Call for Applications – Best PhD Thesis Award
(1st Edition 2026)
Técnico Doctoral School is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 1st Edition of the Best PhD Thesis Award, established to recognise and celebrate outstanding doctoral research conducted within the institution.
The award aims to distinguish exceptional PhD theses that demonstrate scientific excellence, originality, innovation, and significant impact within their respective fields. It reflects Técnico’s commitment to promoting high-quality research and fostering academic excellence across all areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Architecture, and Mathematics.
Applications are invited from eligible doctoral graduates who successfully defended their PhD thesis during the designated award period. The PhD thesis should be submitted to one the following scientific domains:
- Molecular, Health and Environmental Sciences and Engineering
- Computer, Mathematical and Management Sciences and Engineering
- Physics and Electrical Sciences and Engineering
- Mechanical and Built Environment Engineering, and Architecture
A description of each scientific domain is found in the Annex I of the Regulations.
Submitted theses will be evaluated by a jury composed of internationally recognised researchers and professors. The evaluation process will consider criteria such as, scientific and methodological rigour, originality and scientific innovation, and potential theoretical and/or practical impact of research contributions.
The composition of the jury for each scientific domain is found in the Annex II of the Regulations.
The winner of the Best PhD Thesis Award in each scientific domain will receive a monetary prize of 2,500 Euros, together with a formal recognition of the achievement by Instituto Superior Técnico.
The recipient(s) of the award will be formally recognised at an official ceremony organised by Instituto Superior Técnico.
Application Period
Applications are open until August 31st 2026.
Eligibility
Doctoral theses eligible for the award must cumulatively meet the following conditions:
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- The author obtained the doctoral degree from IST, University of Lisbon.
- The public defence of the thesis took place no more than two years before the application deadline.
- The thesis received the final classification of “Approved with Distinction and Honour” in the public defence.