PRR

Context and Introduction

The Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) supports strategic investments aimed at strengthening Portugal's scientific, technological and innovation capacity. Within this framework, the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), I.P. provides multi-annual funding to Research and Development Units that demonstrate scientific excellence, research quality and societal relevance.

The funding awarded to CICANT contributes to the consolidation of its research infrastructure, scientific capacity and international competitiveness, enabling the development of interdisciplinary research, advanced training, Open Science practices and knowledge transfer in the fields of communication, media, culture, the arts and digital technologies. Through this investment, CICANT reinforces its contribution to addressing societal challenges and to strengthening Portugal's participation in the European Research Area.

Project Fact Sheet

• Research Unit: CICANT – Centre for Research in Applied Communication, Culture and New Technologies
• Project Reference: UID/PRR/05260/2025
• DOI: 10.54499/UID/PRR/05260/2025
• Beneficiary Institution: COFAC/Universidade Lusófona
• Funding Programme: Project funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), through the Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P. (FCT), as part of the multi-annual funding scheme for Research and Development Units
• Eligible Investment: 378.391,92€
• Project Duration: 01/01/2025 – 30/06/2026

Project Description

CICANT – Centre for Research in Applied Communication, Culture and New Technologies is a scientific research infrastructure dedicated to the study of communication, media, culture, the arts and digital technologies, promoting interdisciplinary and collaborative research with scientific, social, cultural and economic impact.

The centre comprises specialised research laboratories, platforms for content production and analysis, digital resources and equipment to support research in communication, media and the creative industries, facilitating research, advanced training, experimentation, innovation and knowledge transfer.

CICANT supports projects developed in collaboration with universities, research centres, companies, public bodies and international networks, contributing to the strengthening of national scientific capacity and Portuguese participation in European research and innovation programmes.

The Unit comprises specialised research laboratories, research support platforms and advanced scientific resources for the collection, production and analysis of qualitative, quantitative and audiovisual data, supporting fundamental and applied research carried out by researchers, PhD students and national and international partner institutions. The infrastructure promotes collaborative research, open science, advanced training and knowledge transfer, helping to address the challenges of digital transformation, social innovation, media literacy and sustainability.

Scientific and Technical Objectives

• To strengthen CICANT’s scientific and technological capacity.
• To carry out interdisciplinary research in communication, media, culture, the arts and technology.
• To support collaborative research through the Unit’s laboratories and scientific infrastructure.
• To promote internationalisation and participation in networks and competitive projects.
• To support advanced training and the development of skills among researchers and students.
• To promote Open Science, innovation and the transfer of knowledge to society.

Expected Impact and Results

• Strengthened scientific, technological and organisational capacity of CICANT as a nationally and internationally recognised Research and Development Unit.
• Enhanced research excellence through the consolidation of specialised laboratories, research infrastructures and advanced scientific resources.
• Increased production of high-quality scientific knowledge in the fields of communication, media, culture, the arts and digital technologies.
• Expanded national and international research collaboration, reinforcing participation in European research and innovation programmes.
• Improved support for researchers, doctoral candidates and early-career researchers through access to advanced research infrastructures and scientific services.
• Promotion of interdisciplinary research addressing societal challenges related to digital transformation, media literacy, social innovation and sustainability.
• Reinforced knowledge transfer, Open Science practices and engagement with public institutions, industry, cultural organisations and civil society.
• Increased societal, cultural and economic impact through research-informed innovation, policy support and dissemination of scientific knowledge.

List of Acquired Scientific Software & Equipment

Official Project Documentation & Transparency Links

For full consultation and to ensure regulatory compliance regarding the publicity of this funded project, please refer to the links below:

• View the Official PRR Project Fact Sheet
• Proof of Publicity and Project Sheet Disclosure 

Funding Acknowledgement and Institutional Links

This project is funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) through the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), I.P., under the multi-annual funding programme for Research and Development Units.

The project is implemented by CICANT – Centre for Research in Applied Communication, Culture and New Technologies, hosted by COFAC/Universidade Lusófona, and contributes to strengthening Portugal's research and innovation ecosystem through excellence in scientific research, advanced training, international collaboration and knowledge transfer.

To learn more about the progress and impact of European funds in Portugal, visit the official portal:

Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR) - www.recuperarportugal.gov.pt

Research Unit Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.