On Monday, the Regional Secretary for Science, Technology and Infrastructures, while visiting the research centres of the University of the Azores in Angra do Heroísmo, ensured that the projects of the Technological Park of Terceira and the Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine of the Azores will receive the governmental go ahead in this mandate.

José Contente said that both projects are already being elaborated and that advanced scientific and technological research is one of the pillars of regional development.

José Contente met with representatives from the Biotechnology Centre, the Centre for Research and Agricultural Technology and the Centre for Climatology and Meteorology of the University of the Azores. He said that the purpose of this meeting was to familiarise himself with the ongoing research projects that he classified as “fundamental for the development and outward projection of the Azores.”

The Technological Park of Terceira Island will house these scientific research centres so that it can engender a synergetic “scientific and technological cluster.” The research units will have adequate resources and conditions to pursue their research work productively, in a manner that promotes the development of the Azores, providing solutions and answers for the specific problems of the Region, without being detrimental to the universal character of scientific research.

José Contente stated that the Technological Park of Terceira should be built in Pico de Urze, one of the most fitting localities for this project. He said that several research centres of the University of the Azores will be established there, in addition to the Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine of the Azores (IBBA).

José Contente emphasised that research in emerging areas such as biotechnology and health require sophisticated equipment and adequate space. He added that amongst the objectives of IBBA is the carrying out and promotion of scientific and technological research that contributes to the formation of knowledge that is relevant to the economic development of the Azores, thus complementing governmental policies, including the stimulation of the private entrepreneurial sector and the provision of public services.