The JRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership 2026 offers jointly supervised dual PhD projects between universities and the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC). Doctoral researchers receive paid employment while conducting policy-oriented research at JRC sites across Europe.
The European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) created the Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) to establish long-term scientific collaborations with universities and research organisations. The programme enables institutions and the JRC to jointly develop doctoral research projects, supervise PhD candidates together, and strengthen research connected to European policymaking.
JRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership Benefits
- Paid employment during the period spent at the JRC site
- Salary covered by the JRC
- Necessary training covered by the JRC
- Work-related travel costs covered by the JRC
- Joint supervision with JRC scientists
- International mobility across Europe
- Policy-focused research experience
- Membership of the CDP community
- Opportunities to develop science communication, knowledge management, policy engagement, transferable research skills, and professional networking
JRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership Eligibility Criteria
- Only eligible Partner Institutions can submit applications during this call. Individual students cannot apply directly at this stage.
- Partner Institutions must originate from an EU Member State or a country associated with the current EU Research Framework Programme.
- Partner Institutions must have administrative authority to sign external agreements.
- Partner Institutions must be able to host and train PhD candidates.
- Partner Institutions must be accredited to award doctoral degrees, or have a formal agreement with an accredited doctoral institution.
Available Research Themes
The 2026 call includes eight collaboration themes distributed across all scientific directorates of the JRC:
- Autonomous discovery for integrated EU policy modelling
- Leveraging AI in energy and mobility systems
- AI, geospatial intelligence, and environmental policy integration
- AI-enabled resilience, security, and sustainable infrastructure
- AI and data standards for disease prevention, detection, and treatment
- Data-driven and AI-enabled approaches for nuclear science and technology
- AI for policy design and evaluation
- Complex AI systems evaluation
How to Apply for JRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership
- Step 1: Partner Institution submits the online application.
- Step 2: Results announced by December 2026.
- Step 3: Partner Institution and JRC define joint PhD projects.
- Step 4: Both parties sign the five-year CDP Agreement.
- Step 5: Joint recruitment of doctoral students begins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the JRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership 2026. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
Can individual PhD students apply now?
No. The current 2026 Call for Expressions of Interest is open only to eligible Partner Institutions. Individual students cannot apply directly at this stage.
Does the JRC pay doctoral students?
Yes. During the period spent at a JRC site, the JRC employs doctoral students and covers salary, necessary training, and work-related travel costs. The official call does not specify the salary amount.
How long do PhD researchers stay at the JRC?
Between 12 and 24 months. The remaining doctoral research takes place at the Partner Institution.
How many research themes are available?
Eight. The 2026 call covers eight collaboration themes spanning AI, energy, environmental policy, health, nuclear science, resilience, and policy evaluation.
When is the application deadline?
25 September 2026 at 23:59 CET. This deadline applies to Partner Institutions submitting Expressions of Interest.
What is the funding status for doctoral researchers?
Doctoral researchers receive paid employment during the period spent at the JRC site. The JRC covers salary, necessary training, and work-related travel costs.
What are the possible JRC locations?
Possible JRC locations include Ispra (Italy), Petten (Netherlands), Geel (Belgium), Karlsruhe (Germany), Brussels (Belgium), and Seville (Spain). The exact hosting location depends on the approved research project.
Who can apply as a Partner Institution?
Partner Institutions must originate from an EU Member State or a country associated with the current EU Research Framework Programme. They must have administrative authority to sign external agreements, be able to host and train PhD candidates, and be accredited to award doctoral degrees.
What are the selection criteria for institutional applications?
The application evaluates three major areas: Research Quality (50 points), Collaboration Experience (30 points), and Organisational Capacity (20 points).
What professional development opportunities are available?
Participants become members of the CDP community, which provides opportunities to develop science communication, knowledge management, policy engagement, transferable research skills, and professional networking.
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