Description of Organisation
The Science and Technology Foundation (FCT) has been mandated by the Ministry for Science, Technology and Higher Education to participate in the MarinERA project.
The Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (FCT), created in 1997, carries out its mission through funding of proposals presented by institutions, research groups and individuals, on the basis of independent evaluations of merit, and also through co-operation agreements and other forms of partnerships with universities and other public and private institutions. In 2002, FCT had an overall budget of €194.6 million. At present, FCT funds 350 research centers in all scientific fields involving more than 5,000 doctorates, over 1,900 research projects and more than 4,000 research fellowships for Masters, PhD and Post-doctoral studies.
The Programme for the Enhancement of Marine Science and Technology (PDCTM) was established in 1998/1999. The projects under this Programme have a duration of a maximum of three years. It is under consideration to maintain the Programme after re-evaluation and eventual revision of the thematic priorities and objectives. Approximately €10 million was assigned to PDCTM. This budget was complemented by other funds allocated to supporting activities in order of €2 million.
