About the Initiative

The Fibrenamics Pioneers Program Call is an initiative led by Fibrenamics – Institute for Innovation in Composite and Fibrous Materials, based in Portugal, aimed at attracting and integrating high-caliber researchers into groundbreaking projects in the fields of fibrous and composite materials.
This program seeks to establish strategic synergies between Fibrenamics and researchers, fostering an innovation ecosystem focused on the creation of applied knowledge with high industrial and societal impact.
Selected projects will be developed within Fibrenamics’ vibrant and state-of-the-art research environment, offering access to a robust innovation infrastructure and a multidisciplinary network that bridges scientific research and technological application.

Target Audience

The Fibrenamics Pioneers Program Call is open to:

• Senior Researchers and Postdoctoral Fellows with proven expertise in fibrous and composite materials, demonstrated through a strong scientific track record, peer-reviewed publications, functional prototypes, or registered patents.
• Junior Researchers with innovative proposals and strong academic or research institution affiliations.
• Spontaneous Applications from researchers interested in developing new technologies in collaboration with Fibrenamics.

Key Technological Areas

Applications should be aligned with the following technological domains, though not exclusively:

• Smart Advanced Composite Materials
• Multifunctional and Multimaterial Fibers
• Smart Manufacturing Processes
• Nanotechnology and Smart Materials
• Surface Engineering and Materials Functionalization
• Advanced Metamaterials
• Circular and Biobased Fibres and Composite Materials
• Protective and High Performance Materials
• Smart Materials for Energy Harvesting and Generation

Spontaneous applications in complementary areas will also be considered, provided they demonstrate innovation potential and alignment with Fibrenamics’ strategic priorities

Application and Selection Process

The selection process consists of three stages:

1️. Expression of Interest Submission

• Candidates are invited to submit their application via the official Fibrenamics Pioneers Program Call platform.

2️. Select & invite to develop a ‘Concept idea proposal’

• The most promising applications will be reviewed by the Fibrenamics Innovation Council.
• If a project is deemed high-potential and strategically aligned, an interview will be scheduled with the researcher to discuss objectives and expectations in greater depth, and you are invited to develop a ‘Concept idea proposal’.

3️. Final Selection and Integration

• Selected proposals - researchers will have the opportunity to develop their projects within Fibrenamics’ innovation ecosystem, joining a vibrant and international network of research and development experts.
• Final selection results will be communicated directly to the candidates.

Scientific Leadership and Evaluation

Figure 1 - Professor Raul Fangueiro

The evaluation process will be led by Professor Raul Fangueiro, Scientific Coordinator at Fibrenamics, a renowned expert in composite and fibrous materials innovation.
Under Professor Fangueiro’s leadership, the Fibrenamics Pioneers Program Call upholds the highest standards of scientific rigor and technological excellence, reinforcing Fibrenamics’ position as a leading institution in applied research and industrial knowledge transfer.

Call Timeline

The call is always open with trimester cut-offs. You can submit your proposal at your convenience. This means that the opportunity to submit proposals is continuously available throughout the year, but there are specific evaluation periods that occur every three months (trimesters).

Submit Your Application

If you are a researcher with an innovative project and aspire to develop your technology in an environment of scientific excellence and applied innovation, this is your opportunity.

Step-by-step guide on how you can submit your application:

1. Download the Application Form

   • Download the application document in either .doc or .pdf format.

2. Complete the Form

   • Fill in all required information accurately.

3. Sign the Document

   • Ensure the form is signed (digital or handwritten signature accepted).

4. Prepare Additional Required Documents

   In addition to the completed application form, please include the following:
   
   • Research Proposal
     
     • Format: PDF
     • Maximum length: 5 pages
     • Should clearly outline:
       • Objectives
       • Methodology
       • Expected impact
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
     • Include a list of publications, projects, and other relevant experience.
   • Supporting Evidence
     • May include:
       • Published articles
       • Patents
       • Prototype documentation or other relevant proof of work

5. Submit Your Application

   • Email all required documents (Application Form, Research Proposal, CV, and Supporting Evidence) to: [email protected]

F.A.Qs

1. About the Fibrenamics Pioneers Program Call

   1. What is the Fibrenamics Pioneers Program Call?

      The Fibrenamics Pioneers Program Call is an initiative by Fibrenamics – International Platform for Advanced Materials Development, based in Portugal, aimed at attracting top-tier researchers to develop cutting-edge projects in fibers and composites.

      This call seeks to integrate researchers into the Fibrenamics innovation ecosystem, where selected projects will be supported in scientific, technical, and applied research, fostering knowledge transfer to industry and society.

2. Eligibility & Application

   1. Who can apply?
      The call is open to:

      • Senior Researchers and Postdoctoral Fellows with a proven track record in fibers and composites, including peer-reviewed publications, functional prototypes, or patents.

      • Junior Researchers affiliated with universities or research institutions, working on innovative projects.

      • Spontaneous Applications from researchers interested in collaborating with Fibrenamics to develop new technologies aligned with our areas of expertise.

   2. What are the main research areas covered by this call?
      Projects should align with one or more of the following technological domains:

      • Smart Advanced Composite Materials

      • Multifunctional and Multimaterial Fibers

      • Smart Manufacturing Processes

      • Nanotechnology and Smart Materials

      • Surface Engineering and Materials Functionalization

      • Advanced Metamaterials

      • Circular and Biobased Fibres and Composite Materials

      • Protective and High Performance Materials

      • Smart Materials for Energy Harvesting and Generation

        However, applications in complementary areas will also be considered, provided they demonstrate innovation potential and strategic alignment with Fibrenamics.

   3. Can I submit an application even if my research area is not listed?

      Yes. Spontaneous applications from researchers in related fields are welcome, as long as they demonstrate potential scientific and technological impact.

   4. Can I submit more than one application?

      Yes, applicants may submit multiple applications, provided each project proposal is distinct and independent.

3. Selection & Evaluation

   1. How does the selection process work?
      The selection process consists of three stages:
      1. Expression of Interest Submission: Candidates are invited to submit their application via the official Fibrenamics Pioneers Program Call platform.
      2. Select & invite to develop a ‘Concept idea proposal’: The most promising applications will be reviewed by the Fibrenamics Innovation Council. If a project is deemed high-potential and strategically aligned, an interview will be scheduled with the researcher to discuss objectives and expectations in greater depth, and you are invited to develop a ‘Concept idea proposal’.
      3. Final Selection and Integration: Selected proposals - researchers will have the opportunity to develop their projects within Fibrenamics’ innovation ecosystem, joining a vibrant and international network of research and development experts. Final selection results will be communicated directly to the candidates.

   2. Who evaluates the applications?
      The applications are assessed by the FIBRENAMICS Innovation Council, chaired by Professor Raul Fangueiro, Scientific Coordinator at Fibrenamics.
      

   3. What are the main evaluation criteria?
      

      Applications will be evaluated based on the following:

      • Scientific and Technological Excellence – The originality and relevance of the research.

      • Innovation Potential – The project’s impact and feasibility within Fibrenamics’ strategic areas.

      • Alignment with Fibrenamics' Research Priorities – The project's contribution to advancing Fibrenamics' innovation ecosystem.

      • Demonstrated Expertise – The candidate’s experience, previous work, and ability to develop the proposed research.

   4. When will I be notified of the results?
      

      Applicants selected for interviews will be directly notified within every three months. 

4. Research & Development at Fibrenamics

   1. What happens if my project is selected?

      Selected researchers will have the opportunity to develop their projects in collaboration with Fibrenamics, accessing:

      • State-of-the-art research infrastructure in Portugal.

      • Expert guidance and mentorship from Fibrenamics' team.

      • Opportunities for knowledge transfer and industrial collaboration.

   2. Is there financial support for selected projects?

      Fibrenamics will support the selected projects internally, providing resources based on strategic fit and potential impact. However, funding models may vary depending on the project's scope and feasibility.

   3. Is relocation to Portugal required?

      Relocation is mandatory.

   4. Can I continue working at my current institution while collaborating with Fibrenamics?

      In principle, no. The Fibrenamics Global Research Call is designed to integrate selected researchers into the Fibrenamics ecosystem in a dedicated and immersive capacity. Candidates whose proposals are selected will be expected to focus exclusively on the development of the project within the scope and framework established by Fibrenamics.

5. Application Process & Technical Information

   1. How do I apply?

      Visit the "Submit Your Application" section for more information.

   2. What documents are required?

      Applicants must submit:

      • Research Proposal (PDF, max. 5 pages) outlining objectives, methodology, and expected impact.

      • Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a list of publications and relevant work.

      • Supporting Evidence, such as published articles, patents, or prototype details.

   3. Can I modify my application after submission?

      No, once submitted, applications cannot be modified. Ensure all documents are final and complete before submission.

   4. Will I receive feedback if my application is not selected?

      Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will receive detailed feedback. However, all applicants will be notified of their status.

6. Contact & Support

   1. How can I get more information?

      For additional inquiries, please contact the Fibrenamics team via email at [email protected]

   2. Where can I follow updates about the call?

      Stay informed by following Fibrenamics on:

      • Website

      • LinkedIn

      • Facebook

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