FCT participates in public discussion on the SCTN

Throughout this week, the Foundation forScienceand Technology is participating insessions promoted by the Ministry ofScience, Technology, and Higher Education, whichare initiating a public discussion with the scientific community on the future of the NationalScientific and TechnologicalSystem (SCTN) and its relationship with higher education. This discussion follows the presentation of the proposed State Budget for 2017 in the Assembly of the Republic.

One of the objectives of this discussion is to lay the foundations for the evaluation of research units, to be promoted by the FCT in 2017. The Program to StimulateScientific andTechnological Employment, also under discussion, emerges as a key element in the modernization of the STCN, opening doors to the renewal of the scientific community through the integration of young researchers into institutions. The existence of a new legal regime that makes employment contracts the norm for the activities of PhD researchers is one of the mechanisms available for this purpose (see list of frequently asked questions on this topic here).

The first discussion sessionspublic discussionsare taking place this week, with the participation of Associate Laboratories, the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities (CRUP), and the Coordinating Council of Polytechnic Institutes (CCISP). Meetings are also planned with non-integrated higher education institutions and student associations. The MCTES has made two supporting documents available on the Government Portal, on the organization of the SCTN and Higher Education and the implementationof theScientific Employment Stimulus program. Learn about the proposals andê your opinion.