The Call Studentships Maria de Sousa 2021 Doctoral Studentships is now open

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

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

The aim of Call to encourage the acquisition of new knowledge that will enable the development of skills to respond to epidemiological and virological phenomena, including pandemics, and that will translate into effective prevention measures, better healthcare, and effective support for citizens. 

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

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

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

Questions regarding the application, the form, or how to fill it out should be sent to Studentships, always identifying the subject line with the reference "Call de Sousa 2021." 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 latest Call Advanced Training and wishes all applicants the best of luck.