Portugal AQUA Research Scholarship 2026 With €1,090 Monthly Stipend

International and domestic students interested in marine sciences, biotechnology, and aquaculture research now have a new funded opportunity in Portugal. The S2AQUA Collaborative Laboratory (S2AQUAcoLAB) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Research Scholarship, offering selected candidates a monthly stipend of €1,090.98, hands-on scientific training, and the opportunity to contribute to a major European-funded marine research project focused on toxic algal blooms and offshore aquaculture.

Hosted in Portugal’s Algarve region, this scholarship is designed for graduates seeking to strengthen their research credentials while preparing for future master’s or doctoral studies in marine and environmental sciences.

Scholarship Overview

The newly announced research grant is being offered under the MultiAlive Project (Multi-observational Techniques for the Detection of Toxic Algal Blooms and the Prediction of Contamination in Offshore Bivalve Aquaculture). The initiative is supported through European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) programmes and national funding from Portugal’s Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).

The project focuses on improving detection systems for harmful algal blooms and understanding contamination risks affecting offshore shellfish farming, an increasingly important sector for sustainable food production worldwide.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Monthly maintenance allowance of €1,090.98
• Full-time funded research position for 8 months
• Personal accident insurance coverage
• Voluntary Social Insurance reimbursement (where applicable)
• Direct participation in an EU-supported marine research project
• Training in advanced laboratory and field research methods
• Experience contributing to scientific reports and journal publications
• Opportunity to build a future master’s thesis within the project framework
• Access to Portugal’s growing marine biotechnology and aquaculture research ecosystem

Research Areas Covered

Applicants from closely related scientific backgrounds may also be considered.

What Will Scholars Work On?

The selected researcher will become part of the MultiAlive project team and contribute to several scientific activities, including:

• Field expeditions and water sampling campaigns
• Analysis of phytoplankton communities
• Identification of harmful algae producing marine biotoxins
• Laboratory preparation and extraction of bivalve samples
• Marine biotoxin detection using liquid chromatography methods
• Experimental data analysis and interpretation
• Scientific report preparation
• Scientific article writing
• Communication and dissemination activities related to project outcomes

This combination of fieldwork, laboratory research, and scientific publishing provides valuable preparation for graduate-level research careers.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree (Level 6 Higher Education qualification)
• Academic background in Marine Biology, Marine Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related field
• Enrollment in a Master’s programme, Integrated Master’s programme, Doctoral programme, or recognized non-degree academic programme linked with research institutions

Preferred Candidate Profile

S2AQUAcoLAB is particularly interested in applicants who demonstrate experience in:

• Biological sampling of phytoplankton
• Sampling of bivalve mollusks
• Identification and quantification of phytoplankton species
• Marine biotoxin-producing algae research
• Experimental data processing
• Scientific project implementation
• Laboratory techniques such as HPLC or LC-MS/MS
• Scientific communication activities
• Advanced English proficiency
• Teamwork, initiative, and research motivation

Nationality and Residency Requirements

Applications are open to:

• Portuguese citizens
• Citizens of European Union member states
• Citizens of non-EU countries

However, applicants must be permanent and habitual residents of Portugal at the time of application.

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the Portugal S2AQUA Research Scholarship 2026 is 22 June 2026 (23:59 Lisbon Time).