The CDP facilitates dual PhD projects, where HEIs/universities and the JRC jointly design, host, and supervise doctoral research across the JRC portfolios.
It is specifically a collaborative scheme, where the scientific collaboration between the HEIs/universities and the JRC will result in PhD research of common interest based on fresh ideas and new techniques. To ensure productive collaboration and the best possible supervision for students, the CDP promotes best practices for supervisors on dual supervision.
The programme does not involve an exchange of money; each institution covers the cost of the doctoral candidate according to their stay at the respective institution. Doctoral candidates will be covered with a single 'Grantholder Category 20' contract during their stay at the JRC, with a duration of one to two years.
The CDP issues an annual call for expressions of interest from HEIs/universities to participate in the programme (since 2025).
Programme timeline
- JanuaryCall for expressions of interest opens
The call for expressions of interest is directed at HEIs/universities that wish to jointly organise PhD projects with their JRC counterparts. They should be able to host and train PhD candidates.
- MarchCall for expressions of interest closes
- AprilAnnouncement of selection results
- April - MayPhD project definition and contracting
Successful applicants will engage with the JRC Scientific Unit to co-define a PhD project of common interest under the collaboration topic. The HEI/university and the JRC sign a collaboration agreement that will be valid for five years.
- June - AugustSelection of PhD researchers
Once the PhD projects have been defined and the collaboration agreement signed, the HEIs/universities and the JRC will post and promote the job vacancy in their networks and jointly select the right candidate.
- September - DecemberStart of the PhD project
It is our aim to align the CDP PhD projects with the academic calendar. This means that there will be a cohort of new PhD researchers starting more or less simultaneously in the fall semesters and connecting with each other. PhD projects can, however, start on a rolling basis should this be necessary.