Applications are now open for Ser Cientista 2026

Applications are now open for the 11th edition of the ‘Ser Cientista’ programme, an initiative by Ciências ULisboa that challenges secondary school students to spend a week living the life of a real scientific researcher.

Aimed at students in Year 10, 11 or 12 during the 2025/2026 academic year, the programme will take place between 20 and 24 July 2026 and will enable participants to join research teams, develop real-world scientific projects and engage directly with lecturers and researchers from CIÊNCIAS.

Having celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025, ´Ser Cientista' is reaching another historic milestone this year. For the first time, candidates have a choice of 21 different scientific projects, covering fields as diverse as astronomy, biology, geology, chemistry, physics, materials science, neuroscience, ecology and data science.

In total, the 2026 edition offers more than 100 vacancies, the highest number ever in the programme’s history, thereby strengthening its ability to respond to students’ growing interest in scientific research.

Over the course of a week, participants will have the opportunity to carry out laboratory experiments, analyse scientific data, use research equipment, explore questions at the cutting edge of knowledge, and discover how the science that transforms our world comes about. At the end, they will present the results of their work at a scientific conference organised specifically for the programme.

Applications are open until 1 July via the programme’s website, where you can view all available projects and find detailed information about the selection process.

Choose a science project that suits you and come and find out what it’s like to be a scientist for a week.