Impact of FCT funding on research careers
Considering the current relevance and centrality of research career issues, FCT has developed a study on the professional trajectories of former FCT doctoral fellows.
The professional careers of 5,800 former doctoral fellows, whose Studentships between 1995 and 2012, were analyzed. The percentage of fellows who obtained their degree is over 88%, a high figure comparable to that of other European Union countries. The success rate is slightly higher among women and younger fellows at the start of the Studentship.
Overall, 60% of former doctoral fellows were found to be engaged in R&D activities within the National Science and Technology System (SNCT). Five years after obtaining their degree, 65% were teachers/researchers and 29% were fellows, but their professional situation varies significantly depending on the start date of the Studentship the time elapsed since graduation.
Among SNCT PhD graduates, the now defunct Studentships and the Scientific Employment Stimulus Program (both promoted by FCT) have played a key role in the transition of PhD graduates to teaching or research positions. Most former FCT scholarship holders (90%) are engaged in R&D activities in the higher education sector, which is in line with the situation for the SNCT as a whole.
News:
- Impact of FCT funding on research careers in Portugal (January 4, 2024)
- 88% of FCT scholarship recipients successfully obtain their doctoral degree (March 24, 2025)
- International article:“Obtaining a Ph.D. in Portugal. Determinants of Success and Subsequent Career Paths”(2025)
