INL Attends Public Framework Presentation of the New Portuguese Agency for Research & Innovation (AI²)

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) marked its presence today, 24 February, at the public framework presentation of the newly founded Agência para a Investigação e Inovação (AI²), hosted at the Técnico Innovation Centre in Lisbon.

The event follows last year’s announcement of the creation of AI², a new entity designed to consolidate the functions previously carried out by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) and the Agência Nacional de Inovação (ANI). According to the Portuguese Government, the structural reform will enable more strategic and coordinated funding across Portugal’s research and innovation landscape, contributing to the country’s long-term economic growth.

In Lisbon, prominent figures from the political, industrial, and scientific spheres convened to present the methodology behind the definition of national R&I priorities. The agenda opened with an address from Portugal’s Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, Fernando Alexandre, before continuing with panel sessions exploring field overviews, global trends, and Iberian challenges, alongside open debates.

Representing INL at the event were Deputy Director-General Ado Jório, Carolina Baptista, International Relations and Internal Affairs Communication Officer of the DG Office, Mariana Fernandes, Lead for National Funding Business and Strategic Relations, and Laura Rodriguez-Lorenzo, Research Scientist PI at Espiña’s Research Group.

From a national standpoint, the event represented a turning point in Portugal’s strategic approach to research and innovation priorities. In that capacity, INL’s attendance proves essential, reflecting its active and engaged role within the ecosystem.

Text by Clara Miranda