61. The functions of the Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la nature et les technologies are(1) to promote and provide financial support for research in the fields of natural sciences, mathematical sciences and engineering;
(2) to promote and provide financial support for the dissemination of scientific knowledge in fields of research related to natural sciences, mathematical sciences and engineering;
(3) to promote and provide financial support for the training of researchers through achievement scholarships to graduate and postgraduate students and to persons who engage in postdoctoral research, and through professional development scholarships to persons who wish to re-enter the research community and through grants that allow the teaching duties of college level professors engaging in research activities to be reduced;
(4) to manage scholarship programs for graduate and postgraduate students, on its own behalf and on behalf of the Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec or the Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la société et la culture and through grant programs for teaching duties reduction;
(5) to create any necessary partnership, in particular with universities, colleges and the industry, and the government departments and public and private bodies concerned.