CERIS Researcher Carlos Oliveira Cruz Featured on RTP’s 90 Segundos de Ciência

Carlos Oliveira Cruz, a CERIS researcher and Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment at Instituto Superior Técnico, was featured on RTP Antena 1 science communication programme 90 Segundos de Ciência. In the episode, published on the programme website on 28 September 2026, he presented his research into the causes of delays and cost overruns in major public infrastructure projects in Portugal.

His research explores how to align private-sector investment and expertise, including those of construction companies and financial institutions, with the State's strategic objectives for developing critical infrastructure, such as airports, high-speed railway networks, dams and desalination plants.

While infrastructure projects have traditionally been assessed primarily on financial criteria, the research highlights a shift towards more comprehensive evaluation frameworks that also consider environmental, social and resilience factors. In the context of climate change, ensuring that energy and transport infrastructure can withstand extreme weather events is increasingly important, even when this requires higher initial construction costs.

A central aspect of the research is the analysis of cost overruns and project delays. Based on more than 4,000 construction projects in Portugal, including social housing, roads and railways, the findings revealed average cost overruns of approximately 11%, a relatively low figure compared with other developed countries. However, project delays averaged 80% of the originally planned completion time, meaning that projects take almost twice as long as initially expected.

One of the study's key findings is that political instability plays a significant role in infrastructure delays. Changes in government and political priorities can lead to the reassessment or modification of ongoing projects, thereby affecting their timely completion. The research emphasises the importance of long-term infrastructure planning and broad political consensus to ensure greater continuity and efficiency in public investment.

The research also highlights Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a potential approach to improving project delivery, citing the Vasco da Gama Bridge as an example of a complex infrastructure project completed on schedule.

Ultimately, Carlos Oliveira Cruz's work aims to improve the planning, selection and delivery of infrastructure projects, maximising the value of public investment and ensuring long-term economic, social and environmental benefits for present and future generations.

90 Segundos de Ciência is a science outreach initiative produced by RTP Antena 1 in collaboration with the Master Programme in Science Communication at NOVA University Lisbon. Through short, accessible episodes, the programme gives researchers from Portuguese institutions the opportunity to present their work directly to the public, helping to bring scientific knowledge closer to society.

CERIS congratulates Professor Carlos Oliveira Cruz on this opportunity to share his research with a wider audience and contribute to the public debate on more efficient, sustainable and resilient infrastructure development.

Listen to the episode (in Portuguese):

• 90 Segundos de Ciência – Carlos Oliveira Cruz (RTP Antena 1)
• Ep. 2316 Carlos Oliveira Cruz – Investigação analisa as causas das derrapagens de tempo nas grandes obras públicas