FLAD Launches 2025–2026 UP Ensino Superior Program to Enhance Transatlantic Academic Cooperation

Posted on 29 June 2025

Introduction

The Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) has officially opened applications for the 2025–2026 edition of its UP Ensino Superior program. This strategic funding initiative aims to strengthen academic and research partnerships between Portuguese and American higher education institutions, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Program Objectives and Scope

The UP Ensino Superior program supports structural and sustainable collaboration between institutions by enabling:

• Joint degree programs
• Faculty mobility
• Virtual exchange programs, including Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)
• Co-supervision of doctoral candidates

These initiatives contribute to SDG 4 by promoting inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Funding and Eligibility

1. Each selected project may receive up to €30,000 in funding from FLAD.
2. Funding is contingent upon matching contributions from both Portuguese and U.S. partner institutions, fostering SDG 17 by encouraging strong international partnerships.
3. Eligible applicants include Portuguese universities, polytechnics, and research centers, both public and private.
4. Applications can be submitted individually or as part of a consortium.

Application Timeline and Selection Criteria

• Application period: Until 15 September 2025
• Announcement of successful proposals: By 24 October 2025
• Project implementation: During the 2025–2026 academic year

Priority will be given to projects demonstrating:

• Long-term institutional commitment
• Curricular integration
• Innovative approaches to transatlantic cooperation in higher education

Encouraged Initiatives

FLAD encourages proposals that promote new forms of academic collaboration, including:

• Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)
• Joint or dual-degree development
• Faculty immersion programs
• Shared research agendas

These initiatives support SDG 9 by fostering innovation and infrastructure development in higher education and SDG 17 through enhanced global partnerships.

About the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD)

Established on May 20, 1985, FLAD is a grant-making organization based in Lisbon, Portugal, dedicated to promoting scientific and cultural exchanges between Portugal and the United States. Its creation followed the 1983 Cooperation and Defense Agreement between the two countries, which included provisions for military, economic, and energy support.

FLAD’s programs, such as the Study in Portugal Network (SiPN) established in 2015, have facilitated academic opportunities for over 1,800 North American students at leading Portuguese universities, contributing to SDG 4 by expanding access to quality higher education.

Additional Information and Application Details

For further information and application procedures, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official FLAD website: flad.pt.

Source

flad.pt

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article focuses on strengthening academic and research partnerships, joint degrees, faculty mobility, virtual exchange programs, and co-supervision of doctoral candidates, all of which relate to improving education quality and access.
2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The FLAD program promotes international cooperation between Portuguese and American higher education institutions, fostering partnerships and collaboration.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and global citizenship.
2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms.
   • Target 17.8: Fully operationalize the technology bank and science, technology and innovation capacity-building mechanism for least developed countries.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 4 Targets:
   • Number of joint degree programs established between Portuguese and American institutions.
   • Number of faculty and student exchanges or mobility programs (including virtual exchange programs like COIL).
   • Number of doctoral candidates co-supervised across institutions.
   • Participation rates of students in transatlantic academic programs (e.g., over 1,800 American students participating in Portuguese universities as mentioned).
2. For SDG 17 Targets:
   • Number and quality of international academic partnerships and consortia formed.
   • Amount of funding allocated and matched by partner institutions (€30,000 funding with matching contributions).
   • Implementation of innovative cooperation methods such as Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: portuguese-american-journal.com