Research
PRR - Equipar+2
1. Context and Introduction
The Intrepid Behavioral Lab (BLab) is currently undergoing a major technological consolidation and expansion. This key milestone in scientific modernization and capacity building is funded by the Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) and the European Union through NextGenerationEU, under the Equipar+ / Equipas +2 programme.
Through this European co-funding, Intrepid Lab enhances its transdisciplinary research capacity, equipping its main facilities at Universidade Lusófona – Centro Universitário do Porto with cutting-edge technology for the advanced study of human and organizational behavior.
2. Project Fact Sheet
- Project Title: Intrepid Behavioral Lab (BLab)
- Project Reference: UID/PRR2/04011/2025
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.54499/UID/PRR/04011/2025
- Equipar +2 Reference: 2025.09419.EI
- Beneficiary Institution: Universidade Lusófona – Centro Universitário do Porto
- Research Unit: Intrepid Lab, a Hub of CETRAD
- Funding Programme: Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR) – NextGenerationEU
- Eligible Investment: €52,700.61
- Project Duration: 01/01/2025 – 30/06/2026
3. Project Description
The Intrepid Behavioral Lab (BLab) is an advanced behavioral and experimental research infrastructure dedicated to the study of individual and collective behavior in organizational, economic, and social contexts.
The laboratory was designed to support transdisciplinary experimental and observational research across management and economics-related scientific domains, including organizational behavior, behavioral economics, human resource management, leadership, teamwork and coordination, decision-making, entrepreneurship, sustainability, human factors, social interaction, and performance and adaptation in complex environments. As a CETRAD research hub infrastructure, the laboratory supports researchers from Intrepid Lab, CETRAD, CETRAD Europeia, and partner universities.
Scientific and Technical Objectives
- Strengthen the scientific and technological capacity of Intrepid Lab and CETRAD.
- Create an advanced infrastructure for behavioral observation and multimodal research.
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration between social sciences, management sciences, and technology.
- Support advanced training for master’s and doctoral students.
- Increase the international competitiveness of the research unit and promote knowledge transfer to society.
Expected Impact and Results
- Strengthening experimental research capacity in management and economics.
- Increasing scientific productivity and international collaboration.
- Consolidating a reference infrastructure for laboratory studies, behavioral observation, physiological monitoring, and multimodal behavioral analysis.
4. Nominate List of Acquired Scientific Software & Platforms
Note: In compliance with PRR transparency guidelines, this nominate list systematically tracks the scientific software acquired under the Equipar +2 project, ensuring full traceability and audit readiness. This inventory is updated progressively as additional acquisitions are completed.
| Software / Platform | Manufacturer | Purpose | License Type | Qty |
| Mangold INTERACT Premium | Mangold International | Advanced behavioral coding and analysis | Perpetual | 1 |
| Mangold INTERACT Professional | Mangold International | Observational analysis | Perpetual | 1 |
| Mangold INTERACT Light | Mangold International | Visualization and coding support | Perpetual | 1 |
| Mangold VSP Studio Basic | Mangold International | Synchronized audio-video recording | License | 1 |
| Marker Debriefing & Module | Mangold International | Behavioral event marking and review | Add-on | 1 |
| Mangold Teaching & Training | Mangold International | Observational training and education | Add-on | 1 |
| Empatica Platform Subscription | Empatica | Physiological data acquisition and processing | 5-year subscription | 4 |
| Shimmer Consensys | Shimmer Research | IMU data and sensor acquisition | Platform / License | 4 |
5. Research Infrastructure & Equipment Overview
The laboratory integrates a multimodal behavioral observation and recording system alongside advanced hardware designed for high-end scientific research:
- Behavioral Observation System: Includes high-end modular workstations, a multimedia workstation, a professional audio-video synchronization system, 3 Axis PTZ Full HD Dome Cameras, a professional Sennheiser boundary microphone system, audio mixers, and network integration modules.
- Physiological & Wearable Monitoring: Supported by 4 Empatica EmbracePlus wearable devices for real-time monitoring of physiological activation, stress indicators, and motor activity inside and outside laboratory contexts.
- Motion & Inertial Sensing: Powered by Shimmer3 IMU Consensys Development Kits for robust inertial and movement tracking.
6. Official Project Documentation & Transparency Links
For full consultation and to ensure regulatory compliance regarding the publicity of this funded project, please refer to the links below:
7. Funding Acknowledgement and Institutional Links
This infrastructure is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU, through the Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), under the Equipar +2 programme (Ref. 2025.09419.EI). Intrepid Lab activities are additionally supported by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), I.P.
To learn more about the progress and impact of European funds in Portugal, visit the official portal:
Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR) — www.recuperarportugal.gov.pt
Laboratory Contact:
