Pro-Scientia is the main funding mechanism for the Azores Scientific and Technological System (SCTA) and is based on four priority axes: valorisation, cooperation, qualification and updating.
Pro-Scientia’s objectives are:
- Consolidate the scientific and technological potential of the Azores;
- Stimulate research in relevant areas;
- Strengthen business participation in the SCTA;
- Promote the economic enhancement of research and development activities;
- Encourage the creation of trans-regional and international synergies that project the Azores in the European Research Area;
- To qualify the human resources of science;
- Promote scientific and technological culture and ensure widespread access to the knowledge society.
This system of incentives for science and research is intended to finance projects submitted by persons, whether natural or legal, that are part of the SCTA or fall within the scope of specific regulations.
Funding to be granted annually under Pro-Scientia will take into account the annual financial allocation approved in the Region’s Science and Technology Plan, as well as the existing financial availability under other regional, national or international funds.
Eligible costs actually financed under PRO-SCIENTIA may not be financed by any other national or international programme, avoiding duplication of public funding.
Project funding is based on the approval of applications in the context of calls for tenders. Calls for applications are advertised via publications published on the Internet in the Idia-Sg system.
Applications are examined and evaluated by a committee, taking into account the selection criteria laid down in advance in the call for tenders.
Pro-Scientia was created by Regional Legislative Decree No 10/2012/A of 26 March 2012; the conditions of access and the general rules for granting support under this incentive programme are laid down in Regional Regulatory Decree No 17/2012/A of 4 July 2012.