The Regional Director of Science and Technology announced today that nine applications were submitted by Azorean researchers to BiodivERsA3 - Consolidating the European Research Area on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, a project funded by the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme.

BiodivERsA3 encompasses 26 public funding agencies from 18 European countries that allocate specific funds for scientific research in the field of biodiversity.

This network launched a call for the submission of applications to scientific projects with an estimated overall budget of 30 million Euros. A total of 132 applications were submitted by researchers from some 30 countries.

Nelson Simões pointed out that the number of applications submitted by the Azores "is significantly higher than other regions and countries involved in the call that have more researchers."

"Our researchers have responded very positively to the challenge," said the Regional Director for Science and Technology.

For Nelson Simões, the "significant adherence" of Azorean researchers to this call demonstrates "the effort of the Regional Government in supporting these international projects," which are "a valuable tool for the funding of science in the Region."