Recently, Inês Lynce has participated in an article published in national newspaper, Público, along with João Rocha, Teresa Ferreira, Tiago Santos Pereira and Claudio Sunkel. In the piece, they discuss the change of direction of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) funds in Portugal. 

The Sistema Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia (SNCT) faces significant challenges. Although  investment in Science and Technology has been recognised as a key strategy for national development, the means to achieve this have not been amply provided. Some of the main obstacles include the unpredictability of funding for research facilities, delayed evaluations to define future funding, and inadequate equipment acquisition. The Conselho dos Laboratórios Associados (CLA) cites, as a main concern, the vulnerability of jobs, scientific careers, and management of science and technology, which, in turn, compromise national progress, as researchers are motivated to leave the country for better conditions.

Previously, and contrary to other countries, Portugal did not direct PRR funding to significantly reinforce the SNCT, namely regarding facilities, spaces, labs and equipment. However, on January 21, during a regimental hearing at the National Assembly, the Minister for Territorial Cohesion affirmed that a reprogramming of the PRR has been designed and will pose an opportunity to reinforce equipment in the areas of health, science, innovation, research and technology.

The CLA considers an application process directed to research units, which will allow the identification of equipment essential to the modernisation of the SNCT, especially in light of the urgency posed by the PRR calendar. 

Read the full article (in Portuguese) here.