«It is essential to increase funding for science and innovation» in the Algarve. These are the words of Adelino Canário, director of the Center for Marine Sciences (CCMar) of the University of Algarve (UAlg), one of the proponents of a national manifesto that brings together scientists and entrepreneurs in the fight for science, "in the new normal", and innovation are “core” in Portugal.
In the list of 50 applicants, there are two from the Algarve: Adelino Canário and Isabel Palmeirim, president of the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine at UAlg and director of the Integrated Masters in Medicine.
The manifesto reads that «scientists, entrepreneurs and managers joined together in an appeal to define visionary strategies for economic and social development based on a strong commitment to science and innovation».
The document, which was sent to the prime minister and which is now open for subscription by all, calls for an urgent position to be taken to relaunch Portugal's future.
Ao Sul Informação, Adelino Canário said that he decided to be one of the proponents "because the importance of science for the country is evident."
"This is a manifesto that also includes companies, which shows the importance of these areas for the country, for Europe and for the Algarve region," he added.
The time chosen to make this manifesto had a very definite purpose. “We thought it was the right time. We are at a time when Europe is going to define the next package of EU funds", he said.
The manifesto reads as “at a time when, at the European Council, negotiations are under way to define the budget of the European Framework Program (Horizon Europa, 2021-2027), already with a possible cut of 5 billion euros, and in which the Economic and Social Recovery Plan (2020-2030) will be debated in Portugal, it is urgent to adopt a position based on strategies that place research and innovation in national and European priorities».
For the Algarve in particular, the time is also «the ideal», believes Adelino Canário.
«The Algarve has to change its strategy and now seems like the ideal time because we are entering a crisis. Science and technology gaining more importance is the basis for reflection. Researchers are still precarious, funding is inconsistent and this needs to be changed», considered the director of CCMar.
In a region that "is the one that receives the least funding", it is urgent to "identify other alternatives", in addition to tourism.
"We have to identify alternatives with a society based on the absence of pollution, attracting companies and investments in this area and this goes hand in hand with a commitment to research and science", he explained.
Finally, the professor at the University of Algarve highlights how, at this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, Portugal saw the «importance of research centers, at a particularly difficult time for public health».
The manifest, which can be read and signed on here, it already has hundreds of signatures, from professors and researchers from all over the country, some of them belonging to the UAlg.
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