Impact of FCT funding on research careers
Considering the current and centrality of research career themes, the FCT developed a study on the professional trajectories of former FCT doctoral scholarship holders.
The professional careers of 5,800 former doctoral fellows were analyzed, whose Studentships began between 1995 and 2012. The percentage of scholarship holders who obtained the degree is over 88%, a high value and comparable to that of other countries in the European Union. The success rate is slightly higher for women and for fellows who are younger at the start date. Studentship .
Overall, 60% of former doctoral fellows were located in R&D activities in the National Science and Technology System (SNCT). Five years after obtaining their degree, 65% were teachers/researchers and 29% were scholarship holders, but the professional situation varies significantly depending on the start date of the degree. Studentship and the time elapsed after the degree.
Among the doctors in the SNCT, the extinct Studentships post-doctoral programs and the Scientific Employment Incentive Program (both promoted by the FCT) have played a fundamental role in the transition of doctors to teaching or research roles. Most former FCT scholarship holders (90%) have R&D activities in the Higher Education sector, which is in line with what is seen for the SNCT as a whole.
News:
- Impact of FCT funding on research careers in Portugal (January 4, 2024)
- 88% of FCT scholarship holders successfully obtain their doctorate degree (March 24, 2025)
- International article: “ Obtaining a Ph.D. in Portugal. Determinants of Success and Subsequent Career Paths ” (2025)
