Instituto Superior Técnico’s Research Scholarship of Research Initiation in Information Science, reference IST/2026/BL220, is open for November 2026 applications in Lisbon, Portugal. It offers one researcher €1,090.98 monthly for 12 months to develop practical skills in digital libraries, Open Science and cultural outreach.
Could your experience with information, digital content or public engagement fit? This guide explains the enrolment and language requirements, selection criteria and submission steps. The provider’s recruitment calendar confirms the application window.
01Who qualifies for IST/2026/BL220?
You need relevant academic enrolment when signing the fellowship contract: a bachelor’s, integrated master’s or master’s programme, or a bachelor’s degree plus enrolment in a non-degree course.
Requirements also include computer literacy, related practical experience, teamwork, communication, initiative, leadership, creativity and responsibility. The full notice requires spoken and written Portuguese and English. No nationality restriction is stated.
02What will you do—and how are you selected?
Work covers the Scholar institutional repository, research data, open-access policies, metadata and digital curation, Web 2.0/3.0 content, video production and cultural activities, including exhibitions and workshops. Scientific supervisor Isabel Pacheco Marques Vaz Marcos chairs the jury, alongside Rui Manuel Pereira Coelho and Helena Maria Teixeira Laranjeira de Sousa.
Selection rewards relevant evidence. I would connect your strongest examples directly to these tasks.
| Stage | Scoring |
|---|---|
| Document assessment | 50% CV + 50% motivation letter; minimum 15/20 for interview. |
| Final ranking | 50% documentary score + 50% interview; both scored out of 20. |
03How to apply to Instituto Superior Técnico
- Read the official bilingual notice for IST/2026/BL220.
- Register and validate your identity on IST’s admissions platform. Select the fellowship reference.
- Upload your CV, qualification evidence or permitted declaration of honour, enrolment proof and motivation letter.
- Complete, submit and lock the error-free application. Results appear on the same platform.
04Avoid these application traps
An unlocked form is not formalised. Also, EURAXESS’s “expired” footer conflicts with IST’s published application window. Follow the provider’s calendar. I recommend assessing your Portuguese before preparing documents: the shorter EURAXESS description omits this compulsory requirement.
05IST fellowship questions
Is this a funded degree?
It is a research-initiation fellowship. It does not itself provide degree admission.
Are IELTS and application fees specified?
Neither an IELTS score nor an application fee is specified. Portuguese and English communication remain required.
Are accommodation and travel included?
Separate accommodation, travel and tuition benefits are not advertised. Budget around the maintenance allowance.
06Application deadline
The last date to apply for IST/2026/BL220 offered by Instituto Superior Técnico is 11 November 2026 at 23:59 Lisbon time. Applications open on 5 November. EURAXESS also labels that opening date as the starting date; a separate confirmed commencement date is unclear. Prepare your evidence and complete identity validation promptly.
