Scientific research in Portugal experienced strong growth from the mid-2000s until the financial crisis of 2010 and the Troika’s austerity measures, which led to a significant brain drain—most of whom have not returned.
From the mid-2010s onwards, a recovery phase began, driven by academic recruitment and FCT programmes (iFCT, CEEC, and tenure-track initiatives).
This growth is now stalling. The most recent research center funding cycle (2025–2029) shows a drastic reduction in public funding (around 40% for many centers), seriously affecting scientific continuity.
In our case, despite improved evaluation results, funding has dropped to about 50% of previous levels, even though our center remains among the most successful nationally.
It is increasingly important to develop partnerships with private-sector companies, as public funding is declining.
This proposal presents four strategic projects currently lacking sufficient funding. All projects include the following features:
Average project duration: 18 months. Fellowship value (monthly/yearly) →
PhD funding should last at least 3 years.
Funding sources will be acknowledged in publications.
Detailed cost breakdowns will be provided.
Contributing to Portuguese research is an investment in the country’s intellectual future. Fundamental research is the origin of most major technological and scientific breakthroughs.
Successful companies and long-term startups are those that actively contribute back to society, reinforcing the ecosystem that supports their own innovation.
This engagement is therefore not a cost, but a strategic investment in the collective future.
By investing in scientific research, companies gain a strong positioning within both scientific and policy ecosystems.
This commitment also supports communication strategies through:
Supporting Portuguese research is therefore not only a contribution to science, but also a long-term strategic investment in talent, knowledge, and innovation capacity.