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About

Over the course of two decades, the MIT Portugal Program (MPP) has consistently demonstrated the value of its pioneering alliance between MIT, Portuguese universities, research institutions, companies and other entities. In addition to its primary purpose of enabling innovative and collaborative research on both sides of the Atlantic, MPP is a multi-faceted program that includes unique educational opportunities such as annual research conferences, academic summits, and student and faculty exchanges.

A true collaboration consistent with MIT’s mission of research, education and service, MPP offers MIT and Portuguese faculty and students exceptional opportunities to pursue research that contributes to solving urgent local and global challenges. The program has built lasting, effective international partnerships among institutions and individual researchers, and is credited with fostering the development of projects with significant scientific and economic impact.

The 20-year relationship has succeeded in advancing research that contributes to Portugal’s efforts to transform its economy and address challenges and opportunities in such areas as climate change, digitization and space. MPP continues to strengthen the country’s knowledge base and international competitiveness through strategic investments in research, education, innovation and entrepreneurial pursuits.

Now in its fourth phase, MPP is fostering the work of MIT and Portuguese researchers in a diverse range of research topics. In addition to aligning with strategic areas prioritized by MIT, the areas of research are consistent also with the Portugal’s national research priorities driven by the Portugal 2030 strategy. Current areas of research include:

History

Founded in 2006, the MIT Portugal Program (MPP) is a strategic partnership between MIT and Portuguese universities, research institutions, government agencies and industry. Over the course of 20 years, MPP has carried out three multi-year phases of research in emerging areas of science and technology. The fourth phase is now underway.

Phase I established the program’s parameters and laid the groundwork for collaboration with academic, science and public sector partners in Portugal. In effect through 2012, this initial phase was unique in its offering of PhD, Masters and Executive Masters programs of study to participating students. All told, Phase I resulted in the development and implementation of seven Doctoral, Master of Business Engineering and Master of Science programs at Portuguese universities, with over 1,100 PhD and Master students enrolled.

The Portuguese government and Portuguese Science Foundation (FCT) renewed their agreement with MIT in 2013, launching MPP’s Phase II. Phase II strengthened and built on six years of successful trans-Atlantic collaboration. As in Phase I, the program during this phase focused strongly on research in bioengineering, sustainable energy, transportation systems, engineering design and advanced manufacturing.

With another renewal in 2018, MPP embarked upon Phase III, a period that lasted through 2024 and was marked by innovative research in four strategic areas: climate science and climate change, earth systems: oceans to near space, digital transformation in manufacturing, and sustainable cities. Within these broad areas, MIT and FCT researchers partnered on several large “flagship”, as well as numerous smaller ones.

Launched with an agreement signed by MIT and FCT in March 2025, MPP’s current chapter, Phase IV, is continuing researchers’ work on projects begun during Phase III, while adding emphasis on other areas, as well: chips/nanotechnology, energy, artificial intelligence and space. Phase IV is slated to run through 2030 and includes student exchanges.

Through two decades of academic exchanges, trans-Atlantic workshops and seminars, and a wealth of collaborative research, MPP has catalyzed enduring positive economic and educational impacts in both Portugal and the US. The program has demonstrated the value of addressing key societal challenges through education and research in emerging fields, while training future leaders in science, technology, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Reports and other information about the impacts of MPP Phases I, II, and III are available on the Documents and Reports page.