IST Research Scholarship 2027 in Portugal | Fully Funded

Embark on a cutting-edge research journey with the IST Research Scholarship 2027 in Portugal. This fully funded opportunity at Instituto Superior Técnico is designed for highly skilled PhD candidates specializing in advanced ultrafast laser systems. Successful applicants will contribute to groundbreaking work in OPA/OPCPA techniques and NIR/MIR ultrafast lasers, conducted within the prestigious Institute of Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion in Lisbon. This scholarship provides substantial financial support, enabling dedicated researchers to focus entirely on their innovative projects in a world-class environment.

Quick Overview

• Host Country: Portugal

• Host Institution: Instituto Superior Técnico (IST)

• Eligible Nationalities: All Nationalities

• Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded

• Degree Level: PhD (for currently enrolled PhD candidates)

• Duration: 6 to 12 Months (initial 6 months, renewable)

• Application Deadline: September 02, 2026

Research Areas

This scholarship supports specialized research within the Institute of Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion. The primary focus areas include:

• Development and characterization of 1030 nm CPA laser systems.

• Development and characterization of 3200 nm OPCPA laser systems.

• Advanced ultrafast laser system design, operation, and characterization.

• Practical expertise with OPA/OPCPA techniques.

• Research involving Near-Infrared (NIR) and Mid-Infrared (MIR) ultrafast lasers.

Financial Benefits

The IST Research Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support to ensure a focused research experience:

• Monthly Stipend: A competitive monthly allowance of €1,359.64 for the initial six months.

• Renewal Option: Possibility of scholarship renewal for an additional six months, extending the total duration to twelve months.

• Research Funding: The research project is fully funded by Instituto Superior Técnico under the Compete 2030/Portugal 2030 program.

• Research Environment: Access to state-of-the-art facilities at Lisbon’s Institute of Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet specific, highly specialized requirements to be considered for this research scholarship:

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in a PhD program.

• A strong research background is required, ideally demonstrating exposure to leading global laser facilities.

• Candidates must possess a minimum of four years of postgraduate experience in the design, operation, and characterization of solid-state near-infrared and mid-infrared ultrafast laser systems.

• Demonstrated expertise in OPA or OPCPA technologies is essential.

• Ideal candidates will exhibit technical independence in advanced laser laboratories.

• The applicant's research record must align directly with the required experience for this project.

Required Documents

To complete your application for the IST Research Scholarship, prepare the following documents:

• Completed Application Form: Ensure all sections are accurately filled out on the Instituto Superior Técnico admissions platform.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume: This document is crucial for evaluation. It must clearly highlight:

  • Specific laser wavelengths you have worked with.

  • Details of amplifier designs you have experience with.

  • Your expertise in OPA/OPCPA technologies.

  • Information on pulse energies and durations you have managed.

  • A list of diagnostics employed in your previous research.

  • Descriptions of optical systems you have constructed.

  • A comprehensive list of your published papers.

  • Mention significant research facilities where you were employed.

• Proof of PhD Registration/Enrollment: Official documentation confirming your current enrollment in a PhD program.

• Motivation Letter: A concise letter outlining your research interests and how your experience aligns with the scholarship's focus.

How to Apply

Follow these precise steps to submit your application for the IST Research Scholarship:

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through the official Instituto Superior Técnico admissions platform.

• Ensure the application form is completely filled out, submitted, and locked without any validation errors for it to be considered valid.

• The selection process relies entirely on a 100% curriculum evaluation; there will be no separate interview score. Your CV and supporting materials serve as your primary interview.

• When preparing your CV, prioritize technical details over general statements of motivation. Clearly articulate your prior research to demonstrate the specific technical expertise required for this project.

• Specifically, highlight your experience with laser wavelengths, amplifier designs, OPA/OPCPA expertise, pulse energies and durations, diagnostics employed, optical systems constructed, papers generated, and significant research facilities where you have worked.

• Thoroughly review all application requirements and ensure all documents are prepared to the highest standard before submission.