Nextstep Doctoral Programme

NEXTSTEP will train 36 young and enthusiastic researchers to exploit the unique and transversal capabilities of analytical research infrastructures (RIs) in tackling the challenges associated with sustainable development and industrial competitiveness in the areas of “Health”, “Digital, Industry & Space”, “Climate, Energy and Mobility” and “Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment”, which are at the heart of Horizon Europe. Doctoral students will be hosted by the research infrastructures ESRF, ILL, FZJ, NTNU and AREA, with registration at project partner universities across Europe. Projects may be in collaboration with academia, industry and RTOs. Recruitment will begin in March 2025 for the first cohort of students, for projects to start in Autumn 2025. A second cohort will be recruited in 2026. This is an exceptional training opportunity providing experience of using Europe's most advanced analytical instrumentation while carrying out exciting projects of relevance to global challenges. Host institutes: ESRF, Grenoble, France: www.esrf.fr ILL, Grenoble, France: www.ill.eu FZJ, Julich, Germany: www.fz-juelich.de NTNU, Trondheim, Norway: www.ntnu.edu AREA Science Park, Trieste, Italy: www.areasciencepark.it