The Laboratory for Robotics and Engineering Systems (LARSyS) has received an Excellent rating in the latest round of evaluations conducted by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). The assessment is part of the 2023/2024 Multiannual R&D Funding Programme, which reviews the performance of national research units, every few years.
The FCT released provisional results from the evaluation, which focused on the scientific and technological output of R&D Units between 2018 and 2023 and their strategic plans for 2025 to 2029. Of the units that applied for assessment, 75% were rated either Excellent or Very Good, collectively representing over 85% of the 21,832 integrated PhD researchers. Compared to the last evaluation cycle, the number of researchers participating increased by 12%—a promising sign of growth for the national R&D ecosystem.
LARSyS, a leading Associated Laboratory based in Lisbon, consolidated its Excellent standing thanks to a coordinated effort among its research centres—ISR-Lisboa, IN+, and MARETEC. Their joint performance highlighted not only high-impact scientific research but also a clear strategic vision for the coming years.
This marks the seventh international evaluation of Portuguese research centers by the FCT, continuing a tradition that began in 1996. Originally planned for 2022, the current evaluation process was delayed by a year and has been underway since 2023.
With this recognition, LARSyS reaffirms its role as a cornerstone of innovation in engineering systems, contributing significantly to Portugal’s presence on the global research stage.
