The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Directorate for Science and Technology, has launched an invitation notice to the University of the Azores for the submission of an application under the Infrastructure and Equipment Projects for Scientific Competence Centres of Regional Strategic Interest, as provided for in the National Itinerary of Infrastructures of Strategic Interest.
 
The invitation notice is specifically addressed to the regional centres of the Infrastructure for Information and Research on Biodiversity (PORBIOTA). It falls under Priority 1 - Research, Technological Development and Innovation of the Azores 2020 Operational Programme, which provides for the financing of research and innovation infrastructures as well as of the capacities to achieve excellence in research and innovation. Moreover, it also aims to promote centres of competence, namely those of European interest.
 
With this initiative, the Government of the Azores intends to strengthen the basic conditions for scientific production and innovation, thus boosting regional investment in this field.
 
Stimulating research in strategic scientific and technological areas for the Region and promoting the creation of qualified employment are other important goals.
 
This initiative is in line with the Research and Innovation Strategy for the Smart Specialisation of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (RIS3 Azores), taking into consideration strategic investments provided for in the National Itinerary of Infrastructures of Strategic Interest. Moreover, it also contributes to the development of the Azorean scientific and technological system, thus reinforcing the Regional Government's investment in Science and Technology.
 
This invitation notice provides an overall investment of 300 thousand Euros to be funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Region. It is intended to support the submission of an application by the University of the Azores, individually or in co-promotion with Gaspar Frutuoso Foundation.