PEOPLE

The MIT Portugal Program collaboration is based on a contractual agreement between the MIT and the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation, FCT).

The governance structure of the program is based on the Program Governing Committee (PGC), responsible for policy oversight with respect to overall objectives of the relationship, as well as approval of the annual plan and budget allocation for the proposed activities. An independent External Review Committee (ERC) formed by members from the international scientific community shall review the research program and make recommendations to the Program Directors and the PGC.

FCT appoints a Director(s) of the MIT Portugal Program in Portugal and MIT appoints a Director(s) of MIT Portugal Program at MIT. Together, they will oversee, direct, and coordinate the activities of all entities participating in the collaboration.

The coordination team oversees the day-to-day operations of the program, manages the calls for proposals, distribution of grants, and reports on all of the activities and projects conducted by the program to ensure its effective development.

The foundation of the MIT Portugal team was built by its former directors, collaborators, and participants. Former Directors of the MIT Portugal Program include MIT Professor Bruce Tidor, MIT Professor Daniel Roos, and IST Professor Paulo Ferrão. The program’s current MIT Director, Professor Dava Newman, also served in the role previously.

While Phase 3 places a strong emphasis on research, Phases 1 and 2 featured robust PhD and Master’s programs. To learn more about our alumni and faculty, click here.

Governing Committee

José Paulo Esperança

Vice President of Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

Representative of Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia

Richard K. Lester

MIT Associate Provost for International Activities

MIT senior administration representative

Maria Zuber

Vice President for Research at MIT

MIT senior administration representative

António M. Cunha

President of the Digital Transformation CoLab

Representative of the Portuguese participating entities

Isabel Furtado

CEO of TMG Automotive

Portuguese Industry Representative

External Review Committee

The MIT Portugal Program is subjected to a yearly evaluation by the External Review Committee. For the 3rd phase, the ERC members are being defined and should be appointed in the near future.