Call for SR&TD Projects "Azores: Ecological Transition - Space - Ocean"

The University of the Azores (UAc) has established a program contract with the Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P. (FCT) and other entities to implement the thematic R&D program "Azores: Ecological Transition - Space - Ocean." This initiative is part of the new higher education funding model, aiming to strengthen UAc’s scientific and institutional capacity to fully leverage its Atlantic positioning and the unique natural characteristics of the Azores.

Through this announcement, FCT implements the thematic R&D program "Azores: Ecological Transition – Space – Ocean" to support research projects that contribute to scientific and technological development. The projects to be submitted should enhance research, innovation, and knowledge transfer within the Atlantic context, covering sciences, engineering, and technologies applied to the study of Space, the Geosphere, the Hydrosphere, the Biosphere, and the Atmosphere. This funding aims to foster interinstitutional collaboration and develop scientific expertise in strategic areas for the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

The following non-business Portuguese entities of the R&I are individual beneficiaries:

1. University of the Azores (higher education institution)
2. “Fundação Gaspar Frutuoso” (non-profit private institution whose main objective is R&D activities)

​​​​​​​

Applications must be submitted in English from March 14, 2025, until 5:00 PM (Lisbon time) on May 15, 2025, using a specific electronic form available on the myFCT platform. 

The Principal Investigator (PI) and the project’s research team members must have their curriculum vitae completed on the CIÊNCIAVITAE platform.

The Declaration of Commitment from the Proposing Institution will be available on the myFCT platform for approval by the institution’s highest representative, or a delegated representative, after the application submission deadline and until 5:00 PM (Lisbon time) ​​​​​​ on May 29, 2025.

The evaluation of applications will be carried out by a panel of experts affiliated with foreign institutions, independent, and of recognized merit and integrity, to be appointed by the FCT, I.P.

The selection and ranking methodology of the applications is based on the Merit of the Project (MP), which relies on the following evaluation criteria:

     A. Scientific merit and innovative nature of the proposed project as well as its suitability within the scope of this call.

     B. Scientific merit of the PI and the research team.

     C. Feasibility of the workplan and the expected indicators, as well as the budget adequacy.

The Merit of the Project (MP) is calculated according to the following formula:

                                       MP = 0,40A + 0,35B + 0,25C

The projects to be funded will be fully financed by national funds through the FCT budget.

The total budget allocation for this call is € 2.250.000.

The maximum funding for each project is €250.000 (two hundred and fifty thousand euros).

Each project must be associated with expenses related to human resources dedicated or involved in the development of R&D activities related to its execution.

The funding to be granted is non-refundable, applying the real cost option.

The initial advance for the project will be 15% of the approved funding.

For each list of justified expenses, payments will be made as reimbursements, in an amount equivalent to 90% of the eligible expense value, up to 95% of the total approved funding, depending on the degree of project implementation, including the advance payment.

The remaining amount, up to the approved project funding, will be paid after the completion of the scientific and financial components of the project, in the form of a final reimbursement payment.

The call is governed by this Announcement for Proposals Submission , the Regulation for Projects Funded Exclusively by National Funds, approved by Regulation No. 999/2016, of October 31, in its current wording, and by any other applicable national and European legislation.

It is recommended to review all the supporting documentation available on the call page prior to applying.

Information about the Announcement for Proposals Submission should be requested through the following email address: concursoprojetos@fct.pt.

No information published on this page replaces or overrides the Announcement for Proposals Submission.