RESTART Programme – Relaunching Research Careers After Parental Leave

Returning to a research career following an extended parental leave poses challenges that often go unaddressed. To support reintegration and promote gender equity, the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) in Portugal introduced the RESTART Programme – 3rd Edition. This funding initiative is designed to empower researchers, particularly women, who have resumed professional activities after maternity, paternity, or adoption leave.

As part of a broader strategy to address the gender imbalance in science and research, the programme reflects FCT’s ongoing commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and excellence-driven R&D environments.

The RESTART Programme by FCT supports researchers, especially women, in re-entering scientific careers after parental leave. With up to €50,000 in funding, mentorship, and institutional support, it enables a seamless return to research while promoting gender equity and academic excellence across Portugal’s R&D landscape.

A Pathway Back to Research Excellence

The RESTART Programme is more than a grant opportunity; it functions as a catalyst for professional recovery. Aimed specifically at doctoral researchers returning from parental responsibilities, it provides a structured platform for re-engaging with active research.

Applicants can propose new scientific projects or expand on existing ones with the reassurance of institutional support, financial resources, and recognition within national research frameworks.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

To ensure relevance and fairness, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Possess a doctoral degree in science or technology.

• Have taken at least 120 continuous days of parental leave, or a minimum of 72 days if shared by both parents.

• Returned to their research role between April and the application deadline.

• Be affiliated with a recognized R&D unit or State Laboratory.

• Be hosted by a public or private non-profit institution located in Portugal.

Although open to all fields, the programme actively encourages applications from women, who statistically face greater career disruption due to parental leave.

What the Programme Offers: Scope and Funding

The RESTART Programme offers significant financial and academic backing. Each selected researcher will receive:

• Funding of up to €50,000 per project

• Project duration of up to 18 months

• Access to laboratories, tools, and institutional research facilities

• Guidance from mentors and senior faculty within their institution

• Recognition in national R&D performance assessments

The total funding pool for the current edition stands at €1.6 million, enabling FCT to support a broad cohort of high-impact proposals.

Application Timeline and Key Dates

Applications for the 3rd Edition of the RESTART Programme are open through mid-July. While exact deadlines can vary annually, candidates should complete submissions well ahead of the cutoff to allow for internal institutional approval.

Looking forward, subsequent calls are anticipated in spring or early summer each year. (We will update dates as they are officially released.)

Strategic Importance: Gender Equality in Research Careers

Scientific careers are often linear in structure, which can disadvantage those taking career breaks—particularly for parenting. The RESTART Programme addresses this challenge directly by:

• Establishing funding pathways that account for professional gaps

• Advocating for diversity and gender-sensitive research environments

• Supporting national and EU strategies on gender equity, including those under Horizon Europe

• Fostering long-term retention and representation of women in research

This initiative forms a vital part of FCT’s mission to integrate scientific excellence with societal responsibility.

Role of Host Institutions and Responsibilities

Applicants must be supported by a host institution, which plays a critical role in the success of each project. Eligible hosts include:

• Public and private non-profit research institutes in Portugal

• Accredited universities and higher education institutions

• Government-run State Laboratories

These institutions must commit to:

• Providing essential infrastructure and operational support

• Facilitating integration through mentorship and team alignment

• Reporting on the scientific and administrative outcomes of the funded project

This ensures that researchers are not only welcomed back but positioned for long-term impact.

Preparing a Competitive Application

Applicants are strongly advised to focus on the following during proposal preparation:

• Articulate clear research objectives with relevant methodology

• Demonstrate how the proposed work aligns with national/international research priorities

• Provide a realistic timeline for project execution

• Emphasize the professional gap due to parental leave and the role RESTART funding will play in closing it

Proposals will be evaluated on scientific merit, innovation, institutional backing, and expected contribution to the scientific community.

Conclusion: Reintegrating Talent for Scientific Progress

By bridging the gap between family obligations and research aspirations, the RESTART Programme sends a powerful message: parental leave should not hinder long-term academic potential.

FCT’s approach offers more than financial assistance; it delivers a structure that promotes gender-inclusive excellence, retention of scientific talent, and continuity in research.

Eligible researchers are strongly encouraged to prepare early and leverage institutional networks for support.

Summary Table

FAQs for the FCT RESTART Programme