- Graduate Training
International PhD in Cancer
Summary
Launched in 2024, the International Cancer Doctoral Programme (ICDP) stands out with its unique approach. It offers graduate students a comprehensive, multidisciplinary training that equips them to make original and significant contributions to the field of cancer biology.
The programme, which is a collaboration between Champalimaud Research, the Medical and Biomedical Science School of Algarve University, and the ITQB NOVA, features a diverse Faculty representing a variety of specialties.
During the first semester, students in the ICDP take on an active role in shaping their academic journey. They engage in coursework that provides a broad understanding of the molecular, cellular, and clinical basis of physiology and cancer within the broader context of the organism. Importantly, all students enter ICDP without a formal commitment to a particular laboratory, giving them the unique opportunity to rotate in selected three different labs of the involved institutions for four weeks each during their first year.
By the end of the first semester, students have chosen a research advisor and begun work on their dissertation projects in the host lab.
This individualised approach, coupled with comprehensive guidance and career development resources, sets the stage for a successful career path in the areas of physiology and cancer.
We seek talented students to work in a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative environment that trains individuals to participate in the process of scientific inquiry leading to discoveries. Emphasis is given to diverse thinking, positive behaviour, and well-being as core elements for creativity, critical thinking, and leadership.
Our Team
ICDP
The ICDP faculty includes labs from both Physiology and Cancer, and Experimental Clinical Research.
Cancer PhD Programme Directors: Pedro Castelo-Branco, Ana Luísa Correia and Rita Fior
Graduate Studies Office: Isabel Palmeirim (Director of Education) and Penka Girginova
Please reach out to appicdp@research.fchampalimaud.org with questions about the programme.
What we offer
ICDP
Each PhD student will receive:
- A fully-funded position up to a maximum of 5.5 years (internal and/or external funding, ie, FCT, La Caixa, Marie-Curie, among others). This includes a monthly stipend (e.q. €1630, in 2024), yearly tuition, and academic fees;
- A curricular plan involving intense training on cancer with classes and lab rotations in the first year;
- The chance to choose the PhD research project and supervisor;
- Support by a thesis committee (selected by the students and supervisor) that monitors the progress and provides input, composed by two Faculty members other than the supervisor;
- Enrolment in a leading European research institute with a strong International environment;
- Access to cutting-edge research labs in cancer and specialised technical platforms;
- A vibrant academic environment, including weekly research and clinical seminars. Access to a wide range of workshops;
- An installation fee to support your relocation to Lisbon/Portugal. A buddy programme and an orientation week to welcome you to the CR;
- Support throughout the PhD with administrative affairs (fellowship renewal, thesis submission, etc.) and other issues. Additionally, financial support of €1400 for purchasing a laptop, coverage for an annual trip back home, and comprehensive health insurance, including mental health coverage;
- An active PhD student community involved in the organisation of seminars/courses and social activities.
Admission Requirements
ICDP
Applicants must have:
- A Master’s degree and/or a 4+ year undergraduate degree by the time classes start;
- The ability to tackle complex intellectual challenges, to learn new skills and ways of thinking and to work passionately as part of a research team;
- Predoctoral training biological sciences (e.g. biology, medicine, bioengineering) or related fields;
- High proficiency in the English language is crucial for the applicant’s success since this is the official language at Champalimaud Research.
Application process:
- Candidates will be evaluated by their Curriculum Vitae, letter of motivation and letters of recommendation;
- Preselected candidates will be invited to an open house and interviews;
- Top evaluated candidates will receive an offer to pursue a PhD at Champalimaud.
Timeline
ICDP
2025 application timeline
Open call for applications: 11 February - 11 March 2025
Interviews and open house: 27 - 28 March 2025
Final results: 3 April
2025 Classes start: September 2025
Our Students
Since 2024
Our PhD students come from all over the world and from a wide range of backgrounds, including life sciences, physics, psychology, mathematics and computational sciences.
What our 2024 ICDP students have to say
"I love how the interdisciplinary curriculum integrates cancer, neuroscience, and clinical research through dynamic courses and seminars. The open-minded, adaptable PIs cultivate a truly collaborative environment that empowers me to grow, thrive, and push the boundaries of innovation every day!"
"Being part of ICDP means immersing yourself in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment, where every lecture and every conversation takes you one step away from the unknown."
"Being a part of the 2024 ICDP cohort has been one of the most fulfilling experiences so far. During the course, not only you get exposed to all the great science being done at CCU, but you also get to know incredible people and establish good friendships from the beginning. I can't wait to see what else this PhD program is bringing!"
"The first year of ICDP so far has been a truly enriching experience to provide us with the right tools to start our PhD research and most importantly to become part of a vibrant and welcoming community of scientists."
