Excelência da investigação na RAA - Jovens investigadores - I&D Ciência – Projetos individuais

The main goal of this opportunity is to help recent PhD graduates develop proofs of concept based on their doctoral research. It aims to support career transitions from academia to the workforce, raise the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of innovative research, and address important societal challenges. The focus is on projects that align with the RIS3 Açores strategy, including technological innovation, sustainable processes, ecosystem resilience, and digital solutions for the circular economy and environmental management. All projects must take place in the Autonomous Region of the Azores and address local or strategic priorities.

• Projects must support applied research and innovation, including industrial research or experimental development; upstream research is allowed only if essential and limited to 10% of the work plan.
• Operations must align with RIS3 Azores priorities and avoid significant harm to environmental objectives.
• Projects cannot start before application submission and must be completed within 36 months (exceptions are rare).
• Teams must include a new PhD graduate (≤5 years since graduation), with the Principal Investigator (PI) holding a doctorate and being actively involved.
• The PI can only lead one project and participate in one more as a team member.
• Only non-business entities in the Azores Scientific and Technological System (SCTA) may apply.

Examples:

• A project to develop a digital tool for monitoring marine biodiversity, led by a new PhD graduate and hosted by a local research institute.
• An initiative to improve waste recycling processes using new materials, coordinated by a university team with a recent PhD member.
• A proof-of-concept for smart agriculture sensors, carried out by a research center in the Azores, with strong alignment to regional innovation strategies.

• Unit costs per Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) for project staff
• Salaries for researchers and technical staff involved in the project
• Human resource costs provided through prior agreements for R&D activities
• Personnel costs for new PhD graduates integrated into the project
• Costs related to project management and coordination

• Total budget of the grant: €819,774
• Co-financing rate: Up to 85% (FEDER)
• Maximum per project: €160,740
• Minimum per project: €136,629
• Maximum project duration: 36 months

• Applicants must be non-business entities within the Azores Scientific and Technological System (SCTA).
• Projects must involve an investment between €136,629 and €160,740.
• All projects must align with the regional research and innovation strategy (RIS3 Açores) and meet the objectives of the notice.
• Each project must include a new PhD graduate (degree obtained within the last 5 years) and have a PI with a doctorate.
• The PI can only lead one project and may join one more as a team member.
• Projects must not have started before the application is submitted.
• Technical details, justification, and a timeline for implementation must be provided.
• Projects must comply with environmental and accessibility requirements as per EU standards.
• Support cannot be considered State aid as defined by EU frameworks.