Vice-Presidency of the Government opens calls for doctoral research grants - Communication

Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional

The Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government, through the Regional Fund for Science and Technology (FRCT), launched today two calls for doctoral research grants.

As of today, "the application period begins for the two doctoral grant calls in two categories - five doctoral grants in an academic environment and five grants in a non-academic environment," announced the Vice-President of the Government, Artur Lima.

The doctoral grants in a non-academic environment, a novelty implemented last year, are aimed at applied research whose work plans take place, fully or partially, in entities such as Companies, Collaborative Laboratories, Technology and Innovation Centres, Technology Interface Centres, Third Sector Entities and Hospitals.

"The projects must provide applied research of relevant interest to the development of the regional economy," he said.

For funding purposes, "the projects should be in line with the strategic priorities defined in the priority thematic areas of the Research and Innovation Strategy for the Smart Specialisation of the Autonomous Region of the Azores 2022-2027 (RIS3 Açores)," he added.

The call for doctoral grants in an academic environment aims to fund a grant in the following scientific areas: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Exact Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences.

The call for doctoral grants in a non-academic environment is open to all scientific areas.

"The diversification of doctoral graduates in a non-academic environment will stimulate innovation and the economy in the regional business fabric, and also in various sectors in different strategic areas with a social impact," said Artur Lima.

The Vice-President of the Government also announced a significant increase in the amount of the monthly grant allowance: "for doctoral scholarships, the amount will rise from €1,160 to €1,275, an important and due increase, now implemented by the XIV Regional Government."

The new table containing the grant amounts for the Regional Fund for Science and Technology will come into force for all grant recipients in June this year.

Applications should be submitted by 5 pm (UTC-1h, Azores time) on May 31, 2024.

Those interested should consult all the information on these calls at https://frct.azores.gov.pt/concursos/#abertos and on the submission platform at https://idia.azores.gov.pt/.