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

Under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), science has received funding aimed at the digital transformation of science, strengthening scientific and technological infrastructure, building capacity within the National Scientific and Technological System (SCTN), and enhancing the status of scientific careers.

The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) ensures the implementation of initiatives under the following components:

  • C05 — Capitalization and Business Innovation;
  • C06 — Qualifications and Skills.

“Science + Digital” Program

The “Science + Digital” program, funded under investment RE-C05-i08.01 of Component C05—Capitalization and Business Innovation, has a total budget of 70.1 million euros.
The program aims to accelerate the digital transformation of science and support services for the SCTN, promoting greater national scientific, technological, and computational capacity.

The following initiatives are particularly noteworthy under this measure:

  • Creation of a Science and Technology Campus, open to the public and forward-looking, including a Science Desk—both physical and digital—that brings together services and funding mechanisms for researchers, R&D organizations, and higher education institutions.
  • Consolidation of the National Center for Advanced Computing (CNCA) by strengthening the national advanced computing network and operating the Deucalion and MareNostrum 5 supercomputers, thereby promoting national participation in European initiatives on advanced computing and artificial intelligence.
  • Completion of projects funded under the Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Program for Public Administration, promoting the advanced use of data, process automation, and the development of AI-based solutions.
  • Expansion of the NAU national online course platform through the launch of new massive open online courses (MOOCs), thereby strengthening digital skills and lifelong learning.
  • Implementation of the National Program for Open Science and Open Research Data (PNCADAI), providing services and tools to support open science and FAIR data management.
  • Strengthening national capabilities in Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Models (LLM), and advanced computing, by supporting research in generative AI, natural language processing, and the development of AI applications and language models for the Portuguese language, supported by national advanced computing infrastructures.

Strengthening Scientific Research Units

As part of the PRR review, funding for RE-C05-i13—“Scientific Research Units”—under Component C05—Capitalization and Business Innovation—was increased.
This investment currently has a total allocation of 160 million euros, including an additional 50 million euros approved in the 2026 PRR revision.
The investment aims to strengthen national scientific and technological capabilities by supporting Research and Development Units (R&D Units), promoting:

  • scientific research of the highest quality;
  • internationalization;
  • valuing knowledge;
  • collaboration between science and the business community.

Science + Training Program

The “Science + Training” program, funded under investment RE-C06-i06 of Component C06—Qualifications and Skills, has a total budget of 37.8 million euros.

The program aims to strengthen the national scientific and innovation ecosystem by promoting internationalization, knowledge transfer, and skilled scientific employment.

The following initiatives are particularly noteworthy under this measure:

  • ERC-Portugal Program: An FCT program aimed at strengthening national participation in European Research Calls (ERC) Calls by supporting the preparation and evaluation of applications, building researchers’ capacity, and attracting and retaining scientific talent.
    The program comprises various instruments, including: ERC-PT ; ERC-PT Projects; ERC-PT .
  • FCT-Tenure Program: A program aimed at hiring researchers with PhDs for permanent positions at scientific and higher education institutions, helping to reduce job insecurity and promote stability in scientific careers, while strengthening institutional R&D capabilities.
  • International Mobility of Researchers: Implementation of international mobility programs for researchers, promoting their integration into international research and innovation networks.
  • Strengthening International Partnerships in Science, Technology, and Innovation: A program to strengthen international cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, including: participation in European and international partnerships; support for national participation in Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe Program; and funding for international scientific projects, alliances, and infrastructure.

View the implementation data for the PRR Grants: “Science + Digital” Program and “Science + Training” Program
More information: www.recuperarportugal.gov.pt

Updated on May 25, 2026