Would you like to discover what research in Medieval Studies is all about?
The IEM Summer Lab is a work experience programme aimed at undergraduate students who wish to gain their first contact with, and/or deepen their knowledge of, research in the field of Medieval Studies during the summer.
The Institute for Medieval Studies (IEM) is the only research unit in Portugal exclusively dedicated to the study of the medieval period and is one of the NOVA FCSH research units rated “Very Good” by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).
Why participate?
- Gain a first experience in scientific research and/or deepen previous research experience;
- Work directly with IEM researchers;
- Become involved in ongoing Medieval Studies research projects;
- Develop skills useful for postgraduate study and future research;
- Receive a certificate of participation.
Available Projects
- A Power Arriving from the Ocean Sea: Political Communication and the Defence of Socio-Economic Interests in Port Towns and Cities (Portugal, Late Middle Ages): 8 positions available.
- Dynamics of Mobility, Identity and Intercultural Connectivity in the Late Medieval World: Perspectives from Portugal: 1 position available.
How does it work?
Each student will be assigned specific objectives and a work plan tailored to the needs of the research project. Activities may include, but are not limited to:
- Mapping and collecting primary sources in historical archives;
- Transcribing and digitally processing collected information. The documentation to be studied (in Portuguese) dates from the thirteenth to the sixteenth centuries.
The working language is Portuguese.
What will you learn?
- Practical research skills in Medieval Studies;
- How to organise and present research results within collaborative projects;
- How to communicate and discuss research findings according to academic standards;
- Research techniques and working methods in the different fields of Medieval Studies, including Archaeology, Art History, History and Literature;
- Methodologies for the selection and analysis of medieval sources, providing a solid foundation for more advanced studies in the field.
Who can apply?
Undergraduate students in History, Art History and Archaeology.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Knowledge of Palaeography;
- Previous coursework in Medieval History, Medieval Portuguese History, and Palaeography and Diplomatics.
How to apply?
Interested students should send the following documents to gmsilva@fcsh.unl.pt:
- Curriculum vitae;
- Proof of enrolment in an undergraduate degree programme and transcript of completed courses;
- A motivation letter (maximum one A4 page).
Interviews may be requested if deemed necessary.
Important Dates
Application deadline: 15 June 2026
Results announcement: 24 June 2026
Programme duration: 1–15 July 2026
IEM Summer Lab Coordinator
Gonçalo Melo da Silva (NOVA FCSH; IEM, NOVA FCSH)
Organising Committee
Catarina Rosa
Miguel Luís
Paulo Esmeraldo Lopes
Verónica Francisco