2017/2018 Assessment of R&D Units

(English version available soon)

FCT opened today the registration period for the 2017/2018 R&D Units Evaluation , for financing during the period 2019-2022 , through the provision of the R&D Unit Registration on the Science and Technology Portal . THE Call ends on January 31, 2018 .

The assessment is based on the Regulation for the Multiannual Assessment and Financing of R&D Units , which is the result of a long process of discussion with the scientific and technological community and the recommendations of the Reflection Group on Science and Technology Assessment by the FCT. This assessment follows on from the exercises carried out in 1996, 2000, 2007 and 2013.

The indicative financing amount is 400 million euros . In addition to this amount, the FCT expects to finance 400 Doctoral Studentships per year through the R&D Units. These Studentships will be added to those assigned through the Calls individual and ongoing FCT Doctoral Programs.

The FCT will also support the hiring of around 400 PhD Researchers by R&D Units in the period 2019-2022. This hiring will complement the Calls annual applications for individual applications from PhD researchers to be opened by the FCT, support for institutional plans for scientific employment and development of scientific careers and hiring through R&D projects.

The evaluation of R&D units aims at the development and valorization of the National Scientific and Technological System (SCTN) in all areas of knowledge, and its strengthening and territorial densification. The expansion of assessment areas is planned, with specific assessment panels, in thematic areas of particular strategic relevance or linked to technical activity sectors, which were not considered in previous assessment exercises. The specialization of the evaluation of R&D units by scientific and thematic areas is resumed and expanded by the provision of more than 40 Evaluation Panels , from foreign institutions.

The assessment of scientific quality and the analysis of the relevance, merit and timeliness of the activity carried out by researchers associated with the R&D Unit application will prioritize quality and not quantity without considering the respective quality. Institutional diversity is considered a factor in the development and enrichment of the SCTN, which is why consideration of different organizational models is encouraged, ensuring good use of human resources, technical resources and infrastructures, and reinforcing Portugal's international position.