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First evaluation of Clinical Academic Centers

FCT has extended until April 11, 2022 the deadline for submitting applications to the first external and international evaluation of Clinical Academic Centers (CAC), which have been open since January 10. This evaluation process aims to ensure the implementation of international best practices in the development of the joint activity of its members. The budget allocation for this first evaluation and funding program is 1.8 million euros, with a limit of 200 thousand euros to be assigned to each CAC.

The external evaluation of the CACs is coordinated by the FCT, which has delegated the evaluation process to the Agency for Clinical Research and Biomedical Innovation (AICIB) in conjunction with the Central Administration of the Health System, I.P. (ACSS), in close coordination with the Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education (A3ES), Directorate General of Health (DGS) and after hearing the National Council of Clinical Academic Centres (CNCAC).

The CACs are made up of healthcare units, research and development (R&D) units and organic units of higher education institutions, with evaluation and multi-annual funding oriented towards joint activities and close collaboration between all the members of each CAC.

There are currently nine CACs in operation in Portugal, two in Lisbon and Porto, and one each in Coimbra, Braga, Covilhã, Algarve and Aveiro. All the CACs set up by the beginning of March may submit to this program and the external evaluation will now be carried out at four-year intervals. The evaluation of the applications and the preparation of the overall classification and funding proposal are the responsibility of an independent Evaluation Panel, made up of evaluators of internationally recognized merit and competence. Applications will be evaluated based on 3 criteria: a) merit of the institutional articulation; b) valorization of the collaboration; and c) collaborative organization.

CCS that obtain an overall rating of "Very Good", "Good" or "Sufficient" may be proposed for funding when justified in a specific proposal by the evaluation panel. The application of the evaluation criteria and the decision process for proposing the result of the evaluation and possible funding are described in the Evaluation Guide, following the principles defined in the Regulations.

More information:
FCT - R&D Units - Clinical Academic Centers