Applications open for the 2nd edition of RESTART Programme

The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) opens today, April 9, at 5:00 p.m., applications for the 2nd edition of the RESTART Programme. With a planned budget of €1.6 million, this program promotes the financing, through Call , of individual projects for a maximum amount of €50,000, with a duration of 18 months. Applications will be open until May 14.

The RESTART Programme aimed at researchers who have recently taken parental leave, including for adoption. It also covers, under specific eligibility conditions, shared parental leave and researchers holding a Studentship contract.

This program aims to support a competitive return to research activities after parental leave, seeking to minimize the impact of parenthood on career prospects and the planning of research paths for researchers. It aims to promote gender equality and equal opportunities in R&D activities and careers, as well as work-life balance, with a particular focus on female researchers working in national institutions. It supports researchers in pursuing and developing original and innovative research ideas, with the possibility of associating other human and/or material resources, in accordance with the funding available and the expected execution time.

National, foreign, and stateless researchers who cumulatively meet the following requirements by the application deadline may apply, with the commitment of the host institution: (i) hold a doctoral degree; (ii) be a full member of an R&D unit, or have a contractual relationship with a state laboratory; (iii) have taken parental leave, including for adoption, of 120 days or more, or shared parental leave, including for adoption, of 72 days or more, between February 16, 2023, inclusive, and the start date of the application submission period. By defining this eligibility period, which follows on from the same period for the first edition, the FCT ensures continuity and that there is no gap between the two editions.

For further information, please refer to the page for the 2nd edition of the RESTART Programme and the respective Notice of the Call .