COVID-19: ESA and the British Government seek projects to combat the pandemic with space technology

In the case of Italy, the European country most affected by the pandemic, the initiative finances up to one million euros for research projects in the areas of health and education. The project aims to have repercussions in other countries. "ESA, in collaboration with FCT, will support the development and implementation of specific projects in Portugal", indicates the agency in a statement.

In the area of ​​health, ESA will support the development of projects that include remote diagnosis, remote digital monitoring, medical resource planning, cleaning and disinfection of the affected areas. In the field of education, the priority is in e-learning projects and remote training of teachers and students, motivational solutions for virtual social interaction with students and distance learning models for entrepreneurs.

Applications are open until 12 noon on April 20, and projects approved in this first phase must deliver the complete proposal by May 18.

Still in Portugal, programs and competitions that want to support projects that help in the fight against COVID-19 are multiplying. Recently, FCT launched RESEARCH 4 COVID-19, as well as DOCTORATES4 COVID-19.

The first program aims to support research and development (R&D) projects and initiatives already underway or to be developed and that respond to the needs of the NHS. The results of the applications for the first period will be communicated by 20 April.

The second already has 50 doctoral grants for researchers and specialists in virology science in Portugal in 2020. With the application period open between April 8 and May 14, the scholarships awarded are intended for research activities carried out in institutions higher education, research and development units, associated and collaborative laboratories.