The 'Pioneers'

Martha Estrada

"Thanks to its multidisciplinary approach, the PhD in Population Sciences at ULisboa has let me explore my research not just in depth, but from angles I hadn't considered before starting. Over the past three years, I've grown in ways I didn't fully expect — academically, of course, but personally too. Being able to take courses across different Institutes at the University of Lisbon was inspiring. The program also opens the door to a research stay outside the university. For me, that was the European Doctoral School of Demography (EDSD) — an experience that shifted how I see my own work, and gave me a much wider sense of what the world actually needs from experts in our field. Along the way, I've met students and professors from so many different backgrounds and disciplines that it constantly pushes me to keep learning, ask better questions, and improve — as a person, and as the researcher I'm still becoming. I feel deeply fortunate to have received a scholarship that lets me focus on my research with more freedom and peace of mind. This path has been demanding, yes — there have been harder days than I expected — but it has also been full of meaning. I remain happy and focused on completing my PhD."

Rita C. Costa

"The PhD program has gathered an amazing group of academic experts in subjects that are deeply intertwined with Population Sciences. From Climate Change, to Economics, Migration and Public Policy. It has been an unique opportunity to learn with all the professors specially to broaden our horizons and perspectives. The interdisciplinary approach to Population Sciences is key to study Population Dynamics in an evidence-based manner."

Vikas Kalyankar

"My experience in the Ph.D. in Population Sciences program at the University of Lisbon, has been magnificently enriching. The program offers a conducive environment for research and learning. I've had the privilege of being mentored by venerable faculty members. Their guidance and support have been invaluable throughout my academic and research journey."

the 2nd cohort

"My research interests lie at the intersection of fertility decline, urbanization, and demographic transition theories, with a particular focus on the Indian context and broader global South dynamics. Pursuing a PhD in Population Science at the University of Lisbon has been a deeply enriching and transformative journey. The program’s academic diversity and interdisciplinary approach have broadened my understanding of complex demographic issues. I am privileged to be guided by an exceptional and supportive faculty whose expertise continues to inspire me. The PopTalk sessions have been especially impactful, fostering critical thinking and encouraging fresh, democratic perspectives on population studies. This experience has not only enhanced my research skills but also reshaped the way I view and engage with the world."

Deepshikha Dey

"The PhD in Population Sciences stands out for its interdisciplinary approach and the way it brings together different perspectives to tackle key population issues. This has been helpful for exploring topics like fertility and precariousness in my own research. Learning from professors with such varied backgrounds has given me new insights and helped shape my project in important ways. I also feel lucky to be part of the program’s wider research network, which connects people from top institutions across Europe and opens up great opportunities for collaboration and exchange. More recently, my PhD dissertation has made an important turn because of the constant feedback provided from both my supervisor and other members of the PhD community. This collaborative environment has allowed me to refine my toolbox and my knowledge with complex demographic questions. As my research progresses, I look forward to continuing these exchanges and sharing my findings with the broader scientific community through dissemination conferences."

Lucas Pitombeira

"My experience in the Ph.D. program has been highly rewarding. The dynamic, interdisciplinary environment encourages engagement with cutting-edge debates in population studies and policy analysis. The mentorship from esteemed faculty has been instrumental in refining my research approach, equipping me with the tools to make meaningful contributions to the field."

Moses Fodo

"The Ph.D. program I am currently pursuing is outstanding in its interdisciplinary approach. The guidance and support from the faculty, combined with the opportunity to engage in insightful discussions with professors, have been crucial in shaping my research. This program has been an enriching experience, providing me with fresh insights and a deeper understanding in the field of population science."

Liangqiu Han

"My preliminary dissertation topic is Population Replacement Ideology Generating Social Psychological Fear, Adversely Impacting Economic Growth Benefits of Migration/Immigration: A Demographic Perspective. The PhD in Population Sciences at University of Lisbon, enables research that sheds light on how fear and anxiety generated by population replacement ideologies can undermine the positive contributions of immigrants to the economy. Examining this topic from a demographic perspective offers a unique lens to understanding the complex dynamics between population changes, social attitudes, and economic outcomes. Such a study can make significant contributions to the field of Population Sciences by providing empirical evidence on the social and economic impacts of population replacement ideologies."

Kelly Hewitt

"Demography is like a spider in its web—barely visible, yet connected to everything. Exploring demography means casting a web that touches every academic discipline: from economics to biology to history. It does not matter what insect it catches in its web—the spider will feast upon it. I have always thought that spiders are cool. It is this interdisciplinary approach that makes the Population Sciences program at ULisboa so special: first-year students are introduced to a variety of relevant topics and develop their methodological skills, all while being guided along their own path to discover the research area in which they want to become experts."

Nicolas Müller

The 25/26 cohort

Anna Ferrara

"My research focuses on population dynamics, demographic resilience, and territorial development, with a particular emphasis on rural and inner areas. I believe that population studies provide a fundamental framework for understanding the transformations shaping our societies and should play a central role in informing evidence-based public policies. What I value most about this PhD is its multidisciplinary perspective, which highlights how demographic processes are deeply interconnected with, for example, environmental, economic, social, and health-related challenges. The diversity of expertise among faculty members and the varied academic backgrounds of fellow PhD candidates create a stimulating environment that continuously reinforces the importance of looking at complex societal issues through an integrated lens. I just finished the first year of my PhD and look forward to the opportunities and challenges that this journey will bring."

Beatriz Salafranca

"During my first year as a PhD candidate in Population Sciences, I had the opportunity to learn a great deal and to redefine my ambitions and passions; I found an environment of healthy debate, with excellent lecturers who were approachable, influential in their field, and always there for us.”

Tatiana Silva

Vijay Aryal

“Population sciences deals with both formal and social demography, and therefore connects with the multidimensional aspects of human populations. Vital events are always interconnected with environmental concerns, geographic diversity, and socio-economic inequalities, from vulnerable coastal and ocean ecosystems to mountainous regions such asthe Himalayas at risk of climate-induced displacements affecting settlement patterns, livelihoods, and migration decisions.

The PhD in Population Sciences at the University of Lisbon provides advanced training to analyse these interactions employing rigorous theoretical and methodological approaches. The programme prepares researchers to investigate how demographic processes influence, and are influenced by, public policy, socio-economic development, environmental change, governance, technological innovation, and much more. Interdisciplinary research has been prioritised along with advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, spatial analysis, and evidence-based policy evaluation.

Within this broader framework, my project is going to investigate the motivations along with the integration trajectories of Nepalese Immigrants in Portugal. The project examines how migrants experience labour market incorporation, language acquisition, access to public services, housing, social participation, and community integration across different regional contexts. Employing a mixed-methods design, it also explores how migration policies, institutional arrangements, and individual characteristics affect integration outcomes over time.”