EUTOPIA-SIF 4th Call: Elevate Your Research Career

In academic excellence, the EUTOPIA-SIF 4th Call emerges as a beacon of opportunity for post-doctoral researchers seeking to enrich their scholarly journey. Presented by the EUTOPIA European University Alliance, this program beckons young scholars to embark on a transformative odyssey that promises to redefine the trajectory of their academic pursuits.

Key Dates

The portal to this exceptional opportunity will swing open on the 14th of September, 2023, and remain ajar until the 14th of December, 2023, for primary application materials. Those aspiring to submit a comprehensive research proposal have until the 11th of January, 2024, to do so. Additionally, an optional pre-application phase, lasting until the 5th of October, 2023, aims to facilitate the matchmaking between candidates and host research groups.

Unlocking the EUTOPIA-SIF Experience

EUTOPIA-SIF, short for EUTOPIA Science and Innovation Fellowships Programme, extends an exclusive invitation to enter the sphere of its academic ecosystem. It offers a forum where promising young researchers can nurture their research projects amidst the stimulating environment of the EUTOPIA Alliance. The programme prioritizes extensive research mobility, with two imperative secondment periods — one at another EUTOPIA university (co-host university) and another at an external academic or non-academic partner institution. This duality of experiences fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, tangible research impact, and innovative thinking among fellows.

Furthermore, EUTOPIA-SIF post-doctoral fellows gain privileged access to a robust training regimen encompassing career guidance, academic supervision, and developing transferable skills. The presence of seasoned mentors ensures that the fellows are not merely participants but active architects of their academic destinies.

Selecting Your Academic Home

EUTOPIA-SIF fellowships are awarded by one of six out of ten EUTOPIA universities in the programme. These institutions include Vrije Universiteit Brussel, CY Cergy Paris University, University of Gothenburg, University of Ljubljana, Pompeu Fabra University-Barcelona, and The University of Warwick. Selected 2023/24 call candidates will commence their positions in September 2024.

Interdisciplinary Research: A Cornerstone

The EUTOPIA-SIF programme advocates for interdisciplinary interactions. It firmly believes that resolving profound scientific and societal challenges necessitates collaborative engagement with experts from diverse fields. Consequently, applications from scholars representing various disciplines — encompassing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Social Sciences, and Humanities and Arts — are warmly welcomed.

Eligibility and Benefits

The programme is inclusive and accessible to young researchers, regardless of nationality, possessing a PhD or equivalent. The pivotal stipulation is adherence to the MSCA-COFUND mobility rule, which prescribes that candidates should not have resided or conducted their primary activities in the selected primary host university’s country for more than 12 months in the three years preceding the call deadline. Seniority is not a prerequisite, but candidates should not hold a permanent position at the fellowship's initiation.

The Value Proposition

The EUTOPIA-SIF program is strategically designed to empower young researchers by offering an array of compelling benefits:

• A 2-year employment contract featuring a monthly gross salary of €4,349.
• Unfettered academic freedom to pursue research projects in state-of-the-art infrastructures.
• International and intersectoral mobility, facilitated through secondment periods.
• A comprehensive training program featuring transferable skills development.
• A supportive living environment marked by a high quality of life.

Navigating the Application Process

Candidates keen on optimizing their prospects may choose to participate in the pre-application stage. During this phase, they are encouraged to indicate their preferred Key Research Area(s) and potential academic supervisors. The evaluation process scrutinizes applications for scientific quality, prior experience, feasibility, and potential impact.

Joining the Journey

The EUTOPIA-SIF 4th Call ushers in a transformative era for aspiring researchers, promising them a platform to excel across diverse disciplines and transcend academic boundaries. It is not merely an opportunity; it represents a compelling invitation to shape the research and innovation landscape.

Explore the EUTOPIA-SIF 4th call for further insights and application details. Your voyage towards academic excellence commences here.