The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) opens applications today for the 2nd edition of the RESTART Program, a program that aims to promote gender equality in research.
Portugal is internationally recognized as one of the leading countries in advances in parity between men and women in the area of scientific research. However, significant inequalities still exist. One of the most pressing questions is the impact of parenthood on the careers of researchers, especially those in the early stages of their careers.
The RESTART Program’s main objective is to support the competitive return to research activities after the end of parental leave. This program seeks to minimize the impact of parenthood on the careers and research plans of researchers, thus promoting gender equality and opportunities in Research and Development (R&D) activities and the balance between family and career.
Financing reaches up to 50 thousand euros per project, with an execution duration of 18 months. The 2nd edition of the RESTART Program has a planned budget of 1.6 million euros.
The first edition of RESTART, held in 2023, approved 31 projects in all scientific domains, with total funding of 1.5 million euros. It is important to highlight that 30 of the 31 projects approved in 2023 were submitted by women.
RESTART is aimed at researchers who have recently taken parental leave, including shared parental leave and adoption leave. The program supports these professionals in developing original and innovative research ideas, with the possibility of associating other human and/or material resources according to available funding.
Applications for the 2nd edition of the RESTART Program will be open until May 14, 2024.