If you are a young researcher with a Master degree and an ambition to continue your academic journey, the EU-CONEXUS Enables PhD Call 2025 could be the next step for you. The application window opens on May 1st, 2025. This is an opportunity to join a fully funded, internationally co-supervised PhD programme built around some of today’s most relevant challenges, such as climate resilience, digital innovation, and sustainable design. 

EU-CONEXUS Enables is designed to support early-stage researchers who want to go beyond the lab or library and develop comprehensive solutions for real-world problems. Each selected candidate will work closely with experienced supervisors at two universities, receive a joint PhD degree, and take part in a future-focused research project. 

PhD Topics and Partner Universities 

Research topics available in 2025 focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and energy efficiency. Each one is co-led by two EU-CONEXUS Enables partner universities. 

  1. Harnessing Algae-Derived Biostimulants to Enhance Crop Resilience and Productivity: A Multi-Omics and Digital Twin Approach 
    Collaborating institutions: Agricultural University of Athens and Catholic University of Valencia  
  2. Multi-Layered Digital Twin for Sustainable Coastal Built Environment 
    Collaborating institutions: Frederick University and University of Rostock  
  3. Hiking 4.0: The Digital Transformation of Hiking and Its Impact on the Sustainable Management of Natural Parks in Coastal or Peri-Urban Areas 
    Collaborating institutions: University of Zadar and Catholic University of Valencia 
  4. Development of a Digital Twin for Ships’ Diesel Engine Operating on Alternative Fuels 
    Collaborating institutions: Klaipeda University and University of Rostock  
  5. Enhancing Energy and Environmental Efficiency through Integrated Parametric and Agent-Based Modelling for Bio-Mimetic Design in Structural Components (E3-BioMod) 
    Collaborating institutions: Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest and South East Technological University  

What’s In It for You? 

Each PhD position includes: 

  • A joint degree from two respected European universities; 
  • Two supervisors from different institutions; 
  • The total funding will cover the monthly salary of the PhD student; 
  • Research connected to real industrial and communal needs; 
  • Training in skills that matter, such as science communication, research ethics, open science, and working with non-academic partners. 

This opportunity is an invitation for an intense few years of hard work, filled with deep thinking and meaningful collaboration. It will also provide the selected applicants with a strong academic profile and valuable professional experience. 

How to Apply 

Applications are open from 1 to 31 May, 2025. Applicants are required to provide the following information and documents: 

  • CV; 
  • A motivation letter explaining how the selected topic and programme align with personal ambitions and career aspirations; 
  • A copy of a passport or ID; 
  • A Master’s diploma (or a confirmation of graduation prior to the start of the PhD programme); 
  • The official Application form; 
  • Recommendation Letter.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews in June. Final decisions will be made by July 20, 2025, and the PhD programmes are set to begin in autumn. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for researchers who seek more than a title – they want to grow, contribute, and be part of something bigger. If that resonates, do not miss this opportunity! 

🔗 More info and application details here. 

All activities are organized under the EU-funded project EU-CONEXUS ENABLES (Project number: 101136822), titled ‘Promoting Excellence Through Innovative Eco-systems‘.