The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology stated today that the investment planned by the Regional Government for science and technology in 2016 "reaches some 12.3 million Euros, corresponding to an overall increase of 50% in these two areas" in comparison to 2015.

Speaking at the end of a hearing at the Commission of Social Affairs of the Legislative Assembly on the Plan and Budget proposals for 2016, Fausto Brito e Abreu highlighted some of the measures envisaged by the Regional Government in the fields of science and technology for the next year.

The Regional Secretary stressed that the 3.8 million-Euro investment in science will support various research centres based in the archipelago and the network of science centres, which plays "a central role in the dissemination of culture science in the Azores."

In this area, the Government also awards priority status to the support of scientific research projects. A total of 71 applications were submitted in the tender that ended in September and will be evaluated by an external jury.

"The tender provides support to projects up to a maximum amount of 150 thousand Euros over three years and allows the hiring of highly qualified personnel," said the government official. He also mentioned the support to the tripartite structure of the University of the Azores in the amount of 350 thousand Euros as well as the organisation of scientific events in the Region.

Moreover, Fausto Brito e Abreu stressed the support to scientific research projects in a business context, representing an investment of half a million Euros that aims to bring research centres closer to the Azores business fabric.

With regard to technological infrastructures, the plan provides an investment of 6.3 million Euros, doubling the amount granted this year. The government official also emphasised the contract works for the construction of Terceira Science and Technology Park and of lot 32 of São Miguel Science and Technology Park.

In 2016, the Regional Government will continue to support the operation of ICT spaces. There are planned projects to "encourage the use of new technologies to improve the quality of life of citizens with special needs, such as the case of citizens with disabilities and older citizens," said the Regional Secretary.

Fausto Brito e Abreu mentioned the investment of 300 thousand Euros in the operation and maintenance of the RAEGE space station on Santa Maria and the preparatory works for the construction of the second station of this network in the Azores; the latter will be installed on the island of Flores in 2017.

The Investment Plan for 2016 of the Regional Secretariat for the Sea, Science and Technology provides a total allocation of 50 million Euros, which corresponds to an increase of 33% compared to 2015.