UCP students are awarded Gulbenkian New Talents 2022 scholarships

UCP students Maria Figueira Verdelho Barreto Xavier and Alexandre Manuel Abrantes Neves have been awarded two Gulbenkian New Talents scholarships, in the 2022 edition. The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation scholarships aim to support outstanding students in the Portuguese higher education system, promoting their talent and stimulating the introduction to research.

Maria Figueira Verdelho Barreto Xavier is attending the 2nd year of the Bachelor Degree in Economics at the Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics. On the other hand, Alexandre Manuel Abrantes Neves is a final year student of the Undergraduate Programme in Communication and Cultural Sciences at the Faculty of Human Sciences, in Lisbon. "I am very excited about this first scientific research opportunity and I am sure I will deepen and increase my skill set" says the student.

The scholarship, with a minimum annual value of 2,500 €, includes support for continuing studies, namely for the payment of tuition fees, and a research stimulus amounting to 1,000 €. The grant also includes monetary support for talent-enhancing activities such as advanced training courses; participation in conferences and summer schools; traineeships, language courses, purchase of books and laboratory equipment, among others, worth 1,500 €.

In addition to these funds, the enrichment programme includes the assignment of a mentor to each of the grantees, the promotion of networking sessions, workshops and conferences, which allow students to explore vocational objectives, career plans and encourage research.

In this year's edition, 70 grantees were selected in the fields of Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Humanities and Social Sciences. Among the eligibility criteria for the programme the average grade, equal or higher than 17, stands out.