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

The main goal of this opportunity is to promote excellence in scientific research within the Azores. It focuses on attracting and retaining research talent, encouraging collaboration between local and international academic and research institutions, and supporting the exchange of knowledge. Projects should address societal challenges, improve quality of life, and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. The geographic scope is limited to the Autonomous Region of the Azores, and the main focus is on applied research and innovation aligned with regional priorities.

• Projects must align with the action types of the ACORES 2030 Program and its specific objectives.
• The maximum investment per project is €160,740, and alignment with the regional research and innovation strategy (RIS3 Azores) is required.
• Projects must support applied research and innovation, including industrial research and/or experimental development; upstream research activities are allowed up to 10% if essential.
• The project duration cannot exceed 36 months, unless exceptional justification is accepted.
• Each project must have a Principal Investigator with a doctoral degree, international recognition, and direct involvement.

Examples:

• A research project developing sustainable agricultural practices in the Azores, led by a recognized expert and involving local and international partners.
• An innovation project to improve renewable energy systems, focusing on experimental development and including some upstream research.
• A collaboration between Azorean and European universities to address marine biodiversity challenges, with a clear applied research focus.

• Human Resources: Costs for staff provided by third-party entities under agreement, integrated into the beneficiary's research team.
• Simplified Cost Methodologies: Funding based on unit costs per full-time equivalent (ETI).
• Applied Research Activities: Expenses for applied research and innovation projects.
• Industrial Research: Costs related to industrial research activities.
• Experimental Development: Funding for experimental development work.
• Upstream Research: Expenses for essential upstream research (limited to 10% of the total work plan).

• Total budget of the grant: €273,258
• Co-financing rate: 85% (FEDER)
• Maximum per project: €100,000

• Applicant must follow general and specific eligibility rules set by European and national guidelines.
• Submission of both the Portuguese "Formulário de Proposta" and the English "Application Form" is required.
• Applicants must provide technical details, justify full-time equivalent staff, and submit a physical implementation schedule.
• Applicants must comply with environmental regulations, if relevant.
• Support is only for non-economic research activities (not for commercial purposes).
• Projects must consider principles such as accessibility for people with disabilities and "do no significant harm" to the environment.
• Projects cannot begin before they are approved and must focus on applied research and innovation (with strict limits on upstream research).
• Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 3 points according to the selection criteria.