The Government of the Azores published today the General Rules on the Scientific Research and Management Support Grants of the Regional Fund for Science. This document regulates the selection and hiring process as well as the legal scheme applicable to all grant holders.

These rules will enter into force on Friday and were approved by the Foundation for Science and Technology. In accordance with the new rules, the regulations on the contracts signed under the 2001 and 2007 orders will remain in force, thus ensuring the necessary stability to current grant holders.
The grants awarded by the Regional Fund for Science, under the Pro-Scientia incentive scheme, are addressed "at the development of personal scientific research and technological development projects, training courses and activities developed on these areas."

The new rules also establish eight types of grants, whose duration varies from three months to 6 years, according to the type.

The support measures allocated under the new grants are addressed at visiting scientists, postdoctorate degrees, doctorate degrees, research projects, integration in research, science and technology management and research technicians.

Furthermore, the order published today, like the previous one, considers the possibility of awarding grants for the development of research projects in business context. The projects should be focused on relevant themes for the Region, particularly in the context of the protocols signed with a scientific and technological institution, either national or international."

The Regional Government aims to increase the number of grants awarded in this area, as provided in the guidelines on the 2020 Strategy.

The new rules will provide the suspension of grant activities during the period of parental leave, adoption or illness. Grant holders will also maintain the right to receive the full payment of the periodical maintenance subsidy.

In accordance with the provisions of the new rules, the awarding of grants "does not establish labour relations or service provision contracts and grant holders are not entitled to hold the status of workers rendering civil service."