Regulation for the attribution of the title of Collaborative Laboratories has been approved

The Regulation for the Attribution of the title Collaborative Laboratory (CoLAB) has been approved by the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education. The regulation will come into force after its publication in Diário da República, and the first stage of the tender process, for the recognition and attribution of the title of CoLAB, will begin in September.

Collaborative Labs must be established as non-profit private associations, or as companies consisting of companies, research Units, Associated Labs, higher education institutions, technological interface centers and other intermediary institutions, technological centers, business associations, and other relevant partners within the productive, social or cultural fabric, whether national or international, such as scientific institutions, state labs, local government authorities and institutions associated with local organizations, hospitals and health care units, museums, archives, or social institutions. Their main goal is to create skilled and scientific jobs in Portugal, both directly and indirectly, by implementing research and innovation agendas geared at creating economic and social value.

CoLABS will enhance the density of knowledge-based activities in the country by fostering the consolidation of collaborative practices between scientific, technological or higher education institutions and the social and economic fabric, particularly businesses, the hospital and health care system, cultural institutions, and social organizations.

Application guides will be available on the FCT website following the publication of the regulation in Diário da República.