Portugal and China agree to joint scientific research funding

Portugal and China have agreed to reinforce bilateral cooperation in science and technology, marking the resumption of the X Joint Commission on Science and Technology in Beijing after a seven-year hiatus. The meeting, attended by Portuguese Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Fernando Alexandre and Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun, resulted in a joint declaration to develop a Joint Action Program for Science and Innovation for the 2027–2030 period.

Starting in 2027, the two nations plan to implement joint funding mechanisms for scientific research projects. These instruments will be managed by Portugal’s new Agency for Research and Innovation (AI²), which is set to assume full functions on January 1, 2027, following the merger of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the National Innovation Agency (ANI). The selection process for these projects is intended to follow competitive procedures and international evaluations to ensure transparency.

The cooperation will focus on five priority strategic areas: the ocean and blue economy; energy, climate, batteries, and hydrogen; agriculture, bioeconomy, and food; health, healthy aging, and medical technologies; and the conservation of cultural heritage through science. Future efforts will also aim to promote researcher mobility, technological collaboration between institutions and companies, and the creation of joint laboratory networks.