The sudden announcement of the extinction of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) has raised concerns, according to Sofia Lisboa, who highlighted the lack of consultation or discussion within the sector, including with workers’ representative organizations and educational institutions.
“It seems to us that this is too profound a reform (…) to be decided in this manner,” she said, noting that during the Science 2025 Meeting held between July 9 and 11, organized by the FCT and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation (MECI), the issue was not addressed.
There was “no indication that this would happen,” and this lack of public consultation is considered poor policy.
With the reform approved by the Council of Ministers, the MECI will now consist of only seven entities, down from the current 18, with the dissolved bodies integrated into new organizations.
The FCT and the National Innovation Agency (ANI) will see their functions assumed by the new Agency for Research and Innovation.
The ABIC issued a statement calling the extinction of the FCT an “alarming signal” and criticized its merger with the ANI, which is focused on financing applied science and business sectors, as a clear shift in priorities.
Sofia Lisboa emphasized that the two organizations have missions that are not only distinct but can sometimes be antagonistic, potentially clashing. Therefore, a clear separation of their missions and goals is necessary.
The ABIC stated that the institutional merger could accelerate the instrumentalization of science for profit, undermining its critical role and wider social value.
The association stressed the importance of honoring all existing commitments by the FCT, regardless of the restructuring, including the timely opening and completion of doctoral grant competitions, transparent and regular funding for research centers, and adherence to the announced schedule for research project competitions.
The association described the restructuring for greater efficiency as a misleading narrative and rejected any disguised funding cuts.
The ABIC calls on the scientific and academic community, as well as higher education and scientific institutions, to mobilize against this attack on public science and demands a serious, transparent, and inclusive debate on the future of the national scientific and academic system.
Sofia Lisboa mentioned that the association will have the opportunity to present its views to Minister Fernando Alexandre in a meeting scheduled for August 18.
