FCT has updated the National Roadmap of Research Infrastructures of Strategic Interest (RNIE)

FCT today released the updated publication of the National Roadmap of Research Infrastructures of Strategic Interest (RNIE). The first edition was published in 2014, following the Call for its creation, and included 40 infrastructures that received funding of 143.8 million euros for the 2017-2021 period, 69% of which came from structural funds (ERDF).

Research infrastructures are essential elements of the National Science, Technology and Innovation System. They include platforms, resources and services available to the scientific community, offering large equipment and other scientific instruments, collections, archives and data, computer systems and communication networks fostering digital open access, with a view to stimulating excellence in research and technological development activities.

The 2020 update of the NREN makes known the 16 new infrastructures integrated since April 2019 and systematizes information on all 56 infrastructures that are now part of the Roadmap, including their description, activities and impact, as well as their links with infrastructures or other organizations at European or global level.

The integration of the 16 new infrastructures into the RNIE was the result of a government initiative, under the "Science Law", DL 63/2019, and taking into account the opinions of the working groups of the FCT's 17 Thematic Agendas for Research and Innovation 2030, the reports of the international evaluation of R&D Units and hearings of the institutions. The new Roadmap reflects the evolution of the national research and innovation ecosystem, the priorities of the National Reform Plan and public policies in the field of science and technology, namely those relating to Space, Health, the Atlantic and Digital Skills. The Roadmap now includes infrastructures in six thematic areas: Energy, Environment, Health and Food, Physical Sciences and Engineering, Social and Cultural Innovation, and Digital Infrastructures.

The Infrastructure Roadmap is also an important tool for the internationalization of Portuguese science. Most of the 56 infrastructures in the Roadmap are associated with the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) or other initiatives or organizations at European or global level.

FCT will continue to monitor the implementation of the National Roadmap infrastructures, including their impact on research, knowledge transfer and the internationalization of science in Portugal, through a Monitoring Committee with 31 experts from the scientific community, representing the six thematic areas of the Roadmap.

The publication is now available for consultation here.