APPLAuSE

Scientific areas

The programme incorporates training in the following areas:

(i) Basic Plasma Science, to provide a solid common scientific background to the students;

(ii) Controlled Nuclear Fusion, in line with our internationally recognized expertise in this field, particularly in state-of-the-art remote diagnostics with obvious interest in many other engineering applications;

(iii) High-Energy-Density Physics, pushing the frontiers of technology in developing ultra-short and ultra-high-power lasers, second generation plasma accelerators, and tunable sources of radiation from the IR to the XUV;

(iv) Space and Astrophysical Plasmas to help crack the mysteries surrounding exotic states of matter and phenomena in the cosmos;

(v) Low-temperature Plasma Science and Engineering, tailoring matter at nano-scale level, targeting spin-offs in materials, environmental and biological applications.

Structure

APPLAuSE is a student-centered and highly modular PhD programme designed to enhance each student’s capabilities and maximize his/her potential.

Year 1

• intensive modules (30 ECTS)
• laboratory rotations (4 weeks)
• transverse skills package (2.5 ECTS)

Years 2-4

• 3-year research programme (15 ECTS)
• includes one year on secondment at an international institution
• seminar (3 ECTS)
• targeted workshops and activities

This structure matches the ECTS profile of the overarching PhD degree (Physics / Physical Engineering). The lab rotations, transverse skills package, seminar and targeted workshops are recognized in the Diploma Supplement.

Governance

Vasco Guerra 

Programme Director
Associate Professor, Physics Department
and N-PRiME, IPFN
Instituto Superior Técnico

Governing Board

Vasco Guerra, faculty member: Programme Director
Carlos Silva, researcher: Controlled Nuclear Fusion
Gonçalo Figueira, faculty member: High-Energy-Density Physics
Luís Lemos Alves, faculty member: Low-temperature Plasma Science and Engineering
Marta Fajardo, faculty member: Space and Astrophysical Plasmas
Bruno Gonçalves, researcher: President of IPFN