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University of Coimbra, the first Portuguese university, was established in Lisbon between 1288 and 1290, when Dinis I promulgated the letter Scientiae thesaurus mirabili, granting several privileges to the students of the studium generale in Lisbon, proving that it was already founded on that date. There was an active participation in this educational activity by the Portuguese Crown and its king, through its commitment of part of the subsidy of the same, as by the fixed incomes of the Church. This institution moved several times between Lisbon and Coimbra, where it settled permanently in 1537.
The current University of Lisbon is the result of the merger of two former public universities of Lisbon, the former University of Lisbon, founded in 1911 and the Technical University of Lisbon, founded in 1930. The merger process was initiated in 2011 and was made into law on 31 December 2012. As stated on the decree-law No. 266-E/2012, the new University of Lisbon began its legal existence on the day the newly elected rector took office, on 25 July 2013.
According to the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2017, also known as Shanghai Ranking, the University of Lisbon is ranked first in Portugal and 151–200 (overall) in the world. In the broad subject field of Engineering/Technology and Computer Sciences the university is ranked 51–75 worldwide, while in the disciplines of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science it is ranked 101–150, 151–200 and 151–200, respectively.[5][better source needed]
The Associação Académica da Universidade de Lisboa, founded on March 8, 2007, is the representative structure of the collective interests of all students of the University of Lisbon.[8]
The AAUL is an Association with a Federative character, recognized by the Government as a Federation of Students balancing a model of direct election by students with the pursuit of the institutional interests of the Federated Academic and Student Associations themselves.
Within the Associação Académica da Universidade de Lisboa, the paradigm of two chambers, personified by the General Assembly and the General Council, finds parallels in the upper and lower chambers of bicameral parliamentary systems. The term upper chamber is particularly relevant when analyzing the structure and function of these bodies in the context of the AAUL.
The General Council of the AAUL emerges as the representative body of the Student Associations and the students of the Faculties, playing an essential role in defining the programmatic lines of AAUL activity. The representativeness of these associations and faculties in the General Council reflects the diversity of interests and perspectives, providing a more comprehensive and institutionalized view.
On the other hand, the General Assembly, resembling a lower chamber, represents all students of the University of Lisbon. This is the highest point of deliberation, where all students exercise a direct voice in decision-making on matters related to the AAUL. The direct participation of students in the General Assembly reflects the popular and democratic nature of this chamber, contrasting with the more institutional character of the General Council.
2.5 Euro coin commemorating the 100 years of ULisboa with the emblem of AAUL
This bicameral structure, similar to parliamentary systems in various parts of the world, finds echoes in examples such as the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament, reflecting the specific nuances of the European Union. Similarly, in the United States, the Senate represents the member states in a federative manner, while the House of Representatives directly reflects the voice of the citizens. In the United Kingdom, the House of Lords, with an aristocratic character, contrasts with the House of Commons, representing the general population. This diversity of examples highlights the adaptability and effectiveness of the bicameral model in managing different perspectives and interests, ensuring a more inclusive and representative approach in decisions relevant to the student community of the University of Lisbon.
