FCT extends for one month all Studentship contracts that it funds directly

Due to the exceptional measures decreed by the Government in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic on March 13, which will certainly cause constraints in the research work that is taking place in the various Studentship contracts, the FCT Board of Directors has taken the decision to automatically extend the duration of all Studentship contracts, which it funds directly and which are in force on March 13, 2020, for a period of one month.

This period corresponds to the period of validity of the exceptional measures of suspension of teaching and non-teaching activities, which take place in person, determined by the Government (article 9 of Decree-Law no. 10-A/2020, of March 13) and which will be evaluated again after April 9, 2020. Depending on the results of this evaluation, the FCT will decide on a possible new automatic extension for all Studentships. The scholarship holder retains all their rights during the period of extension of the Studentship, namely the right to the monthly maintenance allowance, which will continue to be paid in full under the terms of the contract. 

For grantees working abroad, the extension may last longer if the grantee can prove to the FCT that the foreign institution where the work plan is being carried out has been closed by the public health authorities of that country for a longer period. Scholarship holders who are abroad are asked to register at the following link to inform the consular authorities of their situation: https://www.portaldascomunidades.mne.pt/pt/alertas/coronavirus-covid-22

Exceptional situations resulting from restrictions on movement or other measures, for example concerning travel to and from abroad, or interruption of mobility, must be reported to the FCT, which will analyze them on a case-by-case basis so that the grant holder and their research work are not jeopardized. 

FCT advises all grantees to adopt the preventive measures recommended by the public health authorities and thanks all members of the scientific community for their efforts and commitment during this exceptional period.