Universidade Católica Portuguesa students awarded the Gulbenkian New Talents Scholarship

The Universidade Católica Portuguesa celebrates the honouring of three of its students with the prestigious Gulbenkian New Talent Scholarship, awarded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.

Chak Wa Kong, from the Faculty of Law, Emma Cotignola Varone, from the Institute of Political Studies, and Rita Vieira, from the Faculty of Human Sciences, were recognised for their academic excellence and will now have the opportunity to take part in an enrichment programme that promotes the development of outstanding young people in Portuguese higher education.

Chak Wa Kong describes this distinction as having ‘deep meaning’ for his career, emphasising how ‘grateful he is for the recognition.’ He sees the Young Talent Programme experience as an opportunity to ‘improve people's quality of life through the arts, charity, science and education’, quotes Fernando Pessoa when he says that ‘man is the size of his dream’, and expresses gratitude to his teachers ‘for nurturing my dream of embarking on academic research. I am eternally grateful for their excellent teachings’. The student also thanks his fellow students for the ‘healthy and pleasant learning environment’ that has always supported him.

The programme, aimed at students of high merit, encourages talent and initiation into scientific research, with grants of up to €3,500. In addition to financial support, the scholarship holders are accompanied by tutors and scientific committees made up of renowned professors, benefiting from personalised guidance throughout their studies.

Emma Varone, also honoured, considers the grant ‘a fundamental step in my academic training,’ allowing her to develop ‘a research project of great relevance’. For Emma, the initiative offers more than financial support; it is an opportunity to ‘explore our academic interests’ and ‘make a significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge’.

Gulbenkian Scholarships also include participation in scientific retreats at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, which combine research, cultural and social activities. With a focus on basic sciences, humanities, arts and social sciences, the programme offers resources for advanced courses, conferences, summer schools, internships and the acquisition of essential research materials.

Rita Vieira shares that she decided to apply for the Gulbenkian scholarship ‘for several reasons,’ highlighting ‘the extremely enriching programme on an academic and social level.’ The student appreciates the fact that she can ‘work on a research project of my choice at the age of 19,’ under the guidance of a Scientific Committee made up of ‘admirable professionals’. Her project, which focuses on the influence of TikTok on the perception of gender identity issues, stems from a ‘concern about the intolerance that persists in the world we live in.’ Rita hopes that this experience will allow her to grow not only academically and professionally, but also in her relationships, with the desire to ‘surprise myself and those around me’.

Counting this year's students, there are now nine Universidade Católica students who have received this scholarship over the years.