INESC TEC’s title of Associate Laboratory renewed for 10 years

INESC TEC received an excellent classification, with a score of 90/100, in the latest Call for Associate Laboratory Status, successfully renewing its title of Associate Laboratory for a period of 10 years. Among the 40 institutions or consortia approved to receive this title in Portugal, INESC TEC reached the fifth highest funding (5.5% of the overall funding), due to the ranking obtained.

Regarding the evaluation criteria for the renewal, INESC TEC obtained a rating of 5/5 in contributions to public policies; 4/5 in career development for doctorate holders and attracting talent; and 5/5 in the diversification of funding and international projection.

Regarding the contribution to public policies, INESC TEC received the highest score, having been acknowledged as “a well-structured and managed Associate Laboratory, with a solid financial profile and budget, which significantly contributed to the modernisation of universities, polytechnic institutes and the national industrial sector“. The evaluation panel also highlighted the “vast experience and the significant impact on supporting public policies for Research, Development, Innovation and Technology Transfer, pointing out the Institute’s proactivity in recent calamity situations”.

Concerning the criteria associated with the career development for doctorate holders, and even though there is room for improvement, INESC TEC’s ability to guide and leverage technical careers for doctorates was highly praised. The governance model adopted was also considered “robust to attract researchers and talent, and secure careers and employment by way of competitive funding”.

Regarding the diversification of funding and international projection, the panel also awarded INESC TEC the highest classification, highlighting the international character of the Institute, which ranks “second among all Associated Laboratories with more funding for European research projects”.

According to João Claro, Chief Executive Officer of INESC TEC, this renewal “reinforces INESC TEC’s position at the forefront of science and knowledge contribution to public policies in Portugal, as well as its relationship with society, the country and the Portuguese citizens”.

The granting of the status of Associate Laboratory was foreseen for the first time in the 1999 legislation, after the assessment of the applicant institution’s ability to cooperate, in a stable, competent and effective manner, in the pursuit of specific objectives of the national scientific and technological policies. INESC TEC obtained the title of Associate Laboratory in 2002.

The results of the evaluation are available here.

The INESC TEC researcher mentioned in this news piece is associated with UP-FEUP.