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

Applications for the 2nd edition of the RESTART Programmelaunched by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), which ends on May 14.

RESTART is aimed at researchers who have recently taken parental leave, including adoption leave. It also covers, with specific eligibility conditions, shared parental leave and researchers with a contract Studentship.

This program aims to promote gender equality and equal opportunities in R&D activities and careers and family-career balance, with a particular impact on female researchers working in national institutions, by funding, at Call , individual projects for a maximum amount of 50,000 euros, with an implementation period of 18 months. A budget of 1.6 M€ is planned for the 2nd edition of this program.

With the commitment of the host institution, national, foreign and stateless researchers who cumulatively meet the following requirements may apply: (i) hold a doctoral degree; (ii) be an integrated doctoral member of an R&D unit, or have a contractual relationship with a State laboratory; (iii) have benefited from parental leave, including adoption leave, of 120 days or more, or shared parental leave, including adoption leave, of 72 days or more, between February 16, 2023, inclusive, and the start date of the application submission period.

The funding instrument made available by the FCT is in line 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.