FCT approved the creation of nine more CoLABs

The FCT announced the result of the 4th evaluation exercise of Call for the recognition and award of the title of Collaborative Laboratory (CoLAB), in which nine more collaborative laboratories were approved (see list ). Currently, a total of 35 CoLABs are approved, see the Summary document of the 35 CoLABs approved after 4 rounds of evaluation .

 The new CoLABs are Healthy Ageing@LAB, HyLAB, AquaValor, Data CoLAB, S2AQUAcoLAB, 4LifeLab, BioScale, TRIALS and KIPT, which reinforce the list of 26 existing CoLABs , through the development of agendas focused on innovative products and services in the area of aging, green hydrogen, water valorization and technology transfer, Data-driven Innovation services, sustainable and smart aquaculture, knowledge and technology for better health, promoting translation and drug discovery, transferring Research for a society with advanced leadership and knowledge to innovate tourism professions.

New CoLABs have 90 days, after the decision to grant the title, to establish themselves as private non-profit associations or companies, promoting collaboration between science, technology and higher education institutions and the economic and social fabric, especially companies, the hospital and health system, cultural institutions and social organizations. CoLABs aim to create, directly and indirectly, high value-added jobs in Portugal, through the implementation of research and innovation agendas geared towards creating economic and social value.

The Call for the assignment of the CoLAB title is permanently open. The next round of evaluation will consider applications submitted by November 12, 2021.