The Faculty has five innovative R&D units, four of which were evaluated by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the 2017/2018 R&D Unit Evaluation process, with a rating of “Good” or “Excellent”. CIDP – Centro de Investigação de Direito Público was recognised in this evaluation exercise with the highest rating given to a law research centre in Portugal. The FCT evaluation system is based on demanding periodic assessments by international experts, based on reports, activity plans and strategic programmes and visits to institutions. The Faculty’s research centres are made up of the most prestigious national researchers in their areas of expertise and renowned foreign researchers who collaborate with them on various international and multidisciplinary research projects.