2024/3 - BOF joint PhD programme UM and UHasselt

Research

Funding organisation:

Bijzonder OnderzoeksFonds

What?

Funding organisation: Maastricht University Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Special Research fund UHasselt

The Maastricht University Faculty of Science and Engineering and the BOF Euregional grant programme of UHasselt provide funding for PhD fellowships in the framework of the cooperation between Maastricht University and Hasselt University. Both universities provide funding to cofinance 2 fulltime PhD-fellowships in close collaboration leading to a joint doctoral degree (2 separate diplomas, referring to the collaboration).

The fellowships have a total duration of 4 years but are subject to an intermediary evaluation at both universities. This evaluation will be based upon the progress report, produced by the candidate, for the doctoral committee and the doctoral committee’s advice.

The PhD candidate will be appointed:

100% during the PhD at Hasselt University, where the terms of employment of Hasselt University will apply;
OR

100% during the PhD at Maastricht University, where the terms of employment of Maastricht University will apply.

Who?

• This programme is open to applicants[1] without restriction to gender, nationality or age.
• Graduates with a relevant Master degree and excellent grades.
• Motivated and determined researchers possessing first-rate analytical and writing skills.
• Final-year (master) students are encouraged to apply if they have proven research skills.

Exclusion criteria:

• Candidates who have already started their PhD research, are not eligible for the call.

 

[1] Since this concerns mandates in a scholarship statute, the circular of the Belgian Ministry of Finance regarding the exemption conditions of doctoral scholarships applies. This states, among other things, that employment contracts may not be replaced by a doctoral scholarship.

Application?

• The applications must be submitted by the PhD-candidate signed by both an UHasselt promoter (cf. the UHasselt doctoral regulations) and a promoter of Maastricht University Faculty of Science and Engineering
• Application form + annexes and regulations
• Send to BOF@uhasselt.be and research-fse@maastrichtuniversity.nl
• Deadline: 01.03.2024, 17h00

Regulations?

• BOF doctoral grants in the framework of cooperation betwen Maastricht University and Hasselt University
• BOF internal guidelines

Assessment criteria?

• Scientific quality of the candidate:
  • Study results
  • Motivation and relevant competences
• 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:
  • embedding of proposed project in research policy of the hosting research institute/group/school
  • explain how the project will enhance the collaboration between both universities
  • indicate prospect of more sustainable collaboration
  • equal involvement of both sides

The applications will be assessed by a selection committee appointed for that purpose by the Faculty Board of Maastricht University and the Research Council of Hasselt University.

Timing?

• 1 March 2024, 17h00: Deadline submission of applications
• May 2024: Preselection
• June 2024: Final decision

More information?

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

Contact Maastricht University:
E-mail: a.janssen@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Tel: +31 (0)6 48458090

Deadline

01.03.2024

Contact Hasselt University?

E-mail elke.bos@uhasselt.be

Tel. +3211269053