Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia  The Foundation for Science and Technology (), FCT, is an organization within the Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior in Portugal which evaluates and funds scientific research activities, in particular in the areas of natural sciences, exact sciences, social sciences and humanities. FCT was founded in 1997, succeeding the Junta Nacional de Investigação Científica e Tecnológica (JNICT). Most scientific research in Portugal takes place in R&D institutions financed and evaluated by FCT. As of 2019 there are 26 Associate Laboratories and 307 R&D Units, where 22 000 researchers work everyday. These institutions are regularly evaluated by FCT.