The MIT Portugal Program has launched a funding competition for Exploratory Projects, aiming to promote and elevate scientific research between Portugal and the United States. With the support of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), 8 projects will be funded, each up to a maximum amount of 50,000 euros.

Applications should focus on the following areas: Climate Science & Climate Change; Earth Systems: Oceans to Near Space; Digital Transformation in Manufacturing or Sustainable Cities.

Who can apply?

• Research teams from higher education institutions;
• Research and Development institutes and centers;
• State or international laboratories based in Portugal;
• Non-profit private institutions focused on Science and Technology;
• Other institutions, private or public, involved in scientific research activities.

Projects should be submitted as "individual projects," presented by a single final beneficiary, or "co-promotion projects," presented by two or more final beneficiaries, with a maximum duration of 12 months.

How to apply?

Applications must be submitted to the FCT, in English, by January 22, 2025, by 5:00 PM (Lisbon time), through the specific online form and submission on the platform myFCT.

Interested parties must submit:

• CV in English on the CIÊNCIAVITAE platform;
• Collaboration letter from the MIT researcher, with the profile of the responsible investigator associated with the project, describing their scientific responsibility in the project (mandatory attachment);
• Commitment Statement from the Proposing Institution, which will be available on the myFCT platform for agreement by the highest authority of the Proposing Institution, or a delegated person, after the application submission deadline, until 5:00 PM (Lisbon time) on February 5, 2025.

For more information about the evaluation, funding, or application-related questions, please consult the website.