“In 2026, the FCT will see an 8% increase in its funding from taxes, which constitute the majority of its funding,” stated Fernando Alexandre during the closing of the Science Meeting 2025, which concluded today at the NOVA School of Business and Economics.
Last year, the main government-dependent entity funding scientific research in Portugal had an initial budget of 607 million euros for 2025, 68 million euros less compared to the previous year due to a reduction in European funds.
The budget forecast for 2026 is expected to be announced when the government presents the State Budget proposal for the following year. However, Fernando Alexandre has already promised an 8% increase in funds derived from tax revenues, which last year amounted to 486 million euros (26 million more compared to 2024).
The aim is to ensure some budgetary predictability, explained the minister, emphasizing a “very clear commitment to science.”
During the closing of the three-day Science Meeting 2025, Fernando Alexandre also highlighted the revision of the Science Law, which had already been announced by Secretary of State Helena Canha on Wednesday, and which the minister aims to complete by the end of the year.
“Everything we heard today, I already heard last year. The diagnoses are made; we need to know the path we are going to take,” said the minister, calling for reflection on the organization of the scientific system, including the FCT itself, whose board has already presented the government with a proposal for a new structure.
