NOVA Institute of Chemical and Biological Technology António Xavier

General

The Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier of Universidade NOVA de Lisboa - ITQB NOVA is an academic institution dedicated to research and advanced training in life sciences, chemistry and associated technologies for the benefit of human health and the environment.
The strong expertise in Molecular Biosciences available at ITQB NOVA drives research in two strategic societal challenges, focusing on the well-being of society (Molecular Bases of Health and Disease) and the environment (Biological Resources and Sustainable Development). In this sense, ITQB NOVA coordinates two research units - MOSTMICRO and GREEN-IT - and participates in a third - iNOVA4HEALTH, all rated Excellent in the last international evaluation promoted by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).
In a stimulating and collaborative scientific environment, 500 scientists - including 300 PhD students - carry out cutting-edge research, organized into 50 research groups. Researchers benefit from excellent equipment, infrastructure and support services to carry out national and international research projects, obtained competitively from national and international R&D agencies.
The quality and diversity of research, the focus on internationalization and the collaboration with industry and business sectors make ITQB NOVA a leading reference for advanced training at the masters, doctoral and post-doctoral levels. Here, students contact high-level research in different fields and are challenged to develop a critical spirit, good communication skills and an entrepreneurial attitude.
At the 2nd cycle level, ITQB NOVA coordinates the Masters in Biotechnology for Sustainability and co-coordinates the Masters in Medical Microbiology, the Masters in Biochemistry for Health and the Masters in Science Communication, together with other NOVA organic units. ITQB NOVA also offers non-degree courses on initiation to research and a post-graduation course on entrepreneurship, Start-up Research.
ITQB NOVA has two structuring doctoral programs, Molecular Biosciences and Plants for Life. It also participates in the Sustainable Chemistry and Bioengineering doctoral programs, and is the academic institution responsible for the Doctoral Program in Integrative Biology and Biomedicine in partnership with the Gulbenkian Institute of Science, and for the International Program in Neurosciences in partnership with the Champalimaud Foundation. ITQB NOVA also coordinates the specialized doctoral training course funded by FCT, Biology at the Host Microbe Interface.

Mobility students

Science is usually international and cooperative and the majority of the research groups at ITQB NOVA actively cooperate with other institutions from around the world. Researchers and students travel frequently to other countries, either for presenting and discussing their results in meetings and conferences or for developing research work in other laboratories. Foreign researchers also come to ITQB NOVA with the same goal.

ITQB NOVA has a student selection policy based on the merit of candidates. The research scholarships are open to all students, national or foreign, who wish to conduct research at ITQB. Likewise, the short-term and long-term internships are also open to foreigners.

Upon arrival at ITQB NOVA, the academic services grant the necessary support to foreign researchers and students while adapting to Portugal (visa issues, taxes, accommodation, etc.).

Contact:
Cristina Amaral
Tel.: 214469227

ITQB NOVA also welcome Erasmus students within Training Framework. For these students upon arrival at ITQB NOVA the Academic Office will grant the necessary support for accommodation and other related matters.

Contact:
Erasmus Office
E-mail: cristina@itqb.unl.pt

Academic authorities

  • Director Cláudio M. Soares
  • Secretary Teresa Venda
  • Scientific Council President Cláudio M. Soares
  • Pedagogic Council President Cláudio M. Soares

Admission and enrollment

DOCTORATE DEGREE

In order to formalise their application for a Doctorate degree candidates should submit their application online by digitalizing the following documents:
1. An updated Curriculum Vitae, mentioning the country in which the secondary studies were carried out;
2. Identity card (or passport in the case of foreign candidates);
3. Taxpayer number card (Cartão de contribuinte);
4. Document showing that the candidate meets the conditions specified in Article 2 of the ITQB Doctoral Rules. In the case of foreign qualifications, the candidate should add an official document from the Portuguese embassy or consulate from the country of origin of the candidate or, as an alternative, from the embassy of the country of origin in Portugal.
5. Thesis Plan (if applicable) minimum of one page, signed by the candidate and by the supervisor;

Under the agreement with the Associated Laboratory - L.A. (in cooperation with the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, the Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica and Chronic Diseases Research Center-CEDOC), students may be accepted under the supervision of one of these institutes, as long as the supervisor confirms his professional contract with the institution.

For the Master courses, please consult their webpages.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH TRAINING

List of requested documents:

(a) Application form (supplied by the Academic Office);
(b) Security Statement (supplied by the Academic Office);
(c) 1 passport-sized colour photograph;
(d) Copy of identity card (or passport in the case of foreign candidates);
(e) Copy of taxpayer number (Cartão de contribuinte);
(f) Work Plan (A4 sheet, signed by the supervisor);
(g) Statement from the supervisor (accepting the supervision of the work of the candidate);
(h) Curriculum Vitae (with the disciplines already done or copy of the Certificate of the Graduation or Master degree – always bring the original), whenever applicable.

Practical information

Libraries

The ITQB NOVA has a library, permanently accessible electronically, where reference works can be consulted or requested. The library also has several computers that provide access to its catalogue and online subscriptions.

Since 2004, ITQB NOVA participates in the national consortium - b-ON - which provides access to more than 16000 complete works.

Students have access to a wireless network and all resources can be accessed from any computer in the ITQB NOVA network or through a Virtual Private Network. The library also offers an interlibrary loan service to request articles from national and international libraries.

Other equipments

The ITQB NOVA has an IT service with its own technicians who can help with problems in this area.

Spaces are available for events, such as conferences, meetings, seminars, symposia, workshops, training sessions and academic ceremonies. These spaces are also available for external activities, subject to the approval and authorisation of the Director. The auditorium, located at the ground floor, provides a seating capacity of 150 places, and is equipped with a central audiovisual control system, where all academic events and scientific seminars take place. The existing meeting rooms and classrooms provide a capacity ranging from 20 to 60 places.

Interships

ITQB NOVA provides a range of opportunities for students wishing to participate in research projects.
Students are integrated in research teams and learn new work methods, participate in seminars, interact with the researchers and take part in the institute's scientific environment. A successful internship is an excellent starting point for a research career.
Every year, ITQB NOVA laboratories welcome students from Master courses of other institutes who will develop their Master research projects at ITQB NOVA. Short-term and long-term internships are also available throughout the year. To check for available internships and projects, please access the education section at ITQB-NOVA website.
The internships at ITQB NOVA may be certified through the enrollment in one of the University Extension Courses, with the corresponding ECTS and after evaluation.
In addition to these internships, ITQB offers short term summer internships to high school students. This internship program is promoted by the National Agency for Technological and Scientific Culture and is aimed at secondary school students who wish to contact with the everyday life of a research institute.

Scholarships

National scholarships:
Fundação Luso-Americana para o Desenvolvimento (FLAD)
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)
Fundo de Apoio ao Estudante
International scholarships:
UNESCO - International guide to higher-education study opportunities and scholarships
UNESCO - International Institute for Educational Planning
EUROPE - Marie Curie Actions

Language courses

ITQB NOVA students have access to the language courses available in the university (please refer to the language courses section of this Guide).

Food services

The Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier has its own restaurant/cafeteria. Inside the campus, researchers and students can also use the canteen in the National Agronomic Research Station and the bar of the National Forestry Station.

Special needs facilities

ITQB NOVA is located in a disabled-friendly building.

Two car parking spaces are reserved for disabled drivers and the building is wheelchair accessible.

Inside, corridors are wide and have anti-slippage floors; two lifts provide access to all floors. Each floor has two accessible toilets, designed to accommodate people with physical disabilities.

Other information

Accommodation reservations are possible at the Residence of the National Agronomic Research Station.

School calendar

2nd Semester: 2022-03-08 -> 2022-07-31

1st Semester: 2021-09-01 -> 2022-02-22