1. Members of the R&D Unit include both the researchers who are actively part of the unit and the collaborators who have been formally admitted and registered as such by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).
2.  The admission and dismissal of members within the R&D Unit depend on the Director’s decision, which is contingent on a positive recommendation from the Board of Directors. The responsibility for initiating such proposals lies with the Heads of the respective Research Groups.

The rights of members encompass:

1. Participation in the activities of their affiliated Research Group.
2. Use of the resources, services, equipment, and facilities provided by the R&D Unit in accordance with applicable regulations.
3. Access toe accessible information and documentation.

Member's responsibilities include:

1. Adhering to the R&D Unit’s Statutes and complying with decisions made by its governing bodies
2. Attending meetings when summoned, unless in cases duly justified.
3. Contributing to the pursuit of the R&D Unit’s objectives, particularly in terms of planning and ensuring the quality of its activities
4. Conducting research and scientific dissemination activities in accordance with established guidelines, taking the necessary initiatives.
5. Engaging in national and international scientific projects.
6. Collaborating in identifying additional sources of funding beyond what is allocated by the FCT.
7. Actively seeking partnerships and collaborations with national, foreign, and international scientific institutions.
8. Representing themselves as members of the R&D Unit when engaging in relevant scientific activities externally.
9. Promptly responding to all requests for information directed to them.

The R&D Unit comprises Research Groups, which serve as its integral research sub-units, bringing together researchers who share particular scientific interests aligned with the R&D Unit’s own scientific domain.

The R&D Unit consists of the following bodies:

1. Director;
2. Board of Directors;
3. Heads of Research Groups;
4. Scientific Council;
5. Permanent External Scientific Advisory Committee.

1. The appointment of the R&D Unit’s Director is made by the governing body of Lusíada University, based on a recommendation from the Rector.
2. The Director serves an annual term, with the possibility of renewal.

1. The Directors responsibilities include:
   1. Representing the R&D Unit and authorizing representation in its activities.
   2. Coordinating the research endeavors of the R&D Unit.
   3. Ensuring that the R&D Unit maintains communication with the governing bodies of Lusíada University and the entities of the Lusíada Institute for Research and Development (ILID).
   4. Overseeing the management of the R&D Unit in compliance with the current regulations of ILID and Lusíada University.
   5. Convening and presiding over meetings of the R&D Unit’s governing bodies.
   6. Developing the activity plan and corresponding budget, along with activity reports and financial statements, and submitting them for approval to the Scientific Council.
   7. Managing the human and material resources allocated to the R&D Unit.
   8. Making decisions regarding the establishment, dissolution, or restructuring of Research Groups, contingent upon the approval from the Board of Directors.
   9. Appointing and dismissing Heads of Research Groups
   10. Making determinations regarding the admission and dismissal of Research Group members and members of the Permanent External Scientific Advisory Committee, following a favorable recommendation from the Board of Directors
   11. Ensuring that the objectives and activities of the R&D Unit align with the directives and goals established by the relevant authorities with Lusíada University and its governing body.
   12. Ensuring adherence to decisions made.
2. The Director may receive support from Deputy Directors, to whom they can delegate authority or who can act as substitutes in the Director’s absence or in case of incapacity. These Deputy Directors are appointed by the governing body of Lusíada University, based on a recommendation from the Rector.

The Board of Directors comprises the Director, the Deputy Directors, if appointed, and the Heads of the Research Groups.

The Board of Directors is responsible for:

1. Participating in the preparation of activity plans, budgets, and reports to be presented for approval by the Scientific Council for approval;
2. Making determinations regarding the establishment, dissolution, or restructuring of Research Groups within the R&D Unit;
3. Deciding on the admission and dismissal of members within the R&D Unit’s Research Groups and the Permanent External Scientific Advisory Committee;
4. Evaluating proposed research projects and assessing their alignment with the activities of the R&D Unit’s Research Groups;
5. Facilitating collaboration between research projects to be undertaken by different Research Groups within the R&D Unit;
6. Monitoring and assessing the progress of ongoing research projects.

1. Each Research Group is overseen by a Head appointed by the Director for a one-year term, with the possibility of renewal.
2. The responsibilities of the Head of each Research Group include:
   1. Coordinating the research projects within their respective Group.
   2. Facilitating the coordination of activities among members within their Group.
   3. Encouraging collaboration and synergy between their Group’s activities and those of other Research Groups within the R&D Unit.
   4. Conveying the needs and concerns of members of their Research Group, along with proposals to address these requirements, to the Director of the R&D Unit.
   5. Establishing connections and forming partnerships with other Research Groups and national, foreign, and international organizations to facilitate collaborative research projects.
   6. Promoting the internationalization of research findings generated by members of their Research Group.

1. The Scientific Council comprises members of the R&D Unit who hold a Ph.D., and is presided over by the Director.
2. The responsibilities of the Scientific Council are:
   1. Approving the R&D Unit’s plans, budgets, and activity reports.
   2. Providing input and recommendations on all matters of a scientific nature that are presented for consideration and pertain to the R&D Unit’s activities.
3. The Scientific Council convenes at a minimum of once every six months.

1. The Permanent External Scientific Advisory Committee is composed of individuals of recognized merit, including foreign researchers, who are appointed by the Director, following a positive recommendation from the Board of Directors.
2. The role of the Permanent External Scientific Advisory Committee is to assess the functioning of the R&D Unit, conducting an annual visit, and providing input on the plans, activity reports, and budgets to be submitted to the FCT.

1. The R&D Unit is equipped with the necessary material resources for its operation, including:
   1. Adequate physical facilities;
   2. Computer equipment;
   3. Specialized literature.
2. The R&D Unit has the required human and administrative resources for its operation, provided by the governing body of Lusíada University.
3. The R&D Unity has the necessary financial resources for its operation, including:
   1. Funds provided by national and international funding agencies, as well as those allocated by other entities.
   2. Income generated from service provision..

1. The governing body of Lusíada University will allocate funds received from the FCT and other organizations to the R&D Unit.
2. The accounting and financial oversight of the R&D Unit are handled by the financial services department of Lusíada University’s founding institution.
3. Administrative procedures are supervised by the secretariat of ILID.

Research projects should encompass the following essential components:

1. Clear identification of the projects’ subject and objectives;
2. A well-founded rationale and justification;
3. A comprehensive description of the chosen methodology;
4. A detailed timetable outlining how activities will align with the project’s objectives;
5. Establishment of indicators to monitor and assess the project’s progress and development.

1. Research projects require approval from both the Head of the relevant Research Group and, ultimately, the Director of the R&D Unit.
2. Project approval is contingent on a comprehensive scientific evaluation of all project aspects, as well as an assessment of the project coordinator’s capability to ensure successful execution.

1. Research projects conducted within the R&D Unit are overseen by an integrated research member.
2. The project coordinator is responsible for the project’s preparation, submission for funding from entities like FCT or other organizations, and the project’s successful execution, including the preparation of progress reports.

These Statutes, along with any subsequent amendments, take effect of the date of their approval by the legally authorized and statutorily competent body. This body is also responsible for addressing any questions or queries that may arise.
Note that this text incorporates the amendments endorsed by the Board of Directors of the Minerva Foundation – Culture – Education and Scientific Research, adopted on September 4, 2023.