Strong dedication to scientific inquiries and discoveries
In a significant move for the scientific community in Portugal, the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) is set to receive an 8% increase in funding from tax revenue in 2026. This increase, which is the largest portion of the FCT's funding, follows a promise made by the Minister of Science, Technology, and Higher Education, Fernando Alexandre.
During the closing ceremony of the Science 2025 Meeting, Minister Alexandre emphasised a "very clear commitment to science" regarding the FCT's funding. The minister's goal is to ensure some fiscal predictability for the FCT's funding, a move that is expected to boost research and development activities in the country.
In 2025, the FCT's tax revenue portion amounted to €486 million, an increase of €26 million compared to 2024. Applying the 8% increase to the 2025 tax revenue portion suggests an increase of approximately €38.9 million for 2026 from this source alone.
However, the exact total budget for scientific research in 2026 beyond the 8% increase in the tax portion has not been provided. The budget for 2026 will only be known when the government submits its proposed State Budget.
Regarding the total budget for scientific research in Portugal, the initial allocation for the FCT in 2025 was €607 million, €68 million less than the previous year, mainly due to a decrease in European funds. The exact total budget for scientific research in 2024 is not explicitly stated, but it can be inferred that the FCT's tax revenue-specific funding was €460 million in 2024.
In summary, the FCT's tax revenue portion is projected to increase from €460 million in 2024 to €486 million in 2025 and potentially €525 million in 2026 (8% increase on 2025's tax revenue portion). The full budget for the FCT and total budget for scientific research in Portugal will be confirmed once the government submits its proposed State Budget.
This move reflects a clear government commitment to increasing predictable funding for science and research in Portugal despite fluctuations in European funds.
In light of the announced 8% increase in the FCT's funding from tax revenue in 2026, one can anticipate a growth in science funding in Portugal. If this increase is applied to the 2025 tax revenue portion of €486 million, it suggests an allocation of approximately €525 million for scientific research in 2026, demonstrating a commitment to finance research and development activities in the country.
