The NeurotechEU Doctoral Network
The NeurotechEU Doctoral Network connects PhD researchers across Europe working in neurotechnology and related fields. It provides opportunities to expand professional networks, collaborate across institutions, exchange ideas, and develop within an international research community. In addition to scientific interaction, the network places strong emphasis on career development and transferable skills relevant to both academic and non-academic career paths.
Application
Application deadline: July 17, 2026
Required documents:
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
- CV (Europass; inclusive PhD start date, faculty/ department, supervisors, topic, BIGS membership yes or no)
- Certificate of enrolment
Join the First NeurotechEU Doctoral Network Cohort
Become part of an international community of early-career neurotechnology researchers. Discover the programme, check your eligibility, and find out when to apply.
What?
Online and in-person thematic workshops, seminars, networking events, collaborative formats, and opportunities for international mobility within the NeurotechEU alliance.
The final curriculum for the first cohort is currently under development. It will be shared on the Alliance wide website.
Who?
We are looking for up to 5 PhD candidates enrolled at the University of Bonn (or affiliated partner institutions) who are working in a neurotechnology-related field.
Applicants should ideally be in the early stage of their PhD (≤ 1 year), as the focus is on long-term engagement and community building.
When?
The first cohort will be selected locally at each NeurotechEU partner university, starting in summer this year. In Bonn, the application period opens in June, and selected candidates are expected to be announced in August. The in-person kick-off meeting is scheduled for autumn 2026.
FAQ
Anyone who is enrolled as a doctoral researcher at the University of Bonn and whose research field is broadly connected to neurotechnologies can apply. We are looking for students who started their work in the beginning of 2026. In general, we are looking for PhD students who can join the network for around three years. Each year, we can offer a maximum of 5 places.
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
- CV (Europass; incl. PhD start date, faculty/ department, supervisors, topic, BIGS membership (yes/ no))
- Certificate of enrolment
Yes. Membership in a BIGS does not exclude you from applying. The Doctoral Network is designed as a complementary programme and can be combined with your existing BIGS enrolment. Participation in Doctoral Network activities (e.g. seminars or workshops) should be coordinated with your BIGS organisers. How attendance is integrated into individual BIGS schedules is currently handled on a case-by-case basis and will be further standardised in the future.
Yes, you will receive an official certificate from the NeurotechEU upon successful completion and participation in the Doctoral Network activities. The exact conditions will be announced as soon as the final curriculum and remaining administrative tasks are completed.
Information on financial support for travel and participation in Doctoral Network activities will be provided here as soon as funding arrangements for accompanying activities have been confirmed.
