Yia sas! Bonjour! EURECA-PRO PhD Journey 2026 applications are open
Are you a PhD researcher looking to broaden your academic horizons, strengthen your skills, and connect with fellow researchers in an international setting? The annual EURECA-PRO PhD Journey is back, offering a unique experience through our partner universities in Crete, Greece, and Lorraine, France.
This year's in-person programme will take place from 23–27 November 2026 at either Université de Lorraine (UL) or Technical University of Crete (TUC), providing young researchers with an excellent opportunity to expand their international network and collaborate with peers from diverse academic backgrounds.
Strengthen your skills, expand your impact, connect across Europe
Alongside a tailor-made programme built around your chosen thematic focus, you will develop valuable transversal skills that complement your academic expertise. Deepen your understanding of our European Universities alliance EURECA-PRO's core mission of promoting Responsible Consumption and Production (United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12), while exploring topics such as the circular economy, life-cycle assessment, sustainable innovation, and practical solutions to complex societal challenges.
Beyond the training programme, the PhD Journey offers unique opportunities to connect and collaborate. You will be matched with professors and researchers working in your field, gain access to state-of-the-art research labs, and engage in meaningful academic discussions on some of today's most pressing sustainability issues.
Highlights at Université de Lorraine
Experience circular economy principles in practice through activities focused on energy production, food and cosmetic innovation, and sustainable business models.
Participants will also visit a pilot plant addressing cutting-edge mineral processing challenges, providing valuable insights into industrial innovation and resource efficiency.
The PhD Journey at Université de Lorraine features thematic tracks including biotechnology, historical and cultural studies, energy and thermodynamics, environmental and soil engineering, and a wide range of interdisciplinary sustainability topics.
Highlights at Technical University of Crete
Participants can take part in hands-on workshops, including:
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Sustainable Cretan Farm-to-Fork Experience, exploring sustainable food systems from production to consumption.
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From Research Bench to Start-up Launch, discovering how research can be transformed into entrepreneurial ventures and real-world impact.
The Technical University of Crete offers thematic tracks in areas such as waste management, urban and regional planning, computational and mechanical engineering, heritage conservation, and other sustainability-focused disciplines.
Immerse yourself in local culture
The PhD Journey is more than a research programme; it is also a cultural and social experience.
In Crete, you will discover Hellenic and Cretan culture through an introduction to the Greek language and local traditions, a 9D journey into the Minoan World, and a traditional Cretan dinner (including a glass of raki, of course).
In Lorraine, you will experience the charm of Nancy during the festive pre-Christmas season, explore one of France's most beautiful historic cities, and enjoy a gala dinner in an elegant French setting.
Important dates and practical information
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Online training phase: starts on 5 October 2026
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On-site research week: 23-27 November 2026
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Application deadline: 10 July 2026
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Registration: free of charge
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Funding Hasselt University: travel and accommodation support available via the EURECA-PRO Outgoing Mobility Programme
A special UHasselt experience
To mark this unique journey, all selected UHasselt participants will receive an exclusive EURECA-PRO hoodie and matching socks: your perfect companions for a memorable research adventure abroad.
Join the EURECA-PRO PhD Journey 2026
Take your PhD research to the next level by joining a truly European academic adventure. Build your network, strengthen your skills, and immerse yourself in interdisciplinary research in either Crete or Lorraine.
