Applications for the 2nd edition of the RESTART Programme on May 14

Applications are now open for the 2nd edition of the RESTART Programme, launched by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), are now open and will close on May 14.

RESTART is 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 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 does this by Call funding for individual projects, up to a maximum of €50,000, with a duration of 18 months. A budget of €1.6 million is planned for the second edition of this program.

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.

The financing instrument provided by FCT is aligned with the concerns and recommendations of the Council of the European Union and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), with Portugal being one of the pioneering countries in responding to these issues.