Appointment of the new FCT Scientific Councils

The presentation of the new FCT Scientific Councils 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 Board of Directors.

At this first meeting, the mission and attributions of this advisory body were explained, the current structure of FCT and the new funding programs were presented, as well as the changes implemented in existing funding instruments, aimed at covering a greater appreciation and diversity of scientific backgrounds. FCT's current challenges and priorities were also shared, for which the Board of Directors relies on the advice and recommendations of the Science and Technology Councils.

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

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

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