The PhD in Refining, Petrochemical, and Chemical Engineering is an advanced and interdisciplinary program resulting from the collaboration between some of the most prestigious higher education institutions in Portugal: University of Aveiro (UA), University of Coimbra (UC), NOVA University Lisbon (UNL), University of Porto (UP), and Technical University of Lisbon (UTL), in partnership with the Association of Petrochemical, Chemical, and Refining Industries (AIPQR).
This joint initiative aims to train highly qualified specialists to meet the challenges of the chemical and energy industries, promoting innovation and sustainability in the sector.
Program of Excellence and Interdisciplinarity – This PhD program results from a collaboration between several prestigious universities in Portugal, ensuring comprehensive and interdisciplinary training.
Industry Partnership – The connection with the Association of Petrochemical, Chemical, and Refining Industries (AIPQR) ensures strong alignment between academia and industry, offering opportunities for applied research and networking with leading companies.
Opportunities for Innovative Research – The program promotes cutting-edge research projects in the fields of refining, petrochemicals, and chemistry, focusing on current challenges such as sustainability, the circular economy, and the energy transition.
High Employability and Sector Impact – This advanced training prepares doctoral students for careers in a variety of fields, including industry, academia, and research centers, where there is strong demand for highly qualified experts.
Access to Leading-Edge Infrastructure – PhD students benefit from well-equipped laboratories and research centers at partner universities, enabling the development of high-impact experimental and technological studies.
Contribution to the Energy Transition and Sustainability – The petrochemical and refining sector is constantly evolving, and this PhD program enables the development of innovative solutions to make processes more efficient, sustainable, and aligned with global environmental challenges.
Applications 2025/26
The 2025/26 edition of the PhD program is coordinated by FEUP, and therefore the admission and enrollment conditions are governed by the regulations of that institution.
Academic divison: div.aea.helpdesk@fct.unl.pt
Applicants to this program must meet one of the following conditions:
The NOVA University Lisbon reinforces its commitment to equity in higher education by awarding scholarships that promote inclusion and equal opportunities.
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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.
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