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PRR Support – “Science + Digital” and “Science + Training”

Science was included in the updated Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) with an investment of €93 million, aimed at strengthening and creating initiatives and programs to be implemented by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) by March 2026.

“Science + Digital” Program

The “Science + Digital” program has €48 million available to accelerate the process of digital transformation and digitization of science and support services for the National Scientific and Technological System (SCTN), promoting greater competitiveness in the economy, society, public administration, and the business sector.

Under Measure 5 – Science + Digital, the following services and programs provided by FCT are covered:

  • The creation of a Science and Technology Campus, open to society and oriented towards the future, including a Science Desk (physical and online) where the main services and funding mechanisms for researchers, R&D entities, and higher education institutions will be made available in a single location.
  • The creation of the National Center for Advanced Computing (CNCA), through the reorganization of existing advanced computing centers and networks in the country into a single entity, supporting the operation of two supercomputers (Deucalion and Mare Nostrum 5) and the completion of the CNCA's support infrastructure and data center.
  • The completion of 94 projects funded under the Artificial Intelligence and Data Science R&D Program in Public Administration.
  • The availability of 50 new courses offered through the national platform for massive online courses (NAU), benefiting from a newly developed technological infrastructure.
  • The implementation of the national program for open science and open research data (PNCADAI), enabling the provision of a network of infrastructure, services, and tools to support open science and, in particular, the management of FAIR research data.

Science + Training Program

The "Science + Training" program has €45 million available to promote the development of the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in higher education institutions (HEIs) by supporting fundamental research, promoting knowledge transfer, reducing the precariousness of researchers, and strengthening the link between businesses and society.

With regard to Measure 6 – “Science + Training,” the following FCT Calls, Programs, and Partnerships are covered:

  • Talent Attraction and Retention Programs “ERC-Portugal” and “FCT-Tenure”:
    • ERC-Portugal Program. FCT program to boost the various cycles of national participation in Calls Research Calls (ERC) Calls , from preparing and evaluating applications and training future applicants to attracting and retaining talent. The ERC-Portugal program already has three axes: ERC-PT , ERC PT – A Projects, and ERC PT – Careers.
    • FCT-Tenure Program: a program that aims to promote the development of R&D activities by hiring 230 PhD researchers for permanent positions and contributing to reducing job insecurity in national scientific employment.
  • Strengthening International Partnerships in Science, Technology, and Innovation
    • Program to strengthen international partnerships in Science, Technology, and Innovation, with the signing of six international partnerships, including European partnerships and bilateral partnerships.
    • Program to support the financing of projects, alliances, and infrastructure with national participation selected at the European level, particularly within the scope of Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe Program.
    • International Mobility Program for researchers, through a new program created by FCT.

See the implementation data for PRR Support: “Science + Digital” Program and “Science + Training” Program

More information: www.recuperarportugal.gov.pt

Updated on November 20, 2024