The Carolina Fernandes-Henriques Research Initiation Grant (BII) aims to promote an introduction to scientific research in the field of Biology, fostering students’ creativity, critical thinking and independence through the development of a research project supervised by a PhD-qualified lecturer from the Department of Biology at Ciências ULisboa.
Research Initiation Grant
Carolina
Fernandes-Henriques
The Carolina Fernandes-Henriques Research Initiation Grant has been established to honour the extraordinary career of Carolina Fernandes-Henriques, a former undergraduate student in Biology at CIÊNCIAS, whose academic, scientific and personal life continues to be a profound source of inspiration to the Faculty community.
Inspired by a journey, dedicated to the future.
Carolina Fernandes-Henriques distinguished herself not only through her academic excellence and scientific curiosity, but also through the personal qualities that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
With her infectious smile and energy, she was known for her empathy, authenticity, determination, courage and resilience — qualities she brought to every aspect of her personal, academic and professional life.
She began her studies with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at CIÊNCIAS, where she was one of the first students to be awarded a scholarship from the Amadeu Dias Foundation, in recognition of her academic merit and scientific potential. She subsequently pursued further training and research at leading international institutions, including the Vrije University of Amsterdam, the University of Bordeaux and the University of Tsukuba in Japan, culminating in the award of a PhD in Neuroscience from the City University of New York (CUNY) in the United States of America.
In addition to her academic merit, she also distinguished herself through her involvement in various areas of university and civic life. She was a competitive athlete in swimming, gymnastics and athletics — a sport in which she won national university and under - 23 titles — and also took on active roles in student representation, the promotion of women in science, and in volunteering and community outreach initiatives.
Her sudden passing in 2024, at the age of 30, shortly after completing her PhD, was a loss deeply felt by family, friends, colleagues and all those who had followed her journey.
The human, academic and scientific legacy she left behind lives on, however, in the memories of those who knew her and in the inspiration her example continues to inspire.
Inspired by this remarkable journey, the Carolina Fernandes-Henriques Grant — established thanks to the generous contribution of her family — aims to support students on the Biology degree programme who demonstrate not only potential for scientific research, but also a strong involvement in extracurricular, cultural, sporting and social activities.
The Carolina Fernandes-Henriques Grant seeks to recognise curious, dedicated and well-rounded students — young scientists capable of combining academic excellence with creativity, social commitment, critical thinking, resilience and a passion for knowledge.
Purpose
Features
Research Initiation Grant (BII);
duration of 5 months;
full-time commitment;
monthly payment of €701.12, in accordance with the FCT research grant scale;
personal accident insurance included;
project to be carried out in the Department of Biology at Ciências ULisboa;
scientific supervision by a supervisor from the Department of Biology, to be nominated by the candidate at the time of application.
At the end of the grant, students must submit a final report and present their work via a poster or a presentation at a session organised by the host laboratory.
Who can apply for?
Applications are open to students who:
are enrolled for the 2026/2027 academic year at Ciências ULisboa;
are in the 3rd year of the Biology undergraduate degree programme, an Erasmus programme or a Minor within the Biology degree programme;
have no more than one outstanding module at the time of application;
demonstrate an interest in scientific research;
provide evidence of participation in extracurricular activities, such as sport, the arts, volunteering, membership of associations, working-student status or other relevant civic engagement activities.
Particular consideration will be given to students with:
good academic performance;
strong motivation for research;
active involvement in civic, social or cultural initiatives;
a multidisciplinary profile and a spirit of initiative.
Applications
Applications for the 2026/2027 academic year are scheduled to open in September 2026.
More information to follow shortly.
Contacts
For further information, please contact candidaturas@ciencias.ulisboa.pt.