Support Services

We have 14 services that support our scientific and innovation infrastructure. They are divided into three categories: business development, organisation and management, and technical support.

Services

Management Support

Our Management Support Service ensures the coordinated management of information at the institutional level, as well as the planning and reporting of INESC TEC’s activities. We provide direct support to the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee by driving internal strategic initiatives and facilitating decision-making at the General Council level. With a cross-cutting approach, we promote the ongoing improvement of processes and procedures, ensuring the preservation of institutional data, and developing quantitative and qualitative analyses that support strategic decisions. We also provide specialised support to research activities, particularly in the publication of scientific data and the preparation of Data Management Plans.

Legal Support

Our focus on the development and transfer of science and technology makes our Legal Support service of utmost importance in our activities. For our team, managing risks, protecting the institution's interests, and keeping up with the constant evolution of international, European, and national legal frameworks are daily challenges that require thoroughness and dedication. With integrity and commitment, we ensure best practices in vital areas like HR, institutional relations, contracts, public procurement, and personal data protection. We address each challenge with dedication, always ensuring the most appropriate action to each situation.

Accounting and Finance

When it comes to coordinating and executing accounting activities, our Accounting and Finance team takes charge of managing operations. Ensuring compliance with tax obligations, maintaining a stable cash flow, and ensuring sufficient funds to meet financial commitments are just some of the responsibilities, with the team acting as intermediary between INESC TEC and external entities, in accordance with the guidelines set by the Board of Directors. But that's not all: when it comes to purchasing, travel, or insurance management, it is also this service that we rely on to ensure efficient financial and operational management.

Management Control

Management Control is responsible for coordinating and executing activities related to budgeting and financial planning, as well as producing, coordinating, and disseminating management information. Our goal is to ensure that resources are acquired and used effectively and efficiently to meet the institution's objectives. For this reason, we also oversee the financial management of projects. In addition to this wide range of tasks, we are responsible for reporting to funding agencies regarding the reimbursement of expenses incurred within funded projects. We also handle various issues related to project financing, ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions set by the funding agencies. We work closely with researchers and provide internal training whenever necessary to support compliance with institutional requirements and facilitate project execution.

Human Resources

Our Human Resources service is responsible for people management, but also for fostering a collaborative, inclusive, multicultural, and innovative environment. Our team goes beyond coordinating and executing administrative HR activities, while redefining strategies, policies, and people management practices, ensuring a healthy balance between personal and professional life. The operational services, like payroll processing and benefits administration, and the active participation in organisational development reinforces the comprehensive role of this service within our institution. Furthermore, it plays an essential role in talent attraction and the integration of new members of our Community.

International Relations Service

Our International Relations Service plays a strategic role in strengthening the institution's presence in international contexts, supporting the Board of Directors and the R&D Centres in maximising global collaboration opportunities through: <ul> <li>Developing high-level partnerships with foreign entities in strategic areas supported by cooperation agreements;</li> <li>Promoting and providing specialised support for international scientific mobility within the organisation's strategy for attracting and retaining talent;</li> <li>Monitoring the international environment in dimensions that could resonate with the institution's R&D activities and international status</li> </ul> Additionally, the SRI has been responsible for the executive coordination of the UT Austin Portugal Programme for several years, a Science and Technology partnership between the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology and the University of Texas at Austin (USA). We also host the INESC Brussels Hub, with an independent management structure and an office in Brussels.

Funding Opportunities Office

We focus on scientific research and technological development, technology transfer, and innovation. Therefore, a dedicated service for Funding Opportunities plays a crucial role. Dedicated to securing financial resources to foster growth and innovation, our team identifies funding opportunities that meet our research, development, and innovation activities. The challenge lies in exploring the available opportunities without disregarding our mission and objectives. Therefore, analytical skills, planning, and strategy are of utmost importance.

Technology Licensing Office

The mission of the Technology Licensing Office is to protect and license technology developed at INESC TEC. To carry out its mission, the office works in close collaboration with the Legal Support Service and the Industry Partnership Service. The office’s responsibilities consist of establishing and managing INESC TEC’s processes related to: internal scouting and dissemination of research results that can be protected by Intellectual Property (IP) rights; market and state of the art assessment; definition of IP strategy; technology licensing; negotiation and monitoring of licensing contracts.

Communication Service

Communicating science can be challenging, but not for our Communication team. We all know the saying: "If something is not communicated, it doesn't exist." That’s why our team focuses on developing ideas, planning, organising, and coordinating both internal and external communication for our institution, ensuring that information about what we do reaches everyone. They contribute to our visibility by following established regulations and procedures, and play an active role in positioning our brand as a solid and reputable R&D institution. How? Through an approach focused on five main components: content, design and multimedia, events, participation in communication working groups, and dissemination of national or European projects, as well as translation. The Communication team ensures that scientific communication gets the attention it deserves, fostering stronger bonds with civil society and fighting misinformation.

Networks and Communications Service

The connectivity and efficiency of our communication systems are managed by the Networks and Communications Service. On a daily basis, they ensure the proper maintenance and management of our buildings and infrastructures, making sure that processes run smoothly and that information is protected.