FCT strengthens collaboration with MIT and UT Austin in the 4th phase of International Programs

Between November 11 and 14, the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) was part of the Portuguese delegation that visited the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Texas at Austin (UTA), as part of the preparations for the fourth phase of the MIT Portugal and UT Austin Portugal Programs.

The FCT was represented by Madalena Alves, Chair of the Governing Board, and Ana Quartin, Director of the International Relations Department, accompanying the visit of the Secretary of State for Science and Innovation, Helena Canhão. António Grilo, President of the National Innovation Agency (ANI), was also part of this delegation. The national delegation also included José Manuel Mendonça, Coordinator of the Mission Structure for International Partnerships, reinforcing the strategic coordination between the programs. At each university, the newly appointed co-directors of the partnerships were present: Alexandre Ferreira da Silva (University of Minho) and João P. Barreto (University of Coimbra), from the MIT Portugal Program, and Rute André (University of Aveiro) and Rui Oliveira (University of Minho), from the UT-Austin Portugal Program.

The purpose of this visit to the two American universities was to discuss strategic priorities for the coming years. Specifically, the renewed collaboration mechanisms, strengthening academic mobility programs, and joint projects in critical areas such as energy, artificial intelligence, and technological innovation. In this context, meetings were held with the rector's team from both institutions.

On November 11 and 12, the agenda at MIT included meetings with the directors of the MIT Portugal Program and meetings with researchers and institutional leaders. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Portugal and MIT, particularly in student and faculty mobility and consolidating collaboration on joint projects. Activities and results of completed strategic projects involving Portuguese and international institutions were also presented. On November 13 and 14, the delegation participated in the UT Austin Portugal 2025 Colloquium, dedicated to the resilience of electrical systems in Portugal and Texas, which brought together experts from both countries. Similarities and strategies to increase the resilience of electrical networks were discussed, reinforcing the importance of transatlantic collaboration. It was also possible to learn about past and current projects developed within the partnership and to meet with Portuguese students and researchers in Austin.

The visit included working meetings on strengthening mobility and advanced training for researchers and students, as well as entrepreneurship initiatives, including attendance at sessions of the TechLaunch Program, which promotes entrepreneurship and technological innovation.

FCT will continue to work with partner institutions to ensure that the fourth phase of the MIT Portugal and UT Austin Portugal programs will deepen scientific and technological cooperation, consolidating Portugal as a relevant player in global research.