There are 50 doctoral grants for researchers and specialists in virology science in Portugal in 2020. In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) launches this Tuesday the DOCTORATES4 COVID-19 open competition, which from this year there should be five consecutive editions.
With the application period open between April 8 and May 14, the scholarships awarded are intended for research activities carried out in higher education institutions, research and development units, associated and collaborative laboratories. In addition, technological interface centers, state laboratories and other public research institutions, hospitals and health care units can also compete. The competition can also apply for other entities integrated in public administration, national or international, explains the FCT.
As for doctoral grants, I will have to be in line with the themes highlighted by FCT. For this reason, if the area of epidemiology and risk factors for infection and severe disease by the virus or the strategies for prevention and preparation for new epidemics are of interest, you may have the support of the Foundation.
Altogether there are nine areas in which PhDs can fit. Characterization of viral infection mechanisms, repercussions of viral infection on maternal and newborn health, and the psychological impact and behavioral changes associated with the pandemic are some of the possible areas.
Bearing in mind that the competition is expected to be launched for five consecutive years, FCT explains that it will support the organization, through national institutions and in conjunction with the Agency for Clinical Research and Biomedical Innovation. A "Doctoral School in virology sciences", with a weekly duration and annual periodicity, in the form of a workshop that brings together national and international students and researchers, are objectives for the future.
In the note on social communication, the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education, Manuel Heitor, highlights the importance of this program, taking into account the recognized need to stimulate the training of scientists and virology specialists in Portugal.
The initiative comes after several programs and competitions launched wanting to support projects that help in the fight against COVID-19. In Portugal, FCT launched RESEARCH 4 COVID-19 and AI 4 COVID-19. The European Space Agency is already looking for solutions using space technologies by 20 April.