Applications are open for the 2026 FCT RESTART Programme. Researchers with doctoral qualifications returning after parental leave may apply for up to €50,000 in individual project funding for up to 18 months. The deadline is 13 November 2026 at 17:00 Portugal time.
Current status and dates
| Current status | OPEN — 4th edition |
|---|---|
| Application opening | 1 October 2026 at 14:00 |
| Closing deadline | 13 November 2026 at 17:00 |
| Maximum funding | €50,000 per project |
| Maximum duration | 18 months |
| Total call budget | €1.6 million |
| Eligibility amendment | 8 October 2026 |
| Host country | Portugal |
| Application language | English |
FCT opened the fourth RESTART Programme edition on 1 October 2026 at 14:00 and will close applications on 13 November 2026 at 17:00, Portugal local time. Applications are OPEN as of 10 October 2026.
Who can apply
Portuguese, foreign and stateless researchers may apply with the commitment of an eligible host, provided they hold a doctoral degree and are integrated doctoral members of an R&D unit or have an employment contract with a State Laboratory. Additional exclusions apply under the 8 October republished Call Notice.
Parental leave eligibility
At least 120 qualifying days of parental or adoption leave are required, or 72 days in qualifying shared-leave cases. The necessary days must fall between 3 June 2025 and 1 October 2026, inclusive. Fellowship holders may provide the institutional declaration or, where accepted, the FCT fellowship reference.
Important 8 October amendment
FCT republished the fourth-edition Call Notice on 8 October 2026. Its correction changes the eligibility reference date for researchers who are beneficiaries of FCT-funded or recommended projects as PI or Co-PI from 1 September 2026 to 1 June 2027. Applicants must consult the republished call notice, which takes precedence over older website wording.
Funding and duration
Grants support individual original and innovative research projects for a maximum of 18 months and up to €50,000 per project. The fourth-edition allocation is €1.6 million. This is project funding, not a guaranteed direct €50,000 individual stipend.
Eligible host institutions
Eligible beneficiary entities include R&D units supported through the FCT Multiannual Funding Programme, State Laboratories and Associate Laboratories with approved status. If the research unit lacks legal personality, the institution with legal personality acts as beneficiary.
Application documents
Prepare proof of doctoral qualification, research-unit or laboratory affiliation, host commitment, qualifying parental-leave evidence, a detailed research plan, a feasible project budget and updated research CV. Follow the exact documents, declarations and ethics requirements in the official 4th-edition application guide.
How to apply
Read the 8 October revised call notice; confirm your 120-day or 72-day leave eligibility, project PI/Co-PI restrictions and host arrangements; draft the original research proposal and budget; complete the English-language application through myFCT; submit by 13 November 2026 at 17:00 Portugal local time; save confirmation.
Evaluation criteria
FCT evaluates scientific quality, innovation and feasibility of the research plan; applicant merit and fit with the proposed work; and the project’s impact on the applicant’s research career. Emphasise the scientific gap, credible methodology, work packages, host support and career-development contribution.
Third-edition historical context
The third edition is closed: applications took place from 2 June to 16 July 2025 and final results were communicated in July 2026. Its deadlines and eligibility period must not be reused for the fourth edition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RESTART open?
Yes, the fourth edition is open until 13 November 2026 at 17:00 Portugal time.
What is the maximum award?
Up to €50,000 for an individual project, not a fixed personal salary.
What is the maximum project duration?
18 months.
Can fathers and adoptive parents apply?
Yes, subject to the qualifying leave and other eligibility conditions.
How much parental leave is needed?
120 days ordinarily or 72 days for qualifying shared leave, counted inside the specified window.
Can foreign PhD researchers apply?
Yes, if they satisfy affiliation, host and the other requirements.
What changed on 8 October?
The FCT PI/Co-PI eligibility reference date changed to 1 June 2027 in the republished notice.
How do I apply?
Submit the English-language application through myFCT under the fourth-edition call.
Is the previous July deadline valid?
No, it belongs to the closed third edition.
Official and Primary Sources
- FCT Fourth-Edition Programme and Republished Call
- FCT 2026 Opening Announcement
- myFCT Application Portal
- Historical Third-Edition Results
Last verified 10 October 2026. Read the 8 October revised Call Notice for the governing terms.
