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EU-LAC ResInfra Plus consortium is composed by 20 partners from 15 countries

Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIU)
Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V. (DLR)
Universitat de Valencia (UVEG/MIRRI-ERIC)
Fundação para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT)
Secretaria de Innovación, Ciencia y Tecnologia (SICyT)
Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR)
Fundación Española para las Ciencias y la Tecnología (FECYT)
Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT Oy (VTT)
Agencia Nacional de Investigación y desarrollo (ANID)
 
Sociedade Portuguesa de Inovação (SPI)
 
Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvemento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)
Unitatea Executiva pentru Finantarea Invatamantului Superior, a Cercetarii, Dezvoltarii si Inovarii (UEFISCDI)
Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación, Tecnología y Telecomunicaciones (MICITT)
Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (MINCIENCIAS)
INSTRUCT – ERIC
 
E-Science European infrastructure for biodiversity and ecosystem research (LIFEWATCH)
Centro de Investigaciones Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT)
Agencia Uruguaya de Cooperacion Internacional (AUCI)
Consejo Nacional de Ciencia Tecnologia e Innovacion Tecnologica (CONCYTEC)
Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN)
Ministerio de Educación y Cultura (MEC)

Customer Testimonials

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John Stone
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Jessica White
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David Derek
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William Smith

Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU)

The Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation is responsible for the proposal and execution of the Government’s policy regarding, scientific research, technological development and innovation in all sectors. It promotes and coordinates scientific research, the Spanish participation in the R + D + I programmes promoted by the European Union within the scope of its competences, including the Framework Program for Research and Innovation, as well was the Spanish representation in other programmes, forums and organizations of a European nature.

The Ministry is also responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, development, monitoring and representation of Spain in Large Research and Technological facilities and International Organizations.

In the National context, MICINN is in charge of the Singular Scientific and Technical Infrastructures (ICTS), the national Research Infrastructures, term that refers to facilities, resources or services necessary to develop state-of-the-art research of the highest quality, as well as for the transmission, exchange and preservation of knowledge, the transfer of technology and the promotion of innovation. They are unique and exceptional in their kind, with a very high investment, maintenance and operation cost, and their importance and strategic nature justify their availability for the entire R + D + i collective. The ICTS have three fundamental characteristics, they are publicly owned infrastructures, they are unique and they are open to competitive access.

Ministerio de Educación y Cultura (MEC)

The Ministry of Education and Culture is responsible for the coordination of national education, promotion of the country’s cultural development and preservation of artistic, historical and cultural heritage of the nation, as well innovation, science and technology as the promotion and strengthening of the observance of human rights. In addition, it is responsible for the development of the state multimedia system and for promoting the digitized access of all information to the population.

The International Cooperation and Projects Directorate (DCIP), of the Ministry, acts as a cross-link to all areas of competence of MEC, with the outside in terms of cooperation, contributing to social development through exchange and collaboration. It promotes coordination and cooperation between national and foreign agencies and institutions, in order to exchange ideas, information and experience and provide mutual support to programs and projects that are proposed in cultural, educational and scientific technological management. For the specific cooperation with the EU, the ‘Liaison Office MEC-CUBIST/EU’ (Uruguayan Contact Bureau for Innovation, Science and Technology) was established with the aim of promoting the participation of researchers, companies and universities from Uruguay in the EU Framework Programs and strengthening the Bi-regional Cooperation.

Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V. (DLR)

  • Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V. (DLR)
  • Germany
  • dlr.de/EN

DLR (German Aerospace Center) is one of Germany’s largest project management agencies. It assists several German Federal Ministries in i) planning and implementing national research programmes in various thematic areas, ii) providing political analysis and recommendations and iii) giving support for public relation and communication activities. DLR has profound knowledge of the science and technology landscape worldwide and is well connected to e.g. Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) research and innovation stakeholders as well as to European organisations working in this region. For the past decade and with increasing intensity, DLR has been engaged in many regional and international coordination activities launched mainly by the European Commission/DG Research and Innovation

The department European and International Cooperation as part of the Project Management Agency includes the International Bureau of the BMBF (IB), the EU Bureau of the BMBF (EUB) and hosts the German EUREKA/COST Bureau. Having a strong background in R&D strategy and policy implementation with particular emphasis on international relations, IB is especially dedicated to international cooperation activities. It supports the Federal Ministry’s bilateral cooperation in science, technology and education with about 50 countries worldwide in an effort to facilitate the preparation and implementation of international cooperation activities. The EUB coordinates the German Network of National Contact Points (NCPs) and hosts NCPs for Research Infrastructures, ERC, INCO, Legal & Financial Issues, etc.

Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI)

The Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) is a public funding agency founded in 2015. The AEI belongs to the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and is responsible for the proposal, management, monitoring and evaluation of the State programmes and the strategic actions of the State Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and for Innovation 2017-2020. All these actions of the Plan are performed under the Spanish Strategy of Science, Technology and Innovation 2013-2020. 

The Agency~’s purpose is to evaluate, manage, finance and then monitor technical research activities (mainly research projects) intended to generate, exchange and exploit knowledge as fostered by Central State Government. The Agency’s objectives comprise the fostering of scientific and technical research in all areas of knowledge through the efficient allocation of public resources, the promotion of excellence, duly encouraging cooperation between the System agents and providing support for generating high impact scientific and technical, economic and social knowledge, including the most serious societal challenges. Additionally, the Agency has established agreements with other public or private, national or international entities/bodies, in order to promote the R&D and innovation within the implicit range of its purpose and objectives. 

Fundação para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT)

  • Fundação para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT)
  • Portugal
  • fct.pt

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia is the Portuguese public agency that supports science, technology and innovation, in all scientific domains, under responsibility of the Ministry for Science, Technology and Higher Education. FCT’s mission is to continuously promote the advancement of knowledge in science and technology in Portugal, attain the highest international standards in quality and competitiveness, in all scientific and technological domains, and encourage its dissemination and contribution to society and to economic growth.

FCT pursues its mission through the attribution, in competitive calls with peer review of fellowships, studentships and research contracts for scientists; research projects; competitive research centres; and state-of-the-art infrastructures. FCT ensures Portugal’s participation in international scientific organisations fosters the participation of the scientific community in international projects and promotes knowledge transfer between R&D centres and industry. Working closely with international organisations, FCT coordinates public policy for the Information and Knowledge Society in Portugal and ensures the development of national scientific computing resources. The results of FCT accomplishments are, in essence, the outcome of the work carried out by individual scientists, research groups and institutions that are funded by FCT.

Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (MINCYT)

The Secretariat of Government of Science, Technology and Productive Innovation (SGCTeIP) establishes policies and coordinates actions aiming to strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to priority sectorial and social problems in order to improve society’s quality of life.  The scientific and technological policy developed by the National Directorate of Cooperation and Institutional Integration of SGCTeIP in the multilateral, bilateral and other specific fields allow scientific research promotion and productive innovation between Argentinean and foreign research groups through a broad range of joint R+I projects initiatives, workshops, seminars, trainings, and human resources development grants.

Cooperation policy developed of the National Directorate of Cooperation and Institutional, Secretariat of Government of Science, Technology and Productive Innovation has proven to be effective to recognize new global scenarios and new trends in international cooperation, focusing its work on a set of dimensions framed in the country’s strategy. Its main field of ction can be classified in (a) regional integration in science and technology, traditionally oriented to MERCOSUR and UNASUR, with a more recent view to CELAC regions; (b) The work of the Liaison Office with the European Union (EU), ABEST, that since 2005, advises and reports to the Argentina scientific community about the opportunities for cooperation through the EU Framework Programme; the cooperation agreements Argentina has established with over 150 countries; an multilateral relations through organisations such as OAS, UNESCO and the EU, being The Ibero-American Program (CYTED) one of the main fields of interest of the country.

Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR)

  • Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR)
  • Italy
  • cnr.it/en

The National Research Council (CNR) is the largest public research body in Italy. Founded in 1923, it is a public body since 1945. Its mission is: to perform research in its own labs both promoting innovation and competitiveness of the industrial system and providing technologies and solutions to emerging public and private needs; to promote the internationalization of the research system; to advise the Government and other public bodies on strategic themes for the Country and the collectivity; to contribute to the qualification of human resources. Its research centres/institutes/main infrastructures are divided according to the following macro-areas: Earth and Environment; Bio-Medical Sciences; Physical sciences and technologies; Engineering, ICT, Energy & Transportation; Agriculture & Food; Chemical sciences and technology of materials; Social and Human Sciences and Cultural heritage.

The Office for European and International Relations (UREI) – of CNR Directorate General – is aimed at responding to the rising demand of CNR in implementing EU scientific programs. It has an active role in supporting the designing and implementation of CNR’s strategies and initiatives in the fields of European Interest, ensuring a transversal approach in multidisciplinary international programs and policy issues. UREI has a head-quarter in Rome, a liaison branch in Brussels, two units: in Naples and Genoa.

Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT)

The National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT) is the Mexican federal agency in charge of implementing public policies regarding Science, Technology and Innovation (STI). CONACYT’s Direction for International Cooperation (DCI) fosters political dialogue and explores opportunities of collaboration with international partners and stakeholders in the STI sector. This has enabled the mobility of Mexican students and researchers, and the participation of CONACYT and Mexican entities in projects with partners from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, among other countries and regions.

Mexico’s bonds of cooperation with the European Union (EU) in STI have strengthened since the signature of the bilateral Cooperation Agreement in ST of 2004. Among the mechanisms of cooperation that CONACYT has put in place to support the collaboration between Mexican and European researchers is the co-funding mechanism which was the first put in place by a non-EU international partner country to enhance scientific and technological EU-Mexico cooperation in areas of mutual interest, by propelling the participation of Mexican entities in Horizon 2020 Programme.

Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT Oy (VTT)

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd is a state owned and controlled non-profit limited liability company established by law and operating under the ownership steering of the Finnish Ministry of Employment and the Economy.

Ranked among the leading European Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs), VTT focuses on three areas: Knowledge intensive products and services, Smart industry and energy systems, and Solutions for natural resources and environment. VTT is impact-driven and takes advantage from its wide multi-technological knowledge base to strengthen Finnish and European industrial competitiveness. VTT can combine different technologies, produce information, upgrade technology knowledge, and create business intelligence and value added for its stakeholders.

Agencia Nacional de Investigación y desarrollo (ANID)

  • Agencia Nacional de Investigación y desarrollo (ANID)
  • Chile
  • www.anid.cl

The National Research and Development Agency, ANID, is the agency responsible for the management and the implementation of programs and instruments to promote and develop research in all areas of knowledge, technological development and scientific-technological innovation, according to the policies defined by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation.

We do this work based on the following values:

Excellence: we believe in evidence as a fundamental tool for decision-making and continuous improvement of our processes and we consider people as the central axis for quality service. Transparency: we value honest and permanent communication as a tool to build trusts between our teams and with the community. Equity: we offer equal treatment, valuing the diversity of looks and respecting the differences, both of the people who work in the institution, and of our users. Unit: we work as a team, in a harmonious and dialogue way, to achieve our collective goals. Impact: we contribute to the National System of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation, generating information and knowledge that impacts on the design and evaluation of public policies.

Sociedade Portuguesa de Inovação (SPI)

SPI (www.spieurope.eu) is a private consulting company created in 1996 as an active centre of national and international networks connected to the SME and innovation sectors. SPI has become a leading promoter of linkages between private sector companies, science and technology institutions, and national and international public and private organizations. SPI embraces the mission of managing projects that promote regional, national and international development, stimulate entrepreneurship, innovation and knowledge management and encourage internationalization and creation of strategic partnerships and business relationships.

SPI has over 75 full-time staff located in its various offices in Portugal, China, Spain, and the USA. SPI is very experienced in working with the European Commission and DG Research & Innovation, including in over 25 FP7/CIP and now 26 H2020 projects across a range of research themes and normally including a strong international component such as environment, smart energy, ICT, food, biotechnology, health, international cooperation of science, technology and innovation, nanotechnologies and space.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvemento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

  • Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvemento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)
  • Brazil
  • www.cnpq.br

CNPq is an independent agency (public foundation) linked to the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communications (MCTIC), dedicated to the promotion of scientific and technological research and to the formation of human resources for research in Brazil. Its mission is to foster science, technology and innovation, acting in the formulation of its policies, contributing to the advancement of the frontiers of knowledge, sustainable development and national sovereignty.

Unitatea Executiva pentru Finantarea Invatamantului Superior, a Cercetarii, Dezvoltarii si Inovarii (UEFISCDI)

  • Unitatea Executiva pentru Finantarea Invatamantului Superior, a Cercetarii, Dezvoltarii si Inovarii (UEFISCDI)
  • Romania
  • uefiscdi.gov.ro

The Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI) is a public body of the Central Administration with the mission to promote quality and leadership for higher education, research, development and innovation. UEFISCDI plays both roles as a higher education funding agency and as a main actor in funding research, development and innovation in Romania, managing or entirely, four out of the five programmes of the National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation 2015-2020 (PN III). Along with this main role, UEFISCDI actively supports and provides advice for science, research and innovation policies targeting various types of research and innovation activities (exploratory and applied research, innovation, technology transfer and foresight.

Apart from financing and supporting research and innovation nationally, UEFISCDI is a promoter of international collaboration in science and excellent research, aligning its activities and particular priorities in this respect with Science Europe’s areas of policy activities and ERA’s objectives. From this perspective, it is worth noting UEFISCDI is also a promoter of open science and open access, and has been the Romanian key-node in the European project PASTEUR4OA and is now a close collaborator of the OpenAIRE initiative.

Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología de Costa Rica (MICITT)

  • Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología de Costa Rica (MICITT)
  • Costa Rica
  • micit.go.cr

The MICITT, established in 1990, is responsible for creating and coordinating scientific and technological national policies, focusing as well on policy matters that relate to technical, entrepreneurial and research initiatives and best innovative practices and ideas considered essential to increase the general competitiveness of the country and to promote sustainable development to enhance the quality of life for all, closing gaps between society and technology.

MICITT has experiences with European Union Programs, having been part of the ALCUE NET project consortium in the FP7 program, and is currently the NCP coordinator responsible for organizing the NCP networks in Costa Rica and supporting all entities interested to be part of a consortium in a proposal for H2020. The Ministry has a representative in the Research Infrastructure UE-LAC working group and it is through it that Costa Rica was elected as one of the fourth site to visit the RI of Latin America. The visit will be to the National Centre for Biotechnology Research (CENIBIOT), centre created by EU project in the past.

Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (MINCIENCIAS)

Colciencias promotes public policies for the development of science, technology and innovation in Colombia. It is the main entity of public administration to formulate, guide, direct, coordinate, execute, and implement the State policy, in the fields of scientific research, technology and innovation of the National System of Science, Technology and Innovation – for its acronym in Spanish – SNCTeI, transformed into administrative department in 2009.  

Colciencias is constituted by three technical departments: Direction of Research Promotion, Direction of Technical Development and Innovation and Direction of Mentality and Culture. Colciencias also works with the cross-cutting area and initiatives through institutions as Colombia BIO, International Office, Scientific Ecosystem, and research infrastructures. The last one is an initiative of total importance from General Direction that will bring development of the country and improve the capabilities of the research institutions and development for Colombia.

INSTRUCT – ERIC

Instruct-ERIC is a distributed pan-European Research Infrastructure Consortium, with the following objectives: a) to facilitate the advancement of integrative structural cell biology; b) to make available a managed access to state-of-the-art European structural biology facilities and specialist expertise; c) to further the development of the Instruct technology; and d) to provide training in integrative techniques in the field of structural biology. 

To this end Instruct-ERIC undertakes and coordinates a variety of activities, including but not limited to: a) those offered by Instruct Centres such as the provision of infrastructure to the structural biology user community and other Instruct training, networking and dissemination activities; b) the creation and operation of the Instruct Hub that provides the central coordinating role for all Instruct Activities offered through Instruct Centres; c) the provision of access to structural biology infrastructure at Instruct Centres using an Instruct web-portal incorporating peer review and scheduling for access reserved for Instruct users by an Instruct Centre; d) the coordination by the Instruct Hub of training courses and workshops on techniques and methods relevant to structural cell biology, enabling the dissemination of expertise, the stimulation for exchange and co-development with industry; e) the coordination by the Instruct Hub of joint programmes between Instruct Centres that support new technical and technological approaches that enable better integration across structural biology technologies; f) the coordination of programmes with companies that develop innovative structural biology technologies enabling their effective uptake by Instruct Centres, making these available for access to academic and industrial researchers in Europe; g) the bridging of structural, cell and systems biology communities by coordinating joint actions including meetings, conferences and workshops; h) any other related action that helps strengthen research in the European Research Area. 

E-Science European infrastructure for biodiversity and ecosystem research (LIFEWATCH)

  • E-Science European infrastructure for biodiversity and ecosystem research (LIFEWATCH)
  • Europe
  • lifewatch.eu

LifeWatch ERIC is the e-Science European Research Infrastructure for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, a distributed Research e-Infrastructure to advance biodiversity research and to provide major contributions addressing the big environmental challenges, including knowledge-based solutions to environmental managers for its preservation, particularly focusing on to measure the impact of Global Climate Change issues on Earth Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research. This goal is achieved by providing access through a single infrastructure to a multitude of data sets, e-Services and tools enabling the construction and operation of Virtual Research Environments (VREs), which allow the accelerated capture of data with new innovative technologies and knowledge-based decision making-support for the management of biodiversity and ecosystems.

Since 2017, LifeWatch is legally constituted as a European Research Infrastructure Consortium –ERIC. Its expected impact is to be a structuring tool for the European Research Area –ERA-in tight collaboration with other world areas (particularly, Latin America & Caribbean), also supporting policy decision making addressing Societal Challenges which demand scientific knowledge in a Global Climate Change context, including Citizen Science activities. In fact, LifeWatch ERIC is relevant for environmental awareness programs to respond to the social, industrial and scientific challenges posed by the loss of biodiversity, and the deployment of ecosystem sustainable management and eco-innovation activities, and was identified as the 1st RI of interest scored by EU-LAC Research Infrastructure Communities.

Centro de Investigaciones Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT)

  • Centro de Investigaciones Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT)
  • Spain
  • ciemat.es

CIEMAT is a Spanish Public Research Institution (www.ciemat.es). Since its formation in 1951, it has developed and led R&D projects in the fields of Energy, Environment and Technology, placing the institution at the forefront of science and technology. As a technological research centre, CIEMAT fosters links between academia and industry. Its main activities include: to promote the introduction and improve the competitiveness of renewable energies on the energy market; to improve the efficiency and environmental quality of fossil fuels; to optimise waste management and safety of nuclear fission energy; to demonstrate the role of nuclear fusion as a future energy alternative; to assess the environmental impact of energy; to promote the development of environmentally-friendly technologies that respect the environment; to transfer horizontal technologies to industry; to improve scientific returns derived from CIEMAT activities; to strengthen industrial participation in international projects with high technological content; and to foster technology transfer, training and scientific outreach.

CIEMAT is the Spanish largest R&D centre on energy and will participate in EU-CELAC ResInfra with the ICT Division representing the Ibero American HPC Network (RICAP). In addition to coordinate RICAP, CIEMAT owns two European ESFRI (Solar Platform at Almería devoted to Concentrating Solar power and IFMIF-DONES devoted to materials in fusion), holds the Spanish representation in several fora such as EERA, ECRA, IEA-SHC, etc., and has participated in 77 projects co-funded by H2020 (as those of Feb 2019).

Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, MICIU

The Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities is responsible for the proposal and execution of the Government’s policy regarding, scientific research, technological development and innovation in all sectors. It promotes and coordinates scientific research, the Spanish participation in the R + D + I programmes promoted by the European Union within the scope of its competences, including the Framework Program for Research and Innovation, as well was the Spanish representation in other programmes, forums and organizations of a European nature.

The Ministry is also responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, development, monitoring and representation of Spain in Large Research and Technological facilities and International Organizations.

In the National context, MICIU is in charge of the Singular Scientific and Technical Infrastructures (ICTS), the national Research Infrastructures, term that refers to facilities, resources or services necessary to develop state-of-the-art research of the highest quality, as well as for the transmission, exchange and preservation of knowledge, the transfer of technology and the promotion of innovation. They are unique and exceptional in their kind, with a very high investment, maintenance and operation cost, and their importance and strategic nature justify their availability for the entire R + D + i collective. The ICTS have three fundamental characteristics, they are publicly owned infrastructures, they are unique and they are open to competitive access.

Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente, CITMA

El Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente, CITMA tiene la misión de dirigir, ejecutar y controlar la política del Estado y del Gobierno en materia de ciencia, tecnología, medio ambiente, el uso de la energía nuclear, de normalización, metrología y la calidad, propiciando la integración coherente de éstas para contribuir al desarrollo sostenible del país

Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V. (DLR)

DLR (German Aerospace Center) is one of Germany’s largest project management agencies. It assists several German Federal Ministries in i) planning and implementing national research programmes in various thematic areas, ii) providing political analysis and recommendations and iii) giving support for public relation and communication activities. DLR has profound knowledge of the science and technology landscape worldwide and is well connected to e.g. Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) research and innovation stakeholders as well as to European organisations working in this region. For the past decade and with increasing intensity, DLR has been engaged in many regional and international coordination activities launched mainly by the European Commission/DG Research and Innovation

The department European and International Cooperation as part of the Project Management Agency includes the International Bureau of the BMBF (IB), the EU Bureau of the BMBF (EUB) and hosts the German EUREKA/COST Bureau. Having a strong background in R&D strategy and policy implementation with particular emphasis on international relations, IB is especially dedicated to international cooperation activities. It supports the Federal Ministry’s bilateral cooperation in science, technology and education with about 50 countries worldwide in an effort to facilitate the preparation and implementation of international cooperation activities. The EUB coordinates the German Network of National Contact Points (NCPs) and hosts NCPs for Research Infrastructures, ERC, INCO, Legal & Financial Issues, etc.

Universitat de València - Colección Española de Cultivos Tipo (UVEG-CECT (MIRRI-ERIC))

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, FCT

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia is the Portuguese public agency that supports science, technology and innovation, in all scientific domains, under responsibility of the Ministry for Science, Technology and Higher Education. FCT’s mission is to continuously promote the advancement of knowledge in science and technology in Portugal, attain the highest international standards in quality and competitiveness, in all scientific and technological domains, and encourage its dissemination and contribution to society and to economic growth.

FCT pursues its mission through the attribution, in competitive calls with peer review of fellowships, studentships and research contracts for scientists; research projects; competitive research centres; and state-of-the-art infrastructures. FCT ensures Portugal’s

participation in international scientific organisations fosters the participation of the scientific community in international projects and promotes knowledge transfer between R&D centres and industry. Working closely with international organisations, FCT coordinates public policy for the Information and Knowledge Society in Portugal and ensures the development of national scientific computing resources. The results of FCT accomplishments are, in essence, the outcome of the work carried out by individual scientists, research groups and institutions that are funded by FCT.

Secretaría de Innovación, Ciencia y Tecnología, SICyT

SICYT is in charge of: Designing, proposing and coordinating the administrative and technological innovation policies of the National Public Sector in its different areas and determining and technological innovation policies of the National Public Sector in its different areas, and to determine the strategic guidelines and the proposal of regulatory norms in this area. Establishing national policies and the resulting priorities in the form of national science, technology and innovation plans. Formulate the policies and establish the mechanisms, instruments and incentives necessary for the private sector to contribute to the development of science, technology and innovation. Commission studies to promote the development of science, technology and innovation in the country. Establishing the policy of international cooperation in the field of science, technology and innovation, and strategic alliances, to promote its implementation, within the framework of its competencies.

Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, CNR

The National Research Council (CNR) is the largest public research institution in Italy, the only one under the Research Ministry performing multidisciplinary activities.

Founded as legal person on 18 November 1923, Cnr’s mission is to perform research in its own Institutes, to promote innovation and competitiveness of the national industrial system, to promote the internationalization of the national research system, to provide technologies and solutions to emerging public and private needs, to advice Government and other public bodies, and to contribute to the qualification of human resources.

In the Cnr’s research world, the main resource is the available knowledge which means people, with their skills, commitment and ideas. This capital comprises more than 8.000 employees, of whom more than half are researchers and technologists. Some 4.000 young researchers are engaged in postgraduate studies and research training at Cnr within the organization’s top-priority areas of interest. A significant contribution also comes from research associates: researchers, from Universities or private firms, who take part in Cnr’s research activities.

Fundación Española de Ciencia y Tecnologia, FECYT

La Fundación Española para la Ciencia y Tecnología, F.S.P. (FECYT) es una fundación pública dependiente del Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades. Tiene como misión catalizar la relación entre la ciencia y la sociedad, impulsando el crecimiento de la cultura científica española y fomentando la transferencia de conocimiento a través de la divulgación, la educación, la formación, la información y el asesoramiento.

FECYT Colabora con otros agentes y actores del Sistema de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación en la internacionalización de la ciencia española y la generación y análisis de datos, y da soporte en la gestión de la información científica y de la ciencia en abierto.

Tiene como objetivos estratégicos:

1. Impulsar una comunicación científica eficaz, ética y profesional con públicos diversos para fortalecer el diálogo y el compromiso mutuo entre la ciencia y la sociedad.

2. Apoyar el desarrollo de un ecosistema de ciencia basado en información científica accesible, interoperable y en abierto.

3. Fomentar la internacionalización de la ciencia, la innovación y la cultura científica españolas; la integración en el Espacio Europeo de Investigación e Innovación que permita el aprovechamiento de oportunidades en el marco europeo y global.

4. Promover el asesoramiento científico para una toma de decisiones informada a través del análisis de datos, estudios y el conocimiento científico.

Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT)

We are a visionary research, development and innovation partner for companies and society. VTT is one of Europe’s leading research institutions. We are owned by the Finnish state. We advance the utilisation and commercialisation of research and technology in commerce and society. Through scientific and technological means, we turn large global challenges into sustainable growth for businesses and society. We bring together people, business, science and technology to solve the biggest challenges of our time. This is how we create sustainable growth, jobs and wellbeing and bring exponential hope.

Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo, ANID

The National Research and Development Agency, ANID, is the agency responsible for the management and the implementation of programs and instruments to promote and develop research in all areas of knowledge, technological development and scientific-technological innovation, according to the policies defined by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation. We do this work based on the following values: Excellence: we believe in evidence as a fundamental tool for decision-making and continuous improvement of our processes and we consider people as the central axis for quality service. Transparency: we value honest and permanent communication as a tool to build trusts between our teams and with the community. Equity: we offer equal treatment, valuing the diversity of looks and respecting the differences, both of the people who work in the institution, and of our users. Unit: we work as a team, in a harmonious and dialogue way, to achieve our collective goals. Impact: we contribute to the National System of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation, generating information and knowledge that impacts on the design and evaluation of public policies.

Sociedade Portuguesa de Inovação, SPI

SPI, Sociedade Portuguesa de Inovação, is a private consulting company created in 1996 as an active centre of national and international networks connected to the SME and innovation sectors. Since its inception, SPI has become a leading promoter of linkages between private sector companies, science and technology institutions, and national and international public and private organizations. SPI embraces the mission of managing projects that promote regional, national and international development, stimulate entrepreneurship, innovation and knowledge management and encourage internationalization and creation of strategic partnerships and business relationships.

SPI has more than 80 full-time staff located in the various offices of the company – including in Portugal (Porto, Lisbon, Coimbra, Évora and Azores), China (Beijing and Macao), Spain (Santiago de Compostela) and USA (Washington D.C.). In addition, SPI has an affiliated office in Belgium (Brussels) through the European Business & Innovation Centre Network (EBN). SPI also has established professional and business network and operations in Brazil, Africa, Southeast Asia, Caribbean, India, Mediterranean countries and in other countries/regions of the world.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, CNPq

CNPq is an independent agency (public foundation) linked to the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communications (MCTIC), dedicated to the promotion of scientific and technological research and to the formation of human resources for research in Brazil. Its mission is to foster science, technology and innovation, acting in the formulation of its policies, contributing to the advancement of the frontiers of knowledge, sustainable development and national sovereignty.

Unitatea Executivă pentru Finanțarea Învățământului Superior, a Cercetării, Dezvoltării și Inovării, UEFISCDI

The Executive Agency for Higher Education Research, Development and Innovation Funding- UEFISCDI, is a public entity of the Central Administration under the authority of Ministry of National Education.
UEFISCDI implements the National Research and Innovation Plans, funding the R&I projects, and monitor the implementation and their impact in society.
At international level, UEFISCDI promote the Romanian R&I and its integration in the international scientific community by cooperating with similar organizations in Europe and worldwide, and by supporting the Romanian R&D actors to develop international partnerships.
UEFISCDI is involved in over 40 international projects, most of them under ERA-NET H2020, in the field of: Health, Bioeconomy, Advanced Materials and Eco-nano-technologies.

Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación, Tecnología y Telecomunicaciones, MICITT

The MICITT is responsible for creating and coordinating scientific and technological national policies, it also focuses on policy matters that relate to technical, entrepreneurial and research initiatives and best innovative practices and ideas essential greater competitiveness of the country to promote sustainable development to enhance the quality of life for all and closing gaps between society and technology. MICITT was established in 1990, by the law 7169 known as Scientific and Technological Development Promotion Law. MICITT has experiences with European Union Programs, it was part of ALCUE NET project consortium in the FP7 program, RESINFRA project consortium in the Horizon 2020 and in the RESINFRA Plus project consortium in the Horizon Europea. The Ministry is the NCP coordinator who is organizing the NCP networks in Costa Rica and support all entities interested to be part of consortium in proposal for H2020 and now for Horizon Europe, and also the Ministry has a representative in the Research Infraestructure UE-LAC working group.

Ministerio de Ciencia Tecnología e Innovación (MINCIENCIAS)

Colciencias promotes public policies for the development of science, technology and innovation in Colombia. It is the main entity of public administration to formulate, guide, direct, coordinate, execute, and implement the State policy, in the fields of scientific research, technology and innovation of the National System of Science, Technology and Innovation – for its acronym in Spanish – SNCTeI, transformed into administrative department in 2009.  

Colciencias is constituted by three technical departments: Direction of Research Promotion, Direction of Technical Development and Innovation and Direction of Mentality and Culture. Colciencias also works with the cross-cutting area and initiatives through institutions as Colombia BIO, International Office, Scientific Ecosystem, and research infrastructures. The last one is an initiative of total importance from General Direction that will bring development of the country and improve the capabilities of the research institutions and development for Colombia.

INSTRUCT – ERIC

Instruct-ERIC is a distributed pan-European Research Infrastructure Consortium, with the following objectives: a) to facilitate the advancement of integrative structural cell biology; b) to make available a managed access to state-of-the-art European structural biology facilities and specialist expertise; c) to further the development of the Instruct technology; and d) to provide training in integrative techniques in the field of structural biology. 

To this end Instruct-ERIC undertakes and coordinates a variety of activities, including but not limited to: a) those offered by Instruct Centres such as the provision of infrastructure to the structural biology user community and other Instruct training, networking and dissemination activities; b) the creation and operation of the Instruct Hub that provides the central coordinating role for all Instruct Activities offered through Instruct Centres; c) the provision of access to structural biology infrastructure at Instruct Centres using an Instruct web-portal incorporating peer review and scheduling for access reserved for Instruct users by an Instruct Centre; d) the coordination by the Instruct Hub of training courses and workshops on techniques and methods relevant to structural cell biology, enabling the dissemination of expertise, the stimulation for exchange and co-development with industry; e) the coordination by the Instruct Hub of joint programmes between Instruct Centres that support new technical and technological approaches that enable better integration across structural biology technologies; f) the coordination of programmes with companies that develop innovative structural biology technologies enabling their effective uptake by Instruct Centres, making these available for access to academic and industrial researchers in Europe; g) the bridging of structural, cell and systems biology communities by coordinating joint actions including meetings, conferences and workshops; h) any other related action that helps strengthen research in the European Research Area. 

LifeWatch ERIC

LifeWatch ERIC is the e-Science European Research Infrastructure for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, a distributed Research e-Infrastructure to advance biodiversity research and to provide major contributions addressing the big environmental challenges, including knowledge-based solutions to environmental managers for its preservation, particularly focusing on to measure the impact of Global Climate Change issues on Earth Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research. This goal is achieved by providing access through a single infrastructure to a multitude of data sets, e-Services and tools enabling the construction and operation of Virtual Research Environments (VREs), which allow the accelerated capture of data with new innovative technologies and knowledge-based decision making-support for the management of biodiversity and ecosystems.

Since 2017, LifeWatch is legally constituted as a European Research Infrastructure Consortium –ERIC. Its expected impact is to be a structuring tool for the European Research Area –ERA-in tight collaboration with other world areas (particularly, Latin America & Caribbean), also supporting policy decision making addressing Societal Challenges which demand scientific knowledge in a Global Climate Change context, including Citizen Science activities. In fact, LifeWatch ERIC is relevant for environmental awareness programs to respond to the social, industrial and scientific challenges posed by the loss of biodiversity, and the deployment of ecosystem sustainable management and eco-innovation activities, and was identified as the 1st RI of interest scored by EU-LAC Research Infrastructure Communities

Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT)

CIEMAT is a Spanish Public Research Institution (www.ciemat.es). Since its formation in 1951, it has developed and led R&D projects in the fields of Energy, Environment and Technology, placing the institution at the forefront of science and technology. As a technological research centre, CIEMAT fosters links between academia and industry. Its main activities include: to promote the introduction and improve the competitiveness of renewable energies on the energy market; to improve the efficiency and environmental quality of fossil fuels; to optimise waste management and safety of nuclear fission energy; to demonstrate the role of nuclear fusion as a future energy alternative; to assess the environmental impact of energy; to promote the development of environmentally-friendly technologies that respect the environment; to transfer horizontal technologies to industry; to improve scientific returns derived from CIEMAT activities; to strengthen industrial participation in international projects with high technological content; and, to foster technology transfer, training and scientific outreach. CIEMAT is the Spanish largest R&D centre on energy and will participate in this proposal with the Technology Dpt., which has a solid record of accomplishment in the consolidation of e-Infrastructures between Europe and Latin America.

Agencia Uruguaya de Cooperacion Internacional, AUCI

The Uruguayan Agency for International Cooperation is responsible for the negotiation and coordination of international cooperation initiatives that Uruguay both receives and offers, making sure that they are aligned to sustainable development priorities. Uruguay´s sound macroeconomic policies and high level of human development indicators, accountable institutions and political stability, together with it´s relatively small scale in terms of population, confer the country optimal conditions to pilot and test sustainable development interventions and innovation processes. The Agency coordinates all kinds of international cooperation modalities (bilateral and multilateral official development assistance, south-south cooperation, triangular cooperation, technical and financial cooperation). It has a longstanding experience in working with the European Union in different kinds of projects and roles. Moreover, it has international experience in working with different stakeholders (government bodies, civil society, academia and private sector) and promoting partnerships across a vast range of areas that foster sustainable development such as: environment protection and climate change mitigation and adaptation; science, technology and innovation, human rights, culture, health, agriculture, human security, gender equality, disability, among others. To do so, it has developed strong networking, negotiation and facilitation skills, intercultural communication competences, project cycle management, monitoring and evaluation capacities, experience in leading consultation and participatory processes, and capacity building of policy makers as well as other development actors through the organisation of national and international workshops and seminars.

Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación Tecnológica, CONCYTEC

CONCYTEC is the governing body of SINACYT, responsible for directing, promoting, coordinating, supervising, and evaluating State actions across the country in the fields of science, technology, and technological innovation. It guides the actions of the private sector and carries out support activities that drive the country’s scientific and technological development.