The ESO was established in 1962 with the aim of promoting European cooperation in the field of astronomy and operating the largest ground-based telescope facilities. Today, it is considered the most productive observatory in the world.
ESO is funded by the following Member States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, along with Chile as the host country and Australia as a strategic partner. It is currently the workplace for around 700 people, including full-time staff, scientists, and engineers from various geographical locations and nationalities.
On July 10, 1990, Portugal signed a Cooperation Agreement with ESO, which guaranteed observer status and defined a transition process so that, within 10 years, it could become a full Member State. In 1999, Portugal applied for membership as a Member State, and Portugal's accession agreement was approved in December 2000.
As a Member State, Portugal contributes annually to the annual operating costs of the infrastructure (around 1.2% of the overall budget). Portugal's participation in ESO has given Portuguese research teams access to a top-quality observation infrastructure and enabled them to participate in scientific research in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics, which has made a decisive contribution to the growth of the scientific community, particularly in terms of doctorates and internationalization.
Since 1990, dozens of Portuguese researchers have obtained observation time on ESO telescopes. An average of 1,800 proposals for access to observation time are submitted annually by researchers from all countries. In terms of numbers, the observation time allocated to national researchers exceeds the national contribution percentage.
Advanced human resources training
In May 2001, Portugal and the ESO signed a human resources training protocol with the aim of promoting advanced training for young Portuguese graduates through specialized Studentships awarded by the FCT. Under this protocol, the Innovation Agency was responsible, until the end of 2012, for implementing the internship program, selecting candidates, and monitoring the work carried out by the scholarship recipients.
A new protocol was signed between FCT and ESO in 2013, transferring all previous responsibilities relating to this program to FCT.
The internships, which last for a minimum of one year with the possibility of renewal for another year, are selected by technological field, with special attention given to the project, the educational framework, and the future placement of scholarship recipients in Portuguese companies focused on innovation.
Industrial participation
In addition to the scientific benefits and advanced training in their country, as full members of the ESO, all Member States have the opportunity to reap industrial benefits, contributing to increased competitiveness and technological advancement in their industry.
The ESO is considered an extremely competitive and demanding technological market within the 16 Member States that make up the organization.
Information about ESO's procurement service and associated processes is available on the official website. For any questions or clarifications about the industrial link between Portugal and ESO, please contact the ILO.
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State
Active
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Website
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Contacts
Board Paulo J.V. Garcia
Filipa Coelho
Industrial Liaison Officer (ILO) José Antão
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