This programme offers training in molecular biotechnology applied to the health sciences, namely in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, tissue regeneration, cell therapies and nanomedicine, and microbial biotechnology, in a truly interdisciplinary and international environment.

The programme is designed to allow students to focus their learning on a research environment and on conducting experimental work.

One of the distinctive elements of the programme is the acquisition of transversal skills that strengthen students' autonomy and their ability to enter academic or business environments after their PhD. These skills are acquired throughout the programme, according to the student's needs. In addition, students have the opportunity to attend advanced training programmes of their own choosing, which allow them to constantly update their knowledge. Participation in conferences, seminars and other scientific meetings is strongly encouraged and valued.

The teaching component is designed to provide students with the opportunity to acquire transversal skills, particularly in the areas of intellectual property, entrepreneurship, ethics, scientific writing, project writing and communication. These skills can be acquired both within the framework of courses offered by BiotechHealth and by national and foreign research institutions. In this case, the merit of the training must be recognised by the BiotechHealth Scientific Committee.

An essential component of the programme is collaboration with international research groups of excellence and companies. Students must spend a minimum of 6 months in a foreign institution (research laboratory, hospital or industry).

The BiotechHealth Programme accepts up to 15 students per year, based on a rigorous evaluation. Candidates must have a Master's degree and academic training in at least one of the following areas: bioengineering, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, biology, medicine (human or veterinary), biochemistry, nanomedicine, chemistry.

In order to support students in the fulfilment of their objectives, a monitoring committee (PAC) is set up for each student to allow regular discussion on the progress of the work. The CAP is proposed by the student and the supervisor to the BiotechHealth Scientific Committee. The CAP must include the supervisor, the co-supervisor (if applicable) and up to two other researchers not directly involved in the research work. The CAP meets at the student's request. It is recommended that the CAP meets with the student at least once a year. The scientific information exchanged during the meetings is kept confidential.

BiotechHealth has an External Advisory Board, composed by internationaly renowned experts:
África González Fernández (more info)
Andrés J. García (more info)
Joerg Vienken

Partnerships: The International Doctoral Programme in Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology applied to Health Sciences (BiotechHealth) is jointly organised by:

- Two Schools of the University of Porto (U: Porto) - the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS UP) and the Faculty of Pharmacy (FFUP);

- Two Research Centres - The University of Porto's Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S) and the Chemistry and Technology Network (REQUIMTE);

- One Hospital - The Santo António Local Health Unit (ULSSA)

More than twenty institutions, mostly international, including universities, research institutes and companies, are also associated with BiotechHealth.

Objectives

Fields of Specialization

The programme will have a special focus on the scientific areas listed below. Interdisciplinary projects, involving two or more areas will be strongly encouraged.

- Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies
- Nanodiagnostics and Nanotherapeutics
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics and Computational Design of Biomolecules
- Microbial Biotechnology

Professional Abilities

BiotechHealth PhDs will have state-of-the-art scientific expertise in the specific area of their thesis. They will also have skills in entrepreneurship, scientific management and grant writing, intellectual property and communication.

Employment Prospects

The BiotechHealth Programme guarantees high quality training that will enable you to start a professional career in academia or industry, facilitating integration into international research networks or health-related biotechnology companies.

Among other requirements, the absolute condition for submitting the thesis to public examinations is the inclusion in it of at least one (1) original article (full length paper) published or accepted for publication in an indexed international journal (SCI), whose 1st author is the doctoral student.

Information

Course Information:

• Start of academic year: 02 January 2026
• Timetable: Daytime
• Mode of study: In-person
• Language of instruction: Portuguese, English
• Standard Duration of the Course: 4 years (8 semesters)
• Minimum number of students for the cycle of studies to operate – 5

OPEN COMPETITION 2025/2026 link: Vacancies, deadlines and criteria ( document in portuguese and english).

Link: Tuition fees 2025/2026

Re-entry applications link: 25 June to 15 July 2025 - Information here

International Students:
Important information for international students:

International students, find all the information you need to study at the University of Porto at the following links:

• Decree-Law no. 36_2014 of 10 March Regulates the International Student Statute.pdf – document available only in Portuguese.
• International Students - Frequently Asked Questions
• Regulations for the Application of the International Student Statute of the University of Porto
• Special Contests for Admission to Higher Education
• General Regulations for Cycle of Studies

Although foreign candidates do not need recognition of a (graduate/master) degree to enroll in the Doctoral Programs in Portugal, if they want to apply for doctoral scholarships it will be necessary to have the recognition.

Data Protection Policy:
Consult the U.Porto Data Protection Policy here for more information on the processing of your personal data.

Contacts

General information

Study Plan

Involved Organic Units

Certificates

Predominant Scientific Areas