The Regional Government, through the Regional Fund for Science and Technology, participated in Lisbon in the meeting of the National Working Group "Cooperation in Research and Innovation in the Atlantic," which brings together representatives of Portuguese institutions with expertise in research and innovation (R&I) in the area of the sea.
 
For the Regional Director for Science and Technology, "the Region strengthens its central position in these areas, through the participation of the Azores in the construction of this community, by highlighting its potential."
 
Bruno Pacheco also stressed that the integration of the Azores into this National Working Group "will create more opportunities for the scientific community based in the Region to become part of international research networks."
 
The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), as a partner of AANChOR - All Atlantic Cooperation for Ocean Research and Innovation project, has established this National Working Group, which brings together Portuguese institutions with expertise in marine research and innovation, more specifically in the Atlantic.
 
Funded by Horizon 2020, AANChOR intends to support and implement the cooperation structure defined by the "Belém Statement - Atlantic Research and Innovation Cooperation" signed in Lisbon in July 2017.
 
The aim is to develop a R&I community in the Atlantic Ocean by promoting and supporting joint activities, optimising the use and sharing of infrastructures, and reinforcing synergies and encouraging new models of cooperation.