain key priorities.’ The conclusion of the document ‘Contingency plan for students, teachers, researchers and non-academic staff in the event of a nuclear attack in Ukraine or neighboring countries’, available online today, summarises the initiative carried out by Técnico’s Governing Board. Rogério Colaço, the president of Técnico, adds: ‘With the increased sensation and perception of a worsening conflict, Técnico felt that there was a need to prepare a contingency plan to respond to certain situations that have been occurring more and more frequently. One of the main objectives of this plan is to provide security, both for our community displaced in neighbouring countries close to Russia and Ukraine, and for the community from these countries who are at Técnico.’

The plan includes, among other things, information on preventive protection measures (shelters and security, emergency kit, preventive evacuation), communication and monitoring (registration of students, teachers, researchers, non-academic staff, permanent communication channel, sending regular updates), psychological support (24/7 line, seven days a week), academic support, institutional coordination (collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), articulation with international networks and an internal emergency plan. ‘The rapid evacuation plan, in the event of a worsening conflict, involves working with the local and national authorities, namely the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We also have a psychological support plan in case of need, namely for students from affected countries studying here at Instituto Superior Técnico. If they need to extend their stay in our country for longer, we will support them in renewing their visas,’ adds Rogério Colaço.

Técnico has around 300 students, teachers and researchers travelling to countries bordering Ukraine, and international students, teachers and researchers from countries bordering Ukraine travelling to its facilities. The contingency plan will only be activated if the Portuguese authorities indicate so.