- Graduate Training
International PhD in Neuroscience
Summary
We provide PhD students with an integrative, state-of-the-art education in Neuroscience.
Since 2007, the International Neuroscience Doctoral Programme (INDP) at the Champalimaud Foundation has offered graduate students a comprehensive, multidisciplinary training that equips them to make original and significant contributions to the field of Neuroscience.
The Programme is designed to accommodate students with diverse backgrounds and training.
The first year starts with an orientation program and ~4 months of intensive coursework, to get students up to speed with fundamentals of physiology and neuroscience, quantitative approaches and programming basics, and modern neuroscientific experimentation.
In the second half of the first year, students complete three hands-on, six-week rotations in labs of the 16 INDP Faculty members, before choosing their thesis laboratories.
Our Students, Our Team
PhDs
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.
Neuroscience PhD Programme Directors: Megan Carey and Memming Park
Graduate Studies Office: Isabel Palmeirim (Director of Education) and Penka Girginova
Inquiries regarding INDP applications must be sent to: appindp@research.fchampalimaud.org
What we offer
PhDs
Each PhD student will receive:
- A fully-funded position up to a maximum of 5.5 years (internal and/or external funding). This includes a monthly stipend, tuition, and academic fees;
- A curricular plan involving intense training on Neuroscience with classes and lab rotations in the first year;
- The chance to choose the PhD research project and supervisor. Get access to the full list here.
- 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;
- Enrollment in a leading European research institute with a strong International environment;
- Access to cutting-edge research labs in Neuroscience and specialised technical platforms;
- A vibrant academic environment, including weekly research and clinical seminars. Access to a wide range of workshops;
- A good support system when relocating to Lisbon/Portugal and joining CR. This includes a buddy programme, housing assistance, and an orientation week to welcome you at the CR;
- Support throughout the PhD with administrative affairs (fellowship renewal, thesis submission, etc.) and other issues, including mental health;
- An active PhD student community involved in the organisation of advanced courses, an annual retreat, and social activities.
Admission Requirements
PHDS
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 in quantitative disciplines (e.g. physics, mathematics, computer science) or related fields;
- This programme is also open to medical doctors aiming to develop a PhD thesis in neuroscience;
- 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
PHDS
2025 application timeline
Open call for applications: 2nd December 2024 - 31st January 2025
Interviews and open house: early-mid March 2025
Final results: End of March 2025
2025 Classes start: September 2025
Inquiries regarding applications should be sent to: appindp@research.fchampalimaud.org
Our Students
Since 2007
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. The PhD programme in numbers: #16 editions #79 graduations #75 current students #20 different nationalities.
