PRR Project

Summary

CESEM is a leading centre for musicological research in Portugal, producing innovative and internationally recognised work in historical musicology, cultural heritage, critical theory, philosophy and sociology of music, music psychology and pedagogy, artistic creation, performance practices, music technologies and music and media. Its research combines high laboratory intensity with active participation in national and international networks, including ROSSIO, where CESEM is the second-largest content provider within NOVA FCSH. Long-standing leadership in Portuguese musical heritage has secured integration into the Associated Laboratory IN2PAST and two FCT-tenure positions in this field.The establishment of a laboratory in Mafra (National Palace/Convent of Mafra–UNESCO World Heritage Site), jointly promoted with INET-md, will create a hub linking musicology, acoustics, performance and digital technologies, bridging historical heritage and artistic experimentation. To sustain this initiative, CESEM requires new equipment and the renewal of infrastructures essential to the operation of its five laboratories across the country. The most urgent needs are:-Observer (for time-locked behavioural coding, A/V annotation and analysis, supporting collaborative research in LaMCI studies at NOVA FCSH and interoperable with ROSSIO);-Two Mac Studio workstations (LabMx/ESML and ESMAE) for practice-based research and dissemination;-iMac systems for Évora, supporting digital humanities, archival and practice-based studies;-Equipment for CESEM’s area at the Mafra hub.These investments will consolidate CESEM’s leadership in advanced interdisciplinary research and reinforce its integration in national and international networks, strengthening its mission for 2025–2029. While the evaluation project prioritised attracting and hiring highly qualified researchers, the allocated funds are insufficient. This application addresses this gap, ensuring fulfilment of the stated objectives.