Call for Studentships for Maria de Sousa's PhD 2021 is now open

FCT opened today, June 1, the period for submitting applications for the award of 50 Studentships under the Maria de Sousa 2021Call for PhD Research Studentships - SEAGULL - Seeking Epidemiological and Virological Answers. The deadline for submitting applications is 5 p.m. (Lisbon time) on June 30, 2021.

The Call was announced by the FCT on April 14, the day that marked one year since the death of researcher Maria de Sousa, Professor Emeritus at the University of Porto and researcher emeritus at the i3S Institute, as well as retired full professor at the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences. The title of the Call is intended as a symbolic tribute to the illustrious scientist, internationally renowned for her studies in the field of immunology, who played a fundamental role in the development of the national scientific system and in the creation of a whole new generation of Portuguese scientists. 

The aim of the Call is to encourage the acquisition of new knowledge that will enable skills to be created for responses to epidemiological and virological phenomena, including pandemics, and which will translate into efficient prevention measures, better health care and effective support for citizens. 

Applications will be considered in any scientific field, with projects that contribute to increasing knowledge on the following topics:

• Epidemiology and risk factors for severe viral infection and disease;
• Human-animal interaction, mechanisms of resistance and interspecies transmission of viruses, and the risk of pandemics;
• Prevention strategies and preparation for new epidemics, including vaccines;
• Innovative approaches, including new methods and new technologies, for diagnosing the disease;
• Characterization of viral infection mechanisms;
• Characterization of the host's cellular and serological immune response to virus infection, the impact of age and comorbidities;
• Development of new therapies and new therapeutic approaches, including life support and personal protective equipment to combat the disease;
• Repercussions of viral infection on maternal and newborn health;
• Psychological impact and behavioral changes associated with pandemics.

All Call procedures - application, evaluation, dissemination of results, prior hearing, complaint/appeal and contracting - take place entirely on the myFCT electronic platform. All information related to the Call is available on the FCT website.

Questions regarding the application, the form or how to fill it in should be addressed to Studentships always identifying the reference to "Call Maria de Sousa 2021" in the subject line. Before contacting FCT, we recommend that applicants carefully read all documents related to the Call, including the FAQ, where they will find information on the applicable rules and procedures.

FCT welcomes the opening of this Call encourage Advanced Training and wishes all candidates the best of luck.