The Regional Secretariat for Science, Technology and Infrastructures (SRCTE) has opened an application for the submission of proposals to support the operation and management of regional Research and Development (R&D) units.

The application was launched in the context of the new incentive programme PRO-SCIENTIA - Axis 1 "Enhance" and Action 1.1 "Qualify the entities of the Azores Scientific and Technological System (SCTA) and enhance their activities." This initiative falls within the measure/area of intervention to support the "Creation, operation and re-equipment of R&D institutions."

With this measure, the SRCTE aims to strengthen the scientific and technological potential of the Azores, promote sustainability and growth of R&D that make up the SCTA and whose activities contribute to the development of the Region. The consolidation of a sustained network of reference and excellence in the field of science of technology is another governmental goal for this area.

The application will be open until September 10, 2012. It is addressed at public research institutions or autonomous centres integrated in these institutions and private non-profit research institutions dedicated to R&D or RD&I activities. All eligible entities must be headquartered in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.
The public notice and application form are available on the website http://idia.azores.gov.pt/.