- 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, Klaas van Gisbergen 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.
ICDP Faculty
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.g., in 2025, €1,484 for the first eight months and €1,669 after joining a lab), along with annual 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 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
2026 application timeline
Open call for applications: 5 January 2026 (up to 1 March 2026)
Interviews and open house: 6 April (first step); 20–21 April (second step) 2026
Final results: early May 2026
2026 Classes start: 7 September 2026
Our Students
Since 2024
Our Students
Since 2024
What our ICDP students have to say
"Being in the ICDP means opening your mind in a thousand directions you probably hadn't thought about. It's a cancer program, but it fosters science beyond, teaching us the importance of exploring more than the detail of the picture. From neuro to immunology to stem cells, there's something for everyone's research interests. Besides that, being in ICDP means finding community, friends and fun! I can't wait to see what ICDP will bring more in the future."
Ariana Pina, 2025 ICDP student
"The ICDP Program, affiliated with the Champalimaud Foundation, provides an outstanding training environment characterized by strong interdisciplinary exposure. Being embedded within a highly international research institute has enabled me to form close friendships and productive collaborations with peers from diverse scientific backgrounds and from across the world. One particularly distinctive feature of the ICDP Program - rare within the European PhD landscape - is its rotation system, which allows students to make an informed final choice of principal investigator based on genuine scientific and mentoring fit. Most importantly, the program has offered me direct mentorship from the leader at the very top of my field. Through active participation in international conferences, I have been continuously exposed to the forefront of scientific advances, while also forming close connections with what I consider to be some of the strongest trainees of my generation in my field."
Tianci Zhong, 2025 ICDP student
"The ICDP feels like having VIP access to the wonderful world of the Champalimaud Foundation. The program does an excellent job of introducing you to this vibrant institution and its strong community in an organic way: the curriculum guides you through all the teams, scientific platforms, and facilities, quickly making you feel at home. With classes and seminars that bridge Cancer, Clinical Research, and Neuroscience, the ICDP ensures exposure to the full scope of the Champalimaud Research Centre, helping you broaden your horizons before committing to a specific scientific question."
Francisco Guedes de Melo, 2025 ICDP student
"The structure of the ICDP program afforded me the time to acclimate to the new environment, get to know those around me, and refine my knowledge on topics outside of my previous background. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first few months at the Champalimaud Foundation and am excited to see what the coming years have to offer."
Adam Sghaier, 2025 ICDP student
"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!"
2024 ICDP student
"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."
2024 ICDP student
"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!"
2024 ICDP student
"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."
2024 ICDP student
