Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Institutional Support - the Portuguese case...

Finding the necessary funds to support this project was a major issue since the start... The date of the mission was selected in order that the Tanzanian partners could allocate some funds to the project... But, how to cover the remain part? Where to find the necessary support? To walk from Portugal to Kilimanjaro was not really an option...

This project is extraordinary since it combines a scientific motif (evaluation and optimization of modern spatial geodetic techniques), technical issues (accurate computation of the orthometric height at a difficult environment), development of human knowledge (Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa and a mythic place) and passion (a dream becoming true)...

To go for the normal sources of scientific funding was not possible... Where to fit the project (concerning the schedule and the topic)? But the Portuguese National Scientific Foundation (FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia) was completely receptive to our project. They understood the importance and benefits of KILI2008 and they are providing financial support essential to the success of the expedition...

I will never complain again about bureaucracy in Portugal (at least, not much...)

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