Ocean Program

Created in 2015, the Ocean Program is a permanent support program for the FCT Governing Board and for monitoring Marine Science and Technology (MST). Its mission is to maximize dialogue with the various scientific communities that make up this transdisciplinary area, in order to inform the Governing Board's decision-making regarding research and innovation in the field of MST, coordinate national MST activities, and Portuguese participation in European and international organizations.

The maritime sector has been a national priority since 2006, when the first National Maritime Strategy (ENM) was launched. The National Sea Strategies (2006-2012; 2013-2020; currently 2021-2030) have enabled Portugal to respond to the challenges posed for the promotion, growth, and competitiveness of the sea economy, in the face of important political and strategic changes at European and global level. Portugal's effective return to the sea therefore depends on the implementation of a strategy based on knowledge and technological progress and on the size and geography of the national territory, both above and below sea level, including the new extended dimension resulting from the submission presented for the extension of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles.

The high standards imposed by the maritime sector and marine science and technology set goals that challenge existing technological capabilities and exceptionally promote transdisciplinarity and internationalization among all entities involved. This sector is characterized by the activity of a group of laboratories, scientific research centers, and high-tech companies, in which interaction between different academic communities and between these and industry is a fundamental pillar.

Functions

Advise and counsel the FCT Governing Board on maritime affairs, particularly in relation to scientific and technological matters;
Analyze and explore the benefits that national participation in European and international maritime programs and institutions/organizations has for the FCT in particular, and for Portuguese society and economy in general, supporting and promoting the work of National Delegates;
Establish synergies with national entities active and/or competent in maritime affairs, promoting the valorization of the results of FCT-funded research in CTM, in line with the science and knowledge component of the National Strategy for the Sea and in accordance with the National and Regional Smart Specialization Strategies where the Sea domain has been identified as a priority;
Represent FCT in national, European, or international initiatives in the field of CTM;
Produce analyses of the evolution of CTMs in Portugal and their relationship with the European and international context.