First-time Researchers Academy

student taking notes

Applications are now open for the First-time Researchers Academy, taking place in Lisbon from 17 to 21 November 2025, with a follow-up online session in January 2026. Open to PhD students from Transform4Europe (T4EU) partner universities, this first edition of the joint doctoral training programme offers a unique chance to collaborate across institutions and enhance research skills.

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The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, 17 October (12:00 noon). 

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Please note that you do not need to register on the organisers’ website. Simply apply using the link above. Details of the selected candidates will be forwarded to the organisers. Successful applicants will be notified by Wednesday, 29 October.
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Important: the activity carried out at the Academy corresponds to a type 4 activity in the record ​book for the Recognition of credits in PhD programmes. It can be recognised for a maximum of 2.5 CFU and will be evaluated by the Doctoral Teaching Body. Please consult UniTS’s credit attribution rules and discuss with your supervisor or coordinator, following also the dedicated T4EU guidelines. Failure to comply with these guidelines will preclude credit recognition.

Eligibility

Two successful candidates will be chosen. Eligible PhD candidates at the University of Trieste must:

  • Be in the 2nd or 3rd year of their PhD and actively enrolled at the University of Trieste.
  • Have a level of English proficiency (speaking, reading, and writing) sufficient to actively engage with all courses and activities, which will be delivered entirely in English. The organisers have indicated a minimum level of B2.
  • Submit a motivation statement (max. 2000 characters, in English) explaining:
    1. Why they wish to participate in the Academy.
    2. How the programme would benefit their development at this specific stage of their doctoral research.
    3. How their academic and professional goals align with the Academy’s focus on research design, academic writing, open science, impact, communication, leadership, and networking.
  • Applications will be assessed on:
  1. Clarity and strength of motivation.
  2. Relevance of the programme to the candidate’s current stage of research.
  3. Potential for professional growth in line with the European Competence Framework for Researchers (interdisciplinarity, international networking, career management, and science communication).
  4. Ability to participate fully in English