ALLIANCE COFUND Doctoral Programme’s goal is to train 40 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) over two four-year cycles, implemented at Northern European universities, with transnational network of 4 implementing and 24 associated partners—including companies, parks, and incubators.

The programme unites scientists from natural sciences, engineering, and medicine to foster cross-border, interdisciplinary collaboration around three themes:

  • Light for Science: new tools and methods

  • Discovery and Control of New Materials

  • Living Matter and Disease Prevention

DCs follow a structured career plan aligned with the European Charter for Researchers, featuring skills development, peer networking, and mandatory secondments. They choose between two tracks:

  • International-Academic: up to one year at associated partners

  • Industrial-Academic: over one year in the private sector

Secondments enhance cultural understanding and expose DCs to expert research groups or industry partners.

The first call for Doctoral Candidates is planned for July 2027

The second call would be in July 2028. Each call will be advertised 3 months in advance to facilitate promotion and dissemination, with a Digital Fairs for applicants in June 2027 and 2028.

From September to December, submitted applications will undergo screening, eligibility assessment, ranking, and interviews. In December, the final list of selected candidates will be communicated, and contracts will be signed. Successful Doctoral Candidates (DCs) are expected to commence their activities by early January, at the latest, by March.

Eligibility criteria are going to be available on the ALLIANCE Euraxess page, once the call is published. Key requirements include:

  • Mobility rule: Applicants must not have lived or worked in the target country for more than 12 months in the three years before recruitment.

  • Education: A European Master’s degree (or equivalent, 240 ECTS) in a relevant field is required; a PhD disqualifies applicants.

  • Language: Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent) is needed unless the applicant is a native speaker or has completed a degree in English.

  • Project-specific skills: Applicants must meet any additional requirements, such as STEM expertise.

  • Availability: Candidates must be ready to start on time. Visa support will be provided, with sufficient processing time planned.

  • Application: Forms must be complete and submitted by the deadline.