Portugal–France Bilateral Cooperation Programme 2026

The Portugal–France Bilateral Cooperation Programme supports scientific collaboration, researcher mobility, and joint research projects between Portugal and France. The programme helps strengthen international research networks, promote scientific exchange, and increase participation in global science and technology initiatives.

Eligible projects can receive annual funding of €2,500 from the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and may run for up to 24 months with possible annual renewal.

What Is the Portugal–France Bilateral Cooperation Programme?

The Portugal–France Bilateral Cooperation Programme is a research collaboration initiative designed to strengthen scientific partnerships between Portugal and France.

The programme supports researchers and institutions working together across different scientific fields.

It focuses on:

• Joint scientific projects
• Research collaboration
• International mobility
• Knowledge exchange
• Strengthening research networks

The initiative encourages long-term cooperation between scientific communities in both countries.

Purpose of the Programme

The programme aims to improve international scientific cooperation and strengthen connections between Portugal and France.

Key objectives include:

• Increasing collaboration between researchers
• Supporting internationalisation of science and technology systems
• Encouraging participation in global research initiatives
• Developing bilateral research partnerships
• Promoting researcher mobility

The programme helps scientists share expertise, develop new ideas, and create stronger research outcomes.

Programme Implementation

The initiative is implemented by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).

FCT supports:

• International scientific cooperation
• Joint research and technology projects
• Research mobility activities
• Partnerships between Portuguese and French institutions

The programme operates through established bilateral cooperation agreements.

Supported Activities

The programme supports international mobility and collaborative research projects.

Eligible activities include:

• Research visits between Portugal and France
• Joint scientific studies
• Knowledge exchange activities
• Collaboration between research teams
• Development of new scientific partnerships

Projects may cover different scientific disciplines.

Funding Available

The programme provides financial support for approved projects.

Funding details include:

• Maximum project duration: 24 months
• Renewable annually
• Annual FCT contribution: €2,500 per project

Funding is intended to support mobility and collaboration-related activities.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to eligible research organisations and scientific entities.

Applicants may include:

• Higher education institutions
• State laboratories in Portugal
• International laboratories based in Portugal
• Private non-profit research and development institutions
• Public or private non-profit organisations involved in research activities
• Companies of any legal form

Applicants must participate in scientific research activities and meet programme requirements.

Researcher Requirements

Projects must be submitted jointly by responsible investigators from both Portugal and France.

Each project must include:

• A designated responsible investigator
• A research partner from the other country
• At least one young researcher aged 40 or below

The inclusion of early-career researchers supports professional development and future scientific cooperation.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet specific eligibility conditions.

Requirements include:

• Valid institutional affiliation
• Appointment of a responsible investigator
• Joint submission by researchers from both countries
• Required project documentation
• Compliance with programme regulations

Applications must follow all administrative and scientific requirements.

How the Programme Works

The application and collaboration process involves:

1. Building a partnership:

• Researchers from Portugal and France identify a common research area
• Teams develop a joint project idea

2. Preparing the application:
   Applicants provide:

• Research objectives
• Collaboration plan
• Mobility activities
• Project timeline
• Institutional information

3. Submitting jointly:
   The project must be submitted by investigators from both countries.
4. Project implementation:
   Approved teams carry out research activities, exchanges, and collaboration according to the agreed plan.

Benefits of the Programme

The programme provides researchers with opportunities to:

• Build international partnerships
• Access new expertise
• Expand research networks
• Improve scientific visibility
• Develop future collaborations

It also helps institutions strengthen their international research presence.

Why the Programme Matters

Scientific challenges increasingly require international cooperation.

The Portugal–France Bilateral Cooperation Programme helps by:

• Connecting research communities
• Encouraging innovation
• Supporting cross-border knowledge exchange
• Creating opportunities for young researchers
• Strengthening European scientific collaboration

The programme contributes to long-term scientific development between both countries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without a research partner from the other country
• Missing required documentation
• Excluding a young researcher from the project team
• Submitting incomplete project plans
• Ignoring institutional eligibility requirements

A strong application should clearly explain:

• The research objective
• Benefits of bilateral collaboration
• Role of each institution
• Expected scientific outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who manages the Portugal–France Bilateral Cooperation Programme?

The programme is implemented by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), which supports scientific cooperation between Portugal and France.

2. What type of projects does the programme support?

The programme supports joint scientific research projects, researcher mobility, and international collaboration activities.

3. How much funding is available?

Approved projects receive annual funding of €2,500 from FCT.

4. How long can projects last?

Projects can last up to 24 months and may be renewed annually.

5. Who must submit the application?

Applications must be submitted jointly by responsible investigators from Portugal and France.

6. Is there a requirement for young researchers?

Yes. Each project must include at least one young researcher aged 40 or below.

7. Can companies apply?

Yes. Companies of any legal form may be eligible if they participate in scientific research activities and meet programme requirements.

Conclusion

The Portugal–France Bilateral Cooperation Programme provides valuable support for researchers and institutions developing joint scientific initiatives between the two countries.

By funding mobility, collaboration, and international research partnerships, the programme strengthens scientific networks, supports innovation, and encourages long-term cooperation across diverse research fields.