New tender to support research projects contributes to scientific employment in the Region
The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology announced today the launch of the second edition of the tender to support scientific research projects under the Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation of the Region (RIS3), with an overall allocation of 3.3 million Euros.
Gui Menezes pointed out that this new tender covers the three axes of RIS3, namely Agriculture and Agro-industry, Sea and Fisheries, and Tourism. This year' edition represent an increase of 14% over the previous one.
According to Gui Menezes, "one of the great news" regarding the first edition of this tender, launched in 2015 and whose projects are still ongoing, is "the requirement to hire a doctorate for 24 months." This measure will contribute to the goals towards the promotion of scientific employment in the Azores.
The Regional Secretary spoke during a meeting with researchers of Centre for Humanities at the University of the Azores. He highlighted "the increase of funds available per project," which will have a maximum eligible cost of 180 thousand Euros for three years.
Gui Menezes also stressed "the modification of criteria for the analysis of applications" in the new tender, which starts in January 2018. They are intended to "guarantee a better balance" in the final score as well as to "reduce possible discrepancies in the evaluation." According to him, there will be one coordinator per thematic area.
This meeting with researchers also included the presentation of the "Green Garden Azores" project, one of the 22 projects funded under the first edition of this application. It is aimed at the scientific and technological consolidation of garden tourism in the Azores.
Gui Menezes emphasised the importance of this project to "promote, from a tourist perspective, the historic gardens" of the Region.
The second edition of the tender to support scientific projects is part of the Azores 2020 Operation Programme. The initiative contributes to the regular financing of the Azores Science and Technology System by optimising the application of Community funds granted under the 2014-2020 support framework.