CICANT has recently seen three of its research projects awarded the highest possible rating, “Excellent”, in their final evaluations by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). This recognition highlights the quality, impact, and scientific relevance of the research developed within the centre.
The projects FEMglocal, Curiositas, and YouNDigital were recognised for the excellence of their outcomes, their academic and societal impact, and their contribution to advancing knowledge in key areas for understanding contemporary society.
FEMglocal (PTDC/COM-CSS/4049/2021), dedicated to studying feminist movements in Portugal and the connections between local and global activism, received an evaluation that acknowledged not only the achievement of its original objectives but also the extent to which it exceeded them. The international review panel highlighted the project’s strong scientific output, which resulted in numerous scholarly articles, leading publications in the field of feminist media studies, and the completion of a PhD thesis focused on the 8M feminist movement. In addition to its academic achievements, the project was also commended for its strong public engagement activities, including the organisation of events and the production of a documentary film that extended the project’s reach beyond academia.
Curiositas (PTDC/COM-OUT/4851/2021), which investigated nineteenth-century cosmorama exhibitions in Portugal and Spain, also received an “Excellent” rating. The evaluation praised the rigour of the historical research, the quality of its scientific outputs, and its dissemination strategy. The project significantly expanded its original scope by tracing the international circulation of these visual devices, leading to the creation of open-access databases, interactive visualisation maps, a physical cosmorama prototype, and a virtual reality reconstruction. The research culminated in an exhibition at the Portuguese Cinematheque – Museum of Cinema, demonstrating the project’s ability to connect research, cultural heritage, and public engagement.
Meanwhile, the YouNDigital (PTDC/COM-OUT/0243/2021) was recognised for its contribution to understanding young people’s digital practices and promoting media literacy. Its final evaluation highlighted the project’s scientific and social relevance, emphasising the development of empirical studies, educational resources, and dissemination initiatives that contributed to a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within today’s digital ecosystem. The project also generated valuable recommendations for researchers, policymakers, and professionals working in the fields of communication and education.
These distinctions reflect CICANT’s ongoing commitment to producing research of the highest quality, with both international recognition and meaningful societal impact. The success of FEMglocal, Curiositas, and YouNDigital further demonstrates the centre’s capacity to deliver innovative and interdisciplinary research that advances knowledge in areas as diverse as social movements, media heritage, and digital cultures.