20 thematic sessions to discuss the future of science and innovation in Portugal

The review process for proposals for the National Debate at Portuguese Science Summit Innovation 2026 has been completed.

The proposals, submitted between May 26 and June 16, will be organized into 20 parallel sessions—participatory and thematic in nature—structured around six macro-areas: Digital; Health; Environment and Territory; Industry and Energy; Society; and Science and Innovation Ecosystem. Each macro-area is divided into sub-areas, each corresponding to a parallel session. In these parallel sessions, where participatory discussion is the main focus, each proposal will be presented via a pitch. Each session will have a moderator and a rapporteur, and a summary of its main results will subsequently be presented publicly.

The 206 proposals mobilized more than 1,200 participants and involved approximately 1,000 different organizations, reflecting broad community support for this moment of reflection and joint creation regarding the future of science and innovation in Portugal. The collaborative aspect is significant, with R&D Units participating in 96% of the proposals, followed by Companies (63%), various types of Associations (49%), and the Public Administration (44%). Associated Laboratories are represented in 33% of the proposals.

The applicants were notified this Wednesday, July 1, of the results of the selection process.

The Portuguese Science Summit Innovation 2026 will take place on July 15 and 16 at the Lisbon Congress Center. Registration is now open.