Back to Portugal to do science
The European Union recently announced the “Europe choice” program to facilitate European university alliances in launching host programs capable of attracting American researchers.Written by Paulo Jorge Ferrera *
The moment in time. According to an inquiry conducted by “Nature”, one of the world’s scientific magazines in the world, which is three out of four American scientists migrating. Another study, issued by “The Economist”, which inquired about 150,000 graduates from 135 countries, reveals that Portugal is the twelfth country desired by those who want to leave the United States.
The launch, in the context of “Europe Chection”, comes for a specific attraction for our country, “Choose Portugal”, as a natural idea. But in order for such a program to be logical, the weaknesses in the Portuguese and high -level scientific education system should not exacerbate, in relation to financing and professions. We cannot make the country more attractive to researchers in the United States and less attractive to Portugal researchers.
“Europe Choice” is an opportunity because it allows you to find additional financing without prejudice to the resources already designated for the scientific and higher education system to improve our international attractiveness.
It is important to note that the program should not limit researchers who depend on the United States. The slightest attractiveness in the United States may urge scientists in other countries, which usually faces the United States as a preferential destination, to consider alternatives. Among these scientists there is certainly Portuguese, they can think of returning to Portugal.
We have an opportunity to reflect the loss of talents that we faced with ourselves, but it is not enough to enhance the financing programs. There are additional difficulties that we need to overcome.
We know that waiting times to obtain the necessary visas to investigate Portugal vary greatly from one country to another, and even between consular jobs. Universities face this problem for a long time, with international students. In order to be able to emphasize as an attractive destination for international talent, we need more than favorable reception conditions: we need graceful operations and overcoming bureaucracy.
It is worth thinking about it.
* President of Affiro University. An article published in Jornal De Notícias and the UA.PT. Web site.
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