The Técnico Doctoral School was launched today, 4 November, at the opening of the 10th edition of PhD Open Days – the annual event for doctoral students. This new structure will bring together Técnico’s 31 Doctoral Programmes, implement a training programme in transversal skills, offer a Fast Track programme for entry into the 3rd cycle aimed at Técnico master’s students, promote internships in companies or in an international environment, including cotutelle PhDs, as well as supporting the PhD Student hub (which brings together the community of doctoral students around common experiences and interests) among other initiatives. Another new feature is the compilation of funding opportunities for doctoral students, including all research grants offered by the 23 research units affiliated with Técnico.
The school has announced four transversal skill courses available this academic year for approximately 1,000 students in the 3rd cycle: Science Communication, Artificial Intelligence and Society, Research Methodologies and Thesis Project, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship Seminars with Industry. There are plans to introduce six additional transversal courses next year, as stated by Leonel Sousa, a professor at Técnico and coordinator of the Doctoral School. ‘These PhD Programmes allow our students not only to acquire knowledge and skills in these fields that we have identified as crucial for their academic career and professional futures but also to connect and interact with one another.’ ‘As there are students from various scientific backgrounds spread across our campi, we thought it was important to have moments where they could meet, exchange experiences and ideas that could enrich their work and personal growth. Técnico’s Doctoral School aims to promote a comprehensive and complete training for students, thereby supporting the advancement of science and research in society,’ he adds.
Faster transition between Master’s and PhD programmes and stronger connection between doctoral students and industry
The Fast Track is one of the Doctoral School’s most important initiatives, which aims to attract the most talented students with the motivation to continue their academic careers. It allows them to start their doctorate earlier, while still doing their master’s programme at Técnico, by designing a research project that guarantees continuity of work between the two cycles, shortening the time it takes to obtain a doctorate.
‘We’re also going to encourage connection between doctoral students and companies and industry, by carrying out joint research projects. The entrepreneurial spirit will be stimulated, starting by supporting the creation of patents whenever there are innovative results from their research,’ explains Leonel Sousa. The company internships will be an integral part of Técnico’s doctoral programmes and can be credited with up to 18 ECTS (equivalent to three typical doctoral curricular units).
The Doctoral School will have a room in the Main Building, at Técnico – Alameda campus, where PhD students and the PhD Student Hub can meet, work, discuss ideas and strengthen scientific and interpersonal connections.
‘The creation of the Doctoral School as a transversal structure at Técnico is an ambition that has now been fulfilled, and we believe that our PhD graduates will leave here with enhanced training and better preparation for their chosen careers, whether in academia or industry,’ stresses Rogério Colaço, president of Instituto Superior Técnico.
