FCT supports 31 projects in the 3rd edition of the RESTART Programme

On May 4, FCT announced the preliminary results of the 3rd edition of theRESTART Program. A total of 61 applications were evaluated, and 31 projects were approved for funding, representing a success rate of 51%.

This program to support R&D projects across all scientific fields (Exact Sciences and Engineering; Life and Health Sciences; Natural Sciences and the Environment; Social Sciences and Humanities) has a total budget of €1,539,933.00.

The RESTART Programme is designed to support the competitive return to research activities of researchers who have recently taken parental leave, including for adoption. Depending on the funding available and the planned duration of the project, it is also possible to involve additional human and/or material resources.

Throughout researchers’ careers—and particularly for female researchers in the early stages of their careers—parenthood creates additional challenges that affect scientific output, team and project management, and fundraising efforts, and may even jeopardize career prospects and research planning.

The objective of FCT with this program is to promote gender equality and equal opportunities in scientific research activities, with particular emphasis on female researchers working in national institutions.

This financing instrument is aligned with the concerns and recommendations of the Council of the European Union and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which aim to promote a better work-life balance for those engaged in R&D activities.

For more information, please visit theContest Page.