ENhanced PhD Fellowship Programme in the Sciences of LIGHT

2026-07-22

ENLIGHTEN is a 65-month MCSA COFUND doctoral fellowship programme that aims at recruiting outstanding early stage researchers (ESRs) to carry out ambitious PhD-projects at ICFO in a wide range of topics at the forefront of the photonic sciences. It will offer 20 highly competitive fellowships of 36 months duration, through 4 calls, to outstanding international candidates, and equip them unique capabilities to become future leaders in the academic and industrial worlds. The objective of ENLIGHTEN is to establish a top-level European PhD program at ICFO-Barcelona, competitive with the best PhD programs in Photonic Sciences worldwide. The support provided by ENLIGHTEN will enable ICFO to continue to enhance the quality and impact of our PhD program with respect to recruitment, training, mentoring and career development. The project aims to: - Provide exceptional training to outstanding international Early-Stage Researchers in the Photonic Sciences - Embed a commitment to Open Science, Scientific Ethics, and the principles of Responsible Research and Innovation - Establish an international benchmark in supervision, mentoring and career development of ESRs - Ensure equal opportunity in the recruitment and training of ESRs from under-represented and diverse international backgrounds, with particular attention paid to women in science. ENLIGHTEN will accelerate the career development of its Fellows, and enhance the European talent base and competitiveness in R&I, strengthen research output and impact in photonic scinece, and enhance key regional and international networks of academic and industrial collaborators. ENLIGHTEN will forge a new generation of leaders with outstanding research skills, a deep commitment the highest professional and scientific standards, and a life-long connection to the institute.

Spain

2026-02-01