The growing need for research in radiation biology and biophysics is particularly relevant in the context of conditions such as ageing, oxidative stress, and cancer — which today accounts for one in every eight deaths worldwide, surpassing HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined (Cancer Research UK and American Cancer Society).
Exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation — whether environmental or occupational — has gained increasing attention, reflecting greater awareness among professionals and growing interest from the scientific and political communities at both national and European levels.
The RaBBiT program was created to address the existing research gap in these fields. Designed to be international, multidisciplinary, and flexible, it brings together experts from various areas and offers advanced training in radiation biology and the biophysics of molecular processes. Its goal is to equip graduates with the skills needed to pursue an academic career or work as senior researchers in industrial or healthcare settings.
Pushing the Frontiers of Science: This PhD offers a unique opportunity to explore radiation biology and the biophysics of molecular processes, investigating the effects of radiation on human health and the environment. Students will have access to cutting-edge technologies and methodologies in an international setting — essential tools for advancing the biological sciences.
Impact on Health Sciences: The program enables doctoral students to engage with key areas such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and ageing, fostering the development of scientific solutions with the potential to directly improve lives and influence modern medicine.
Connection to Industry and the Health Sector: Throughout the PhD, students will have the opportunity to collaborate with industry and healthcare institutions, applying their knowledge in biology and biophysics to develop new therapies, technologies, and policies with real and relevant societal impact.
Contribution to Sustainability: The program also addresses the environmental impacts of radiation, promoting innovative solutions to mitigate harm and contribute to a more sustainable approach to science.
International Research Network: Students will join a global network of renowned institutions and researchers, fostering a collaborative and dynamic environment ideal for building a solid scientific career and creating international partnerships.
Development of Interdisciplinary Skills: The program goes beyond scientific and technical expertise, placing a strong emphasis on critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and adaptability across diverse research contexts.
Applications 2025/26
1st Phase: 14th Mar. to 07th Apr.
2nd Phase: 2nd Jun. to 18th de Jul.
Vacancies: 14
Duration: 4 years. 240 ECTS
Format: Full-time, tutorial-based program
Language: English
Course Coordinator: Pedro Tavares
Course Coordinator: rabbit.coordenador@fct.unl.pt
Academic divison: div.aea.helpdesk@fct.unl.pt
The curriculum has been designed to train a new generation of postgraduates in a highly interdisciplinary research field, establishing research training standards aligned with international norms. The success of the proposed curriculum in fostering education and career development will not be limited to this specific group of researchers, but will have a broader impact on the professional growth of young scientists pursuing similar career paths.
Applications are open year-round. A pre-application is required. At the time of enrollment, accepted candidates must hold a Master's degree or a legally equivalent qualification. Alternatively, candidates with an especially relevant academic and/or scientific background, recognized by both the doctoral program’s coordination team and the scientific council of the degree-awarding institution, may also apply.
Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission, as the number of qualified applicants may exceed the number of places available in each edition of the doctoral program.
Applicants to the program must list all academic qualifications obtained since the completion of secondary education, specifying the institutions attended, main fields of study, and key courses taken and completed.
Candidates must also provide copies of all relevant academic certificates or transcripts, accompanied by English translations if the originals are in another language.
Proof of English language proficiency may be required in the form of a certificate (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, ESOL), to be submitted at the time of enrollment.
The interview process will be conducted in English.
Applicants will be admitted to the PhD program based on the following selection and evaluation criteria:
The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses, with a total maximum of 100 points.
Tuition fee - Portuguese students: 2.750€/year
Tuition fee - Foreign students: 2.750€/year
35€
The Department of Chemistry (DQ) is a teaching and research unit of NOVA FCT dedicated to the quality of teaching, the progress of research and the provision of specialised services to the community in the fundamental areas of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
More infoThe Department of Physics (DF), formally established in 1986, was a pioneer in Portugal in teaching Physics Engineering. The DF's scientific activity mainly develops in two Research Units, LIBPhys and CEFITEC. Among the research and development activities are atomic, molecular, nuclear physics instrumentation and electronic and industrial automation with applications in analytical methods, radiation detection, and biomedical engineering, optics, and photonics, metrology, and spectrometries.
