Coimbra Research Scholarship 2026 for Forestry Research in Portugal
The Coimbra Research Fully Funded Scholarship 2026 offers a research opportunity for qualified students and early-career researchers interested in forestry, forest management, GIS, remote sensing, and sustainable ecosystem development.
The scholarship is offered under the iN_Seed project, titled “Forest Seeds and Natural Intelligence: A Technology-Supported Approach to Promoting Resilient Ecosystems.” The project focuses on forest regeneration, direct seeding, field experiments, and the use of technology to support resilient forest ecosystems in Portugal.
The selected researcher will be based mainly at the Coimbra School of Agriculture and may participate in field activities across central and northern Portugal.
Scholarship Details
- Host Country: Portugal
- Host Institution: Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra
- Research Location: Coimbra School of Agriculture
- Project: iN_Seed
- Research Project: Forest Seeds and Natural Intelligence: A Technology-Supported Approach to Promoting Resilient Ecosystems
- Degree Level: Master's degree required; applicants must also be enrolled in a doctoral programme or eligible research-training course
- Field: Forestry and Environmental Sciences
- Monthly Scholarship: €1,359.64
- Insurance: Personal accident insurance
- Nationality: International applicants can apply
- Application Period: August 12–25, 2026
- Final Deadline: August 25, 2026, at 23:59 Lisbon time
Degree Level
Master's degree required; applicants must also be enrolled in a doctoral programme or eligible research-training course
Available Subjects
The scholarship is suitable for applicants with academic or professional backgrounds in:
Forestry
Forest management
Silviculture
Environmental sciences
Forest regeneration
Natural resource management
Remote sensing
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Agricultural sciences
Ecology
Ecosystem management
Sustainable forest management
Related environmental and forestry disciplines
Research Focus
The selected researcher will contribute to research related to forest regeneration and direct seeding.
The project may involve:
Studying technologies used for forest establishment through direct seeding
Monitoring forest experimental trials
Establishing sampling plots
Conducting forest inventories
Collecting field data
Analysing forestry and environmental data
Using GIS and geospatial technologies
Working with multispectral drone data
Supporting scientific and technical monitoring
Preparing scientific reports
Contributing to research papers
Preparing project dissemination materials
Supporting project coordination activities
Benefits
Selected candidates will receive:
€1,359.64 monthly maintenance allowance
Personal accident insurance
Possible additional support related to voluntary social-security contributions, subject to applicable rules
Opportunity to participate in forestry research in Portugal
Practical experience in forest regeneration and direct seeding
Fieldwork experience in central and northern Portugal
Experience with GIS and drone-based technologies
Opportunity to contribute to scientific publications and project reports
International research experience in sustainable ecosystem management
Eligible Nationalities
The scholarship does not specify a nationality restriction.
International applicants can apply.
Applicants with degrees obtained outside Portugal should check the requirements for recognition of their foreign academic qualifications.
International candidates should also ensure that they meet the Portuguese and English language requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Hold a Master's degree in a relevant discipline.
Be enrolled in a doctoral programme, or
Be enrolled in an eligible non-degree course providing initial scientific research training.
Have relevant experience in forestry, environmental sciences, forest management, or a related area.
Have experience establishing experimental projects or forest sampling plots.
Have experience with forest inventories.
Have knowledge or practical experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Have experience using multispectral drones.
Have experience conducting field-based forestry research.
Hold a valid driving licence.
Have good oral and written proficiency in Portuguese and English.
International applicants with foreign qualifications may need to provide appropriate recognition of their academic degrees in Portugal.
Selection Criteria
Candidates are assessed according to their academic, technical, professional, and interpersonal background.
The evaluation is divided as follows:
30%: Experience establishing experimental projects or forest sampling plots
30%: GIS and multispectral drone proficiency
20%: Professional experience relevant to the project
10%: Portuguese and English language proficiency
10%: Teamwork and stakeholder-management skills
An interview may be conducted if there is a tie among the highest-ranked candidates.
Application Procedure
Applicants should submit their applications digitally through the Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra scholarship recruitment platform.
The application should include:
Completed application form
Identification information
Bachelor's degree certificate
Master's degree certificate
Proof of relevant enrolment
Recognition of foreign academic qualifications, where applicable
Updated CV
Motivation letter
Optional recommendation or reference letters
Contact details of referees, if recommendation letters are provided
Applicants should make sure their CV clearly highlights:
Forestry fieldwork
Forest inventories
Sampling plot experience
GIS skills
Drone experience
Multispectral data experience
Relevant professional experience
Portuguese and English language abilities
Research and scientific writing experience
Application Deadline
Applications Open: August 12, 2026
Application Deadline: August 25, 2026
Closing Time: 23:59 Lisbon time
Application Method: Online
Host Institution: Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra
Applicants should submit all required documents before the deadline. International applicants should pay particular attention to foreign-degree recognition requirements and ensure that all documentation is prepared in advance.
