Doctor AP" program registers more than 450 applications in its first edition

The new funding program from the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), "Doutor AP" - Call Stimulate Research for Doctorates in Public Administration, registered a total of 467 applications in its first edition.

The strong take-up of this funding line, which allows civil service workers to obtain a doctoral degree by carrying out research in line with the research and development strategies of the entities where they work, demonstrates the growing interest in advanced qualifications in the public sector.

Of all the applications submitted to the "Doctor AP" program, there was a significant female representation: 70% of the applications were made by women, compared to 30% by men. The average age of applicants is 44, suggesting a tendency to seek out professionals who are looking to further their education as part of a consolidated career.

As for the types of grants, the vast majority (97%) refer to work plans to be carried out in Portugal, while only 3% will be partially carried out abroad.

The distribution of applications by scientific area reveals a strong predominance of Social Sciences, with 38% of applications, followed by Medical and Health Sciences (21%) and Humanities (17%). Engineering Sciences and Technologies (9%), Natural Sciences (7%), Agricultural Sciences (5%) and Exact Sciences (3%) accounted for 24% of all applications.

Given the essential role of employers in supporting these applications, it is important to highlight the strong presence of local government institutions, such as town and parish councils, higher education institutions and health and hospital units. There are also applications from workers from other entities, such as Public Institutes, School Groups, Ministries and Museums, among others, which may indicate that this funding instrument is being recognized as a strategic tool by different types of public institutions.

Doctor AP" aims to strengthen the link between science and public policy, expanding opportunities for more professionals to deepen their knowledge and develop innovative solutions within the Public Administration. This program is thus another contribution to the modernization and qualification of the public sector, boosting management that is better able to face emerging challenges.

FCT funding includes a protected time allowance, which guarantees a minimum 20% reduction in working hours for at least one year during the first three years of support, based on the corresponding percentage of a national doctoral Studentship . It also provides for a training allowance that covers the costs of enrolment, registration and tuition fees for the doctorate of up to €2,750.00 per academic year, with the aim of supporting the reconciliation of work and academic training.

Applications closed on February 24, 2025, and the evaluation phase will now follow, which will meet the same exacting standards that apply to the doctoral research Studentships awarded annually by the FCT. The provisional results of the Call are expected to be announced at the beginning of July and the definitive results at the beginning of October 2025.

All the information about the 2024 edition of the "Doctor AP" Call is constantly being updated on the Call page.