Biodiversity, Genetics & Evolution

Objectives

The University of Lisbon (UL) and the University of Porto (UP) have a joint Doctoral Programme in 'Biodiversity, Genetics & Evolution' (BIODIV), in the area of Biological Sciences (official document - Despacho n.º 3653/2017). BIODIV was re-structured as a follow-up of the last A3ES evaluation and approval (https://ciencias.ulisboa.pt/sites/default/files/fcul/institucional/legislacao/d_7453_2023.pdf).

The programme is organised by the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon (CIÊNCIAS ULisboa) and the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP), with the collaboration of the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C), Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (CIBIO), Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC) and Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP). These Units develop research of international excellence in Biodiversity, Functional Ecology, Phylogenetics, Evolution, Behaviour, Theoretical Biology, Developmental Biology and Bioinformatics, among other fields, and are equipped with high-tech laboratories, as well as a Field Station.

Elegibility

The BIODIV Programme accepts candidates:

• Holding a Master’s or equivalent degree in Biological Sciences, concluded until the application deadline
• Holding a Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related field and an academic and  scientific curriculum recognised by the Scientific Board as sufficient guarantee of ability to successfully complete the course;
• Having a relevant academic, scientific or professional curriculum recognised by the Scientifíc Board as a sufficient guarantee of ability to successfully complete the course

More information at BIODIV’s website. See also details of the programme here.

Directed to: Candidates should have a BSc (pre-Bologna) or MSc degree in Biology, Environmental studies, Geography or related areas.

General Plan

BIODIV is a graduate programme that leads to the acquisition of a PhD degree in several specialities as indicated in the corresponding plans (for further information, see below). The programme includes a first year with several courses, seminars and laboratory rotations – see CE3C Advanced courses 2024-2025 and CIBIO Advanced courses 2024-2025 - followed by three years of research corresponding to the development of the PhD project and dissertation. The students can take advantage of the resources available in both Universities during the entire period of the programme, though they are registered, and mainly affected in one of the two Universities.

Applications to enroll in the Programme

Candidates may apply for the doctoral program either at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon (CIÊNCIAS ULisboa) or at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP). 

PhD applications for the academic year 2024/2025 at CIÊNCIAS ULisboa are in the following periods:  

• 1st phase 2024/25

       July 1 to September 5, 2024

• 2nd phase 2024/25

       December 2, 2024 to January 10, 2025
 

Information on how to apply is available at the institutional websites of FCUL and FCUP.

Applications for scholarships BIODIV CIÊNCIAS ULisboa

Every year, there is a call for PhD scholarships within the 'CEBICNa' consortium' for several programmes, including the Biodiversity, Genetics and Evolution doctoral programme. Eligible candidates need to be national citizens of a PALOP country or from East Timor.

In 2024, the call was open between February 20 and May 31. See details here.

See how to apply for individual FCT scholarships in all domains on the FCT website (https://www.fct.pt/en/financiamento/bolsas-de-investigacao-para-doutoramento/).