First ERC-Portugal event held at the University of Lisbon

The first event dedicated to the FCT's ERC-Portugal Program took place at the Rectory of the University of Lisbon on December 2. This meeting was attended by Maria Leptin, President of the European Research Council (ERC), and the Secretary of State for Science, Ana Paiva, in a session with more than 150 participants.

The session was opened by Luís Ferreira, Rector of the University of Lisbon, Madalena Alves, President of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), and Ana Paiva, Secretary of State for Science. Luís Ferreira welcomed the participants, highlighting that the institution he heads, which hosted the event, accounts for 25% of Studentships currently awarded. Madalena Alves referred to the recent increase in the number of grants awarded under this program, considering that it represents a growth in the "capacity and ambition" of science in Portugal.

The Secretary of State for Science, Ana Paiva, stressed the importance of strong collaboration between all European Union member states at a time when "science and research are more important than ever" and "only through science can Europe reach its full potential."

Maria Leptin mentioned the need to strengthen research driven by researchers' curiosity, which is typically funded by the ERC. Although it may not yield immediate results, it is through this type of research that humanity has solved major challenges and problems, and Maria Leptin highlighted its transformative power.

At the round table, attended by the Secretary of State for Science, the President of the ERC, and researchers André Martins from the Instituto Superior Técnico of the University of Lisbon and Helena Freitas from the University of Coimbra, the topic "Linking Science and Policy for a Carbon Neutral and Digital EuropeThe president of FCT moderated this panel, which promoted reflection on the link between science and politics, with a view to the future in a more digital and environmentally sustainable Europe.

The session continued with a presentation by Francisco Santos, Vice President of FCT, who detailed the different incentives and services offered by the ERC-Portugal Program, summarizing Portugal's participation in the ERC and highlighting the substantial increase in funding for national projects during the Horizon Europe program. Vice President Francisco Santos also presented the various funding instruments that FCT makes available to the scientific community.

The first ERC-Portugal Event was broadcast online and is available for viewing on the FCT YouTube channel:

Please visit the FCT website for more information about the ERC-Portugal Program.