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FAQ

We provide support to the U.Porto research ecosystem by bolstering the scientific community and assisting structures across various dimensions. Below, we answer frequently asked questions and are also available to clarify any other queries not addressed on this page.

RESEARCH SUPPORT

SIP provides continuous support and monitors all scientific activities at U.Porto, including:

  • Monitoring, Mapping, Compilation, and Reporting of data related to the U.Porto research ecosystem (e.g. scientific community and activity, including research structures, scientific outputs, contractual agreements, and funding of R&D+i projects, etc.);
  • Promotion of Initiatives to stimulate scientific research initiation, as well as to encourage science communication and dissemination, encouraging the participation of students from the U.Porto research ecosystem;
  • Organisation of Initiatives aimed at recognising the scientific activity developed by faculty and researchers;
  • Management of Institutional Data on platforms relevant for the development of research activities (e.g. Eurostat, ClinicalTrials.gov);
  • (Co)organisation of (In)formation Sessions, aimed at the scientific community and science managers, on topics and aspects related to scientific activity;
  • Answer of queries, compilation and interpretation of documents and calls for proposals, including mediation of contact with funding entities (e.g. FCT) and assistence for the use of platforms for applications related to research structures or scientific employment, within programmes focused on evaluating entities in the scientific system and instruments for hiring PhDs (e.g. R&D Unit Evaluation, FCT Tenure);
  • Support for Researchers in preparing for interviews in R&D+i project applications (mock interviews);
  • Launch of the Monthly Research Newsletter [email protected];
  • Support for Visits and Hosting External Delegations, as part of initiatives to promote the internationalisation of research and the sharing of best practices between institutions;
  • Coordination of Cross-Cutting Issues between the structures of the research ecosystem.

SIP organises mock interviews as part of the application process for funding programmes that include an interview phase in their evaluation (e.g. ERC programmes, 'la Caixa' Foundation). A mock interview is a simulated scenario in which UAI assembles a panel of experts in the relevant research area. Whenever possible, it also involves the participation of Grantees, former Evaluators, and National Contact Points from the respective funding programmes. UAP supports researchers by providing feedback and suggestions for improvement from the evaluation panel, with the aim of increasing the likelihood of success in their application.

SIP is not involved in recruitment processes for the scientific community. Scientific job opportunities, including research grants, are typically advertised on EURAXESS, the European portal for the scientific community. Scientific job openings at U.Porto are managed and published through the respective communication channels of each research structure (e.g. Organisational Unit, Associated Research Institute, R&D Structure). Therefore, the SIP encourages researchers to proactively search for available opportunities and reach out to the research structures they are most interested in. U.Porto also provides a dedicated section for academic and research staff job listings (including research grants) on SIGARRA.

U.Porto participates in several research networks, including:

  • European Alliance for Global Health, EUGLOH (inter-university cooperation alliance in the fields of education, research, and innovation in global health);
  • COST Actions (thematic interdisciplinary research networks that bring together researchers and innovators – universities, SMEs, public institutions, or other relevant organizations – to develop collaborative research activities);
  • Knowledge and Innovation Communities, KIC (thematic partnerships that bring together companies, research centers, and universities, developing activities across the entire innovation chain: education and training programs, transfer of research to the market, innovation projects, business incubation and acceleration programmes);
  • European Partnerships (partnerships in which public and private entities combine efforts to address the most pressing global challenges, coordinating initiatives and investments in research and innovation);
  • UNESCO Chairs (networks aimed at strengthening institutional capacities through knowledge sharing and collaborative work, stemming from international inter-university cooperation).
PROJECTS SUPPORT

SIP directly supports project leaders and, when applicable, coordinates with the structures that may be based in the faculties. First, SIP can assist in identifying funding opportunities for a project idea. At the proposal submission stage, support may include help with the administrative aspects of the proposal, such as checking participation rules and eligibility criteria, collecting the necessary institutional documentation for the application, and validating the budget component. In addition to these services, SIP is available to provide advice on structuring and reviewing proposals. Those interested in submitting applications for external funding programmes for research and innovation activities should contact SIP as early as possible.

It is the responsibility of the academic staff or researcher (or team) to prepare funding applications. However, in general, SIP provides the following support:

  • Assistance in matching projects with available funding opportunities;
  • Interaction and clarification with the funding entity;
  • Support in obtaining institutional information and documents;
  • Assistance with budgeting and economic feasibility analysis of the project;
  • Communication with the Management Bodies overseeing the applicant team;
  • Support in the contractualisation of approved applications.

To ensure efficient and timely support for applications, requests for assistance should be submitted to SIP as early as possible. All application materials must be sent at least 5 working days before the application submission date. During the initial contact, the necessary elements for SIP’s analysis and validation will be clarified, and any questions or queries from the applicants will be addressed.

Although there are other programmes, the following are the main funding programmes:

at a national level:

at an international level:

SIP ensures the search for funding opportunities for research and innovation projects and regularly publicises this information, either in a targeted or broad manner, through its various communication channels:

The Projects module in SIGARRA is the platform for registering applications and approved projects, whether ongoing or completed. All R&D+i projects, with national or international funding, in which U.Porto is a leading entity or partner, are contracted and registered by the teams supporting the execution of U.Porto's projects. Each registration is associated with the U.Porto Faculty and Researchers (Technical Team) who collaborate on the project.

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