IST Research Scholarship 2027 in Portugal

IST Research Scholarship 2027 in Portugal | Fully Funded PhD Opportunity

The IST Research Scholarship 2027 in Portugal is an excellent opportunity for experienced researchers interested in advanced ultrafast laser systems, nonlinear optics, and OPCPA technology. The scholarship is offered by Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), with the research taking place at the Institute of Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion in Lisbon.

The opportunity is particularly suited to applicants who are already pursuing or intend to enroll in a PhD programme in Physics or a closely related laser and optics field. Candidates are expected to have substantial practical experience with solid-state near-infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) ultrafast lasers and OPA/OPCPA systems.

The research is supported through Compete 2030 / Portugal 2030 funding and focuses on developing and characterising advanced laser systems, including a 1030 nm CPA laser amplifier and a 3200 nm OPCPA laser amplifier.

IST Research Scholarship 2027 Overview

Category	Details
Host Country	Portugal
Institution	Instituto Superior Técnico
Research Institute	Institute of Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion
Degree Level	PhD
Research Area	Physics, Laser Science, Optics
Funding Type	Fully Funded
Monthly Allowance	€1,359.64
Initial Duration	6 months
Maximum Duration	Up to 12 months
Location	Lisbon, Portugal
Deadline	2 September 2026

The current call states that the scholarship provides a monthly maintenance allowance of €1,359.64. The initial award is for six months and may be renewed up to a maximum total period of 12 months, subject to the applicable conditions.

What Does the IST Research Scholarship Cover?

The scholarship provides financial support for doctoral research at Instituto Superior Técnico.

The main benefits include:

• €1,359.64 monthly maintenance allowance
• Initial funding for 6 months
• Possibility of renewal up to 12 months in total
• Research at the Institute of Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion in Lisbon
• Participation in an advanced laser research project
• Access to an academic research environment at Instituto Superior Técnico
• Research funding through the Compete 2030 / Portugal 2030 framework

Applicants should note that the term "fully funded" on scholarship listings should not automatically be interpreted as a comprehensive package covering every personal expense. The official call should be checked for the precise financial conditions of the research scholarship.

Research Focus

The selected researcher will contribute to advanced laser technology development.

The project focuses particularly on:

• Ultrafast laser systems
• Chirped Pulse Amplification (CPA)
• Optical Parametric Amplification (OPA)
• Optical Parametric Chirped Pulse Amplification (OPCPA)
• Near-infrared laser systems
• Mid-infrared laser systems
• High-energy laser amplification
• Laser system characterisation

The research involves completing the development and characterisation of a multi-millijoule 1030 nm laser amplifier based on Chirped Pulse Amplification. It also involves assembling and aligning a broadband 3200 nm OPCPA laser amplifier, including its stretching, amplification and compression stages.

Who Can Apply?

This is a specialised research opportunity rather than a general scholarship open to all PhD applicants.

Candidates should have:

• An intention to be enrolled in a PhD programme
• A background in Physics or a closely related laser/optics field
• At least four years of postgraduate experience
• Strong practical experience with solid-state NIR/MIR ultrafast lasers
• Experience with OPA/OPCPA technologies
• A research record consistent with their technical experience

Experience at major international laser facilities can be an additional advantage.

Technical Experience Required

The selection committee is looking for candidates with genuine hands-on experience in the design, operation and characterisation of solid-state ultrafast laser systems.

Experience with the following areas can be particularly relevant:

• NIR ultrafast lasers
• MIR ultrafast lasers
• OPA systems
• OPCPA systems
• Laser amplification
• Pulse stretching
• Pulse compression
• Laser characterisation
• High-energy laser systems

Because the research project is highly specialised, candidates should clearly demonstrate their relevant technical experience in their CV and motivation letter.

Required Documents

Applicants need to submit a complete application containing the documents requested in the official call.

The required documents include:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Proof of academic qualifications
• Declaration of honour if the academic certificate is not yet available
• Proof of PhD registration or enrolment
• Motivation letter

Applicants should ensure that all documents are accurate and clearly demonstrate their suitability for the research project.

Selection Process

The competition uses 100% curricular evaluation. The available information does not describe a separate interview component as part of the scoring system. Instead, the committee evaluates the candidate's CV and supporting documentation to determine whether the applicant possesses the required academic and technical background.

This makes the CV especially important. Candidates should clearly describe their previous research projects, laser experience, publications, laboratory work and relevant technical skills.

How to Apply for IST Research Scholarship 2027

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Make sure you have the required postgraduate experience and specialised background in Physics, optics or laser science.

Step 2: Prepare Your CV

Highlight your research experience with NIR/MIR ultrafast lasers, OPA/OPCPA systems and related technologies.

Step 3: Prepare Your Academic Documents

Collect your degree certificates, academic qualifications and proof of PhD registration or enrolment.

Step 4: Write a Strong Motivation Letter

Explain your research experience, technical skills and interest in the ultrafast laser project.

Step 5: Complete the Online Application

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Instituto Superior Técnico admissions platform. The application form must be completely filled out, submitted and locked without validation errors for the application to be considered valid.

Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline

Make sure the complete application reaches the university before the specified closing time.

Application Deadline

The final deadline for the IST Research Scholarship 2027 is:

2 September 2026 at 23:59 Lisbon time.

Since the deadline is approaching, eligible candidates should prepare their documents and complete the online application as soon as possible.

Where Will the Research Take Place?

The research will be conducted in Lisbon, Portugal, at the Institute of Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion, which operates within Instituto Superior Técnico.

The research environment provides candidates with an opportunity to work on advanced laser technologies while participating in a specialised scientific research project.

Why Apply for This Research Scholarship?

The IST Research Scholarship can be particularly valuable for researchers who want to build expertise in advanced ultrafast laser technology.

Key advantages include:

• Competitive monthly financial support
• Opportunity to conduct specialised PhD-level research
• Access to advanced laser research
• Work with CPA and OPCPA technologies
• Research experience in Portugal
• International academic environment
• Opportunity to strengthen a research profile in laser science and optics
• Potential exposure to high-level laser research facilities

For researchers planning careers in academia, photonics, laser technology or advanced scientific research, this experience can provide valuable specialised expertise.

Final Thoughts

The IST Research Scholarship 2027 in Portugal is a highly specialised opportunity for experienced researchers in Physics, optics and ultrafast laser science. The project focuses on the development and characterisation of advanced 1030 nm CPA and 3200 nm OPCPA laser systems at the Institute of Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion in Lisbon.

The scholarship provides a €1,359.64 monthly allowance, initially for six months, with the possibility of renewal for up to 12 months. However, applicants should understand that this opportunity is aimed at candidates with substantial prior research and technical experience rather than general Master's or early-stage applicants.

Interested candidates should carefully prepare their CV, academic documentation, PhD enrolment evidence and motivation letter and submit the application through the official Instituto Superior Técnico platform before 2 September 2026. Apply Now