The current societal need for advanced research in radiation biology and biophysics, is getting extremely relevant when modern societies are facing several clinical pathologies related to aging, oxidative stress and cancer.
Probably the best example is that in 2008 an estimated 12.7M new cases of cancer were diagnosed worldwide, i.e., today, cancer accounts for one in every eight deaths worldwide – more than HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined (Cancer Research UK and American Cancer Society).
Also, environmental and/or occupational exposure to radiation is becoming more relevant as different professional’s awareness is increasing. These have had particular attention not only from the scientific community but also from political agents at national and European level.
RaBBit was born to fulfil a gap in the current demand in the different related research areas. Moreover, as far as we are concerned, such a programme will only be successful if bringing in international expertise and partnership. RaBBit was built to be a programme that is international in nature, multidisciplinary and versatile to answer the needs for competent researchers in the topics of the proposal. The doctoral programme provides advanced training by putting together a set of different experts in their specialised fields, introducing students to cutting-edge theories and research methods, comprising an advanced and up-to-date training in radiation biology and biophysics. It is also the aim of the programme that after its completion, the PhD student will have acquired the necessary background either for a future academic career or as senior researcher in industrial and/or health care environments.
The curricular structure is design to: a) level students background; b) allow students to acquire specialized and current knowledge; c) stimulate students’ scientific capabilities; and d) encourage their attitude towards accuracy, honesty and adaptation to new working environments.
Central to the program is the provision of a unique, high quality research and skills-based training PhD programme. We aim at providing a unique team of experts who will be well versed in the development of “bottom-up” approaches on complementary fields including atomic and molecular physics, radiation biology, biochemistry and assaying effects of radiations on biological systems.
At the time of enrolment, successful applicants should hold either an MSc degree or the legal equivalent. Alternatively, candidates with especially relevant academic and/or scientific curriculum, recognised by both the directive board of the PhD programme and the scientific council of the institution awarding the PhD degree, can propose themselves for an application.
Satisfaction of minimal criteria will not guarantee admission, since the number of qualified applicants can exceed the number of students to admit in each edition of the proposed PhD programme. Candidates will be admitted into the PhD programme according to selection and ranking criteria:
a) Excellence of the student’s academic degrees and record (25);
b) Personal history statement (10);c) Statement of purpose (15);
d) Letters of recommendation (5);
e) Preparation in the scientific areas of interest (10);
f) Relevant work experience (10);
g) Personal interview (25).
Maximum score for each criterion is indicated in brackets, with 100 being the highest ranking attainable.
To apply to the programme click here
Any questions should be addressed to rabbit.coordenador@fct.unl.pt