2026 - BOF DOCTORAL GRANTS IN THE FRAMEWORK OF COOPERATION BETWEEN UNIVERSITE DE LORRAINE AND HASSELT UNIVERSITY

Research

Funding organisation:

Bijzonder OnderzoeksFonds

What?

The main objective of the call is to strengthen collaboration between research partners of Hasselt University and Université de Lorraine within the EURECA-PRO network. 
A maximum of 2 PhD projects (each with a maximum duration of 4 years) will be selected. 
For each selected project, Hasselt University will provide 4 years of PhD funding, including a yearly bench fee of €5.000.

These are joint doctorate projects, leading to a Double Degree. The project must be carried out in close collaboration between both universities throughout its entire duration. PhD candidates will be expected to actively participate in the research groups at both universities during the four-year PhD trajectory.
A PhD candidate must be appointed within 6 months following approval of the application. The candidate will be employed by Hasselt University for the full duration of the PhD. 

Who?

  • This programme is open to PhD projects conducted in collaboration between Hasselt University and Université de Lorraine, with research proposals addressing one of the following strategic challenges:
    • Circular economy and natural resources management for sustainable materials
    • Energy transition and sustainable energy management
    • Per strategic challenge, 1 candidate will be selected.
  • Supervisors must be able to act as a supervisor (or co-supervisor), according to the doctoral regulations of both UHasselt and Université de Lorraine.
  • UHasselt supervisors may be affiliated with any faculty or school, provided that the proposed research aligns with one of the strategic challenges listed above.
  • Projects may be submitted with or without a nominated candidate.
If a project is submitted with a candidate: only a PhD candidate at the start of a doctoral trajectory who applies for 4 years of funding is eligible. 

Application?

Regulations?

Regulations UHasselt 

Assessment criteria

Scientific quality of the proposal:
  • scientific quality of the proposal
  • quality of the research approach (methodology) and feasibility of the project
  • quality of the research environment including excellence of lab (infrastructure, supervision, past experience, …)
Quality of collaboration: 
  • enhancing the collaboration between both universities
  • prospect of more sustainable collaboration

A joint selection committee from UHasselt and Université de Lorraine will review all applications. The UHasselt research council will make a final selection of projects on the basis of the evaluation reports. 

Timing
  • 1 March 2026 at 23h59: Deadline for submission of applications
  • April-May: Selection
  • End of May: Final selection
  • June: Communication to applicants
  • 1 November: Standard start date of the PhD

More information?

Contact Hasselt University:
E-mail: elke.bos@uhasselt.be 
Tel.: +32 11 26 90 53

Support with regard to the application form  will be guaranteed up to 3 working days before submission date.

Deadline

01.03.2026

Contact Hasselt University?

E-mail elke.bos@uhasselt.be

Tel. +3211269053

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