Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes. Applicants who have not yet completed their Master’s degree may apply, provided they can demonstrate that they are expected to complete the degree before the start of the PhD position. In such cases, applicants must submit their current transcript of records as part of the application. A final diploma will be required before employment can begin.

A: No. Applicants already in possession of a PhD or who have defended their thesis are not eligible.

Yes. To be admitted to a doctoral programme, you must have completed at least 240 credits of higher education (equivalent to 4 years of full-time study), including a minimum of 60 credits at the Master’s level. 

A: No. The requirement is English proficiency. Candidates must have a very good command of English. Applicants may be asked to provide proof of proficiency (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS) if required by the individual host department or node. Applicants who have completed a degree taught in English or who are native English speakers typically do not need to submit a test score.

A: Applicants need a relevant master’s degree aligned with the project. Typical backgrounds will be specified by project leaders and checked for compatibility.

A: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the host country for more than 12 months in the past 3 years before the application deadline (exceptions: holidays, compulsory service, refugee status).

A: Yes. You must list up to 4 research projects of interest in your application.

A: A total of 55 doctoral fellows will be recruited across two calls (2026 and 2027).

Yes. Applicants are required to submit full transcripts of records for all relevant degrees. Diplomas alone do not contain sufficient information about grades. If you have not yet completed your degree, intermediate transcripts must be provided.

Yes. Applicants must provide contact details for two academic referees, preferably including the supervisor of their Master’s thesis or equivalent research work. 
Only applications with completed reference submissions will be considered for further evaluation.

A: Applications are reviewed in two steps:

1. Remote evaluation by at least 3 experts, scoring CV, motivation, project fit, and eligibility.
2. Remote interview, scored on communication, scientific excellence, and career plan.

A: Yes. Applicants with disabilities, refugee status, or underrepresented gender can receive +0.5 points per category during evaluation.

A: The programme has dedicated policies for gender balance, disability inclusion, and career restart support. Supervisors must undergo DEI training, and selection panels will be gender balanced.

A: Yes. Fellows will be employed by the host university (Lund University, DTU, MHH, or LUMC) under local regulations.

A: The salary includes a base allowance, which may be supplemented according to the institutional rules and guidelines of the host organization. Fellows also receive a mobility allowance, and additional funds are available to cover research, training, and management-related expenses.

A: No. PhD fellows are hired as employees, not paying students.

A: Partially. The MSCA COFUND scheme provides a mobility allowance to contribute to relocation and settling-in costs. However, it is a fixed amount and may not fully cover all expenses (e.g., flights, shipping belongings etc)

A: Yes. Employment contracts include social security, pension, and maternity/parental leave provisions, enabling family accompaniment.

A: Yes. Fellows are supported by host institution services and help desks, which cover visas and administrative support

A: The PhD programme lasts 48 months at Lund University, Leiden University and Hannover medical School and 36 month at DTU, Copenhagen

The PhD programme has a standard duration of 48 months at Lund University, Leiden University, and Hannover Medical School, and 36 months at DTU in Copenhagen.

Employment contracts will align with the respective host institutions' regulations, lasting either 36 or 48 months. Extensions may be granted for reasons such as parental leave, long-term illness, or accidents (including those caused by pandemics). These extensions will not negatively impact the training period, and salaries will remain secure in accordance with national regulations.

Yes. Applicants can select projects across the implementing partners (Lund University, DTU, MHH, LUMC). Final placement depends on project match and selection.

A: 

• 3 Summer Schools and 3 Winter Schools (topics: innovation, clinical translation, commercialisation, ELSI).
• Training in interdisciplinary research and transferable skills.
• Career Development Planning (CDP) with supervisors.
• Possibility to do Secondments

A: Yes. Each fellow creates a Career Development Plan with supervisors, covering training, secondments, career goals, and outreach/teaching opportunities.

A: Yes. Each project includes 1–12-month secondments at associated partners (academic, clinical, or industry).

A: Yes. Fellows will attend Summer/Winter schools, complete secondments, and receive support for conferences and training.

A: Fellows will use state-of-the-art infrastructure across host institutions.