Impact of FCT funding on research careers

Considering the topicality and centrality of research careers, the FCT developed a study on the professional trajectories of former FCT doctoral fellows.

The career paths of 5,800 former doctoral fellows were analyzed, with Studentships starting between 1995 and 2012. The percentage of scholarship holders who obtained a degree is over 88%, a high figure and comparable with other European Union countries. The percentage of success is slightly higher for women and younger scholarship holders at the start of 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 grant holders, but their professional situation varies markedly depending on the date they started Studentship and the time elapsed after their degree.

Among doctoral graduates in the SNCT, the now defunct Studentships postdoctoral fellowships and the Scientific Employment Stimulus Program (both promoted by the FCT) have played a fundamental role in the transition of doctoral graduates to teaching or research positions. The majority (90%) of former FCT fellows have R&D activities in the Higher Education sector, which is in line with the SNCT as a whole.

News: Impact of FCT funding on research careers in Portugal (January 4, 2024)