Paulo Branco advocates predictability and stability in science funding in Portugal

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Paulo Branco advocates predictability and stability in science funding in Portugal

Paulo Branco, CEO of the TERRA Associate Laboratory, gave an interview to Jornal de Notícias about the extinction of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), where he stressed the urgent need to ensure predictability and stability in the funding of scientific research in Portugal.

In an interview with Jornal de Notícias, Paulo Branco emphasized that “science cannot be a prisoner of innovation,” warning of the risks of a scientific policy that is overly focused on immediate results and profit. In his view, investment in research must be supported by a long-term strategic vision that allows researchers to develop solid and lasting knowledge, free from short-term pressures.

The CEO of TERRA advocates a model of support for science that values project continuity, researcher autonomy, and the construction of solid and lasting knowledge. “What science and scientists need is predictability in the system,” he added.

Paulo Branco’s interview with Jornal de Notícias reinforces TERRA’s commitment to free, critical science that is committed to the future. At a time of institutional transformation, Paulo Branco makes it clear that the role of Associated Laboratories is more relevant than ever: “The structures of Associate Laboratories serve to ensure that there is breadth of knowledge.”

Full interview available in the August 25, 2025 edition of Jornal de Notícias (in Portuguese). It can also be viewed online at jn.pt (full content available to subscribers only).