Supporting proof-of-concept projects with societal impact by fostering collaboration among IMS research centres [CQE | CQC | CIQUP] .
Call for ProJects: nine projects €10.000 each
CQE
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CQC
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CIQUP
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The IMS Valorisation of Collaborative Networks call aims to promote the development of scientific proof of concept (PoC) projects with clear potential impact scenarios. The call seeks to enhance internal collaboration across at least two IMS centres (mandatory), fostering innovation, knowledge transfer, and responsiveness to complex societal challenges.
Purpose
Objectives
  • Promote proof of concept.
  • Enhance IMS centers collaboration.
  • Foster network.
Who can apply?
  • Researchers at IMS
    [CQE, CQC, or CIQUP]
  • Teams from 2+ IMS centers.
  • Early-career researchers are encouraged to lead the proposals
    [CQE@IST, CQC, or CIQUP]
Participation Rules
  • Awarded projects/ previous editions cannot apply.
  • Each researcher can participate in up to two proposals per edition.
  • Awardees are expected to apply for further funding based on this project
VCN is a call for collaborative research projects that support scientific proof of concept ideas with societal impact (can be TRL 1, see annex) and boost the collaboration between the three IMS research centers. Advance a promising idea toward real-world application, accelerating the path from research to societal value
Funding Details and Eligibility
1
Nine Projects
€10,000 per selected project.
The jury can choose not to award funding if proposals do not meet quality standards [< 7 out of 10].
2
Project Duration
Up to 12 months to July 2026.
From the date of the commitment letter signed.
3
Eligibility
  • The call is open to researchers affiliated with IMS research centres [CQE; CQC; CIQUP].
  • Proposals must be submitted by teams composed of members from at least two different IMS centres.
  • The coordinator must be a researcher at CQE, CQC, or CIQUP. [If from CQE-Ciências, the team must include a CQE-IST member].
  • Early-career researchers [PhD researchers integrated in one of the centers] leading teams are particularly encouraged to apply. [If from CQE-Ciências, the team must include a CQE-IST member].
  • In the next edition, awarded teams and projects from previous editions cannot apply.
  • Each researcher can participate in up to two proposals per edition.
  • Researchers awarded funding would be expected to apply for further funding based on this project.
Funding & Project Duration
Project Awards
Nine projects will be selected, each receiving up to €10,000.
Duration Limit
Projects can last up to 12 months, concluding by July 2026.
Expense Deadline
All project purchases must be formalized by December 2025.
Eligible Costs
Funding supports materials, subcontractors, and dissemination activities.
Quality Standard
Proposals must achieve a score of 7 out of 10 for funding eligibility.
Expected Outcomes
Originality
Original, feasible ideas.
Proof of Concept
Address real-world / social issue.
Collaboration
Strengthen IMS cooperation.
This model serves the purpose of guidance; it is not a mandatory structure for the proposal.
Evaluation Criteria
Scientific quality and originality (40%)
Potential societal impact (10%)
Research plan and Feasibility (30%)
Potential for follow-up funding (20%)
Projects are evaluated on scientific quality, impact, feasibility, and funding potential. Jury members must disclose conflicts of interest.
Submission Process
1
Email Submission
Send via email by July 4, 2025.
2
Title & Graphical Abstract
One page limit.
3
Problem Description
Include research plan timeline, budget breakdown and team details [template].
4
PDF Format
In English, 2 page limit.
[+Graphical Abstract. No annexes are eligible].
Proposals must include key elements. Ensure formatting guidelines are followed for submission [template].
Project Timeline
Key dates to remember for the VCN ProJets call 2025. Mark your calendars for timely participation. Project ends: [15.Jul.2026] Results announcement (public): [IMS Open Day 2026]

Project Timeline

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Reporting Requirements
Present Results
IMS Open Day 2026
Final Scientific Report
Outcomes, impact and future perspectives.
Social Media Report
Video and other social media material.
Selected projects must fulfil reporting. This includes outcomes, impact, and future perspectives.
Knowledge Governance or Data Stewardship
Intellectual Property [IP]
  • Ownership: The ownership of the IP generated during the project will be shared equally between the involved IMS centres, unless otherwise specified.
  • IP Management: A formal agreement on IP rights and management will be required at the time of the project commencement.
Open Science:
  • Projects funded through this call must adhere to Open Science principles, ensuring that research outputs (data, publications, software, etc.) are made publicly available where feasible.
  • Researchers are encouraged to deposit data and findings in publicly accessible repositories, following the Open Science framework.
Data Protection:
All funded projects must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) and applicable national data protection laws. Any personal data collected or processed during the project must be handled lawfully, fairly, and solely for clearly defined research purposes. Appropriate technical and organisational safeguards must be implemented to ensure data confidentiality, integrity, and security. Where applicable, informed consent must be obtained from data subjects before data collection. The rights of data subjects, including access, rectification, and erasure, must be respected. Sensitive data and ethical concerns must be reviewed and approved by the relevant ethics committee.
Contact Information
Contacts for further inquiries:
Lisbon: Ana Espada and Teresa Duarte, CQE
Coimbra: Rui Carrilho and Sandra Nunes, CQC
Oporto: Luís Santos, CIQUP
IMS the Associated Laboratory funded by Project LA/P/0056/2020
(DOI10.54499/LA/P/0056/2020)
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