Deadline: 11-Mar-202

The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) has launched a call for funding R&D projects across all scientific domains under SR&TD and PEX project types. SR&TD projects can receive up to €250,000 for 36 months, while PEX projects are funded up to €60,000 for 18 months. Applications are due March 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Lisbon time, with payments under a new Lump Sum model tied to task completion.

What Are SR&TD and PEX Projects?

SR&TD Projects focus on original and relevant scientific questions and aim to strengthen scientific and technological institutions. Funding supports medium- to large-scale projects with well-defined objectives and deliverables.
PEX Projects target early-career researchers or highly novel ideas, supporting exploratory work that may not yet have extensive preliminary results. Both project types adopt the Lump Sum cost model for simplified budgeting and payment.

Key Features of the Call

• Lump Sum payment structure based on task completion, not documented expenses.

• Simplified reporting requirements for both SR&TD and PEX projects.

• Defined payment structures: SR&TD projects receive 30% advance + 65% on completed tasks, PEX projects receive 75% advance + final payment on project closure.

• SR&TD projects: Maximum 36 months, funding up to €250,000.

• PEX projects: Maximum 18 months, funding up to €60,000.

Who is Eligible?

Principal Investigators (PIs)

• Must hold a doctoral degree by the application deadline.

• Can be national, foreign, or stateless researchers physically allocated to the project.

• Must have or expect an employment or grant contract with the Principal Contractor.

• Each researcher may submit only one application as PI.

Participating Institutions

Eligible institutions include non-business Portuguese entities such as:

• Higher education institutions

• R&D units

• State laboratories

• Collaborative laboratories

• Technology and innovation centers

• Other public or private non-profit entities engaged in scientific research

Participation Rules

• Team participation is limited to ensure balanced involvement across proposals.

• Justifications are required for institutional roles and competencies.

Why This Call Matters

• Encourages innovative R&D projects across all scientific fields.

• Supports early-career researchers through PEX funding.

• Strengthens scientific and technological institutions in Portugal.

• Simplifies project management through the Lump Sum payment model, reducing administrative burdens.

How the Lump Sum Model Works

• Payments are linked to task and deliverable completion, rather than expense documentation.

• SR&TD: 30% initial advance, followed by 65% based on completed tasks.

• PEX: 75% initial advance, followed by a final payment after project closure.

• Encourages clear planning, reporting, and milestone tracking.

How to Apply / Application Process

Key Deadlines

• Submission Deadline: March 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Lisbon time.

Application Requirements

• Complete the myFCT platform application form including:

  • General project data (title, acronym, keywords, scientific domain, timetable)

  • Institutions (Principal Contractor, Participating Institutions, Collaborative Institutions)

  • Research team (PI, narrative CV, team members, consultants, hiring plans, synopsis of team CVs)

  • Work plan and project objectives

  • Indicators and expected outputs

  • Budget aligned with Lump Sum methodology

  • Statement of commitment

  • Submission validation

Tips for Successful Applications

• Carefully review supporting regulations and application structure.

• Ensure all institutional registrations are valid.

• Prepare CIÊNCIAVITAE CVs in English.

• Understand the Lump Sum methodology and plan realistic budgets.

• Regularly validate applications on myFCT to detect and correct errors.

• Highlight institutional relevance, team capabilities, and feasibility of the proposed work plan.

Common Mistakes & Tips

• Overestimating budgets or misaligning with Lump Sum methodology.

• Incomplete or outdated CVs.

• Not justifying institutional roles adequately.

• Missing deadlines or validation errors on myFCT.

• Lack of clarity in project objectives, deliverables, and team qualifications.

FAQ

1. What is the maximum funding for SR&TD projects?
€250,000 for a maximum duration of 36 months.

2. What is the maximum funding for PEX projects?
€60,000 for a maximum duration of 18 months.

3. When is the submission deadline?
March 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Lisbon time.

4. Who can serve as Principal Investigator?
A national, foreign, or stateless researcher with a doctoral degree, physically allocated to the project and with a contract with the Principal Contractor.

5. How does the Lump Sum model work?
Payments are based on task completion, with initial advances followed by payments tied to milestones or project closure.

6. Which institutions can participate?
Non-business Portuguese entities such as higher education institutions, R&D units, state labs, collaborative labs, tech and innovation centers, and other non-profit research institutions.

7. How many applications can a researcher submit as PI?
Each researcher may submit only one application as PI.

Conclusion

This FCT call for SR&TD and PEX projects provides a significant opportunity for researchers and institutions across Portugal to advance scientific innovation and technological development. Applicants are advised to plan carefully, align budgets with the Lump Sum methodology, and submit complete, validated applications by March 11, 2026, to maximize their chances of success.

For more information, visit FCT.