International Cooperation
  FCT supports the internationalization of the National Science and Technology
  System. As such, the Department for International Relations is responsible
  for:
  - Ensuring the representation of FCT and Portugal in the relevant research
  and innovation forums of the European Union and the European Research Area;
  
- Preparing the Portuguese participation in the Competitiveness Councils of
  the European Union and the follow-up on subjects of research and innovation
  with the European Commission;
  
- Ensuring the representation of FCT and Portugal in relevant international
  science and technology policy forums and in international research and
  innovation cooperation organizations;
  
- Proposing, negotiating and operationalizing bilateral and multilateral
  agreements, instruments and initiatives for international cooperation in
  research and innovation at European and extra-European level;
  
- Supporting the participation of the scientific community in: a)
  international organizations; b) multilateral programs and scientific
  networks; c) joint projects or initiatives integrated in scientific and
  technological cooperation agreements; and d) bilateral agreements of science
  and technology between Portugal and other countries or institutions.