Appointment of the new Scientific Councils of the FCT

The presentation of the new Scientific Councils of the FCT took place yesterday, April 19, at the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Higher Education, and was attended by the Minister, Elvira Fortunato, and the FCT's Board of Directors.

At this first meeting, the mission and responsibilities of this advisory body were outlined, the current structure of the FCT and the new funding programs were presented, and the changes implemented in existing funding instruments were discussed, with a view to promoting greater appreciation and diversity in scientific careers. The current challenges and priorities of the FCT were also shared, for which the Governing Board relies on the advice and recommendations of the Councils for Science and Technology.

The Scientific Councils are advisory bodies that support the FCT Governing Board, playing an extremely important role in providing strategic advice and recommendations on the development, implementation, and adaptation of science and technology support programs. They are divided according to the following scientific fields: (i) Exact and Engineering Sciences, (ii) Life and Health Sciences, (iii) Natural and Environmental Sciences, and (iv) Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The councils bring together a total of 46 members covering different areas of knowledge and include members of the national scientific community, as well as Portuguese researchers affiliated with foreign institutions. Institutional and geographical diversity and gender balance were also taken into account in their constitution.

 The members of the FCT Scientific Councils can be consulted here:

• Exact Sciences and Engineering 
• Life and Health Sciences 
• Natural and Environmental Sciences 
• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences