INGENIUM launches its 2026 Call for Joint PhD Programmes
The INGENIUM European University Alliance is pleased to announce the opening of applications for its 2026 Joint PhD Programmes.
Bringing together the expertise of universities across Europe, the doctoral programmes hosted within the INGENIUM Alliance provide an international and collaborative research environment that combines academic excellence with interdisciplinary training.
Through joint supervision, cross-border mobility and close cooperation between partner institutions, doctoral candidates have the opportunity to address major societal and scientific challenges while working across Europe and earning a joint European doctoral degree.
The 2026 call includes three Joint PhD programmes: Earth and Planetary Sciences, Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence and Innovative Strategies for Wellbeing.
Joint PhD in Earth and Planetary Sciences
Designed and delivered by four partner universities—University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara (UdA, Italy), Munster Technological University (MTU, Ireland), University of Oviedo (UNIOVI, Spain) and University of Crete (Grece)—the programme promotes a research activity in Earth and planetary systems as interconnected natural laboratories, providing scientific foundations for resource sustainability, risk reduction, conservation of natural and cultural heritage, and space exploration. Interdisciplinary co-supervisions in engineering, computer science, architecture, aerospace and biomedical fields may be activated when functional to specific geological or planetary questions.
Doctoral candidates will explore:
geosciences, engineering, computer science, biology, environmental technology, data analysis, always within a structure guided by geological and planetary problems. Complementary expertise in satellite observation, robotics, infrastructures, habitats and biometrics, materials and digital twins will enrich the programme while maintaining a geological core.
Places and funding:
- POSITIONS
- 1
- 2
- 1
- FUNDING INSTITUTION
- UdA
- MTU
- UdA-GoInfoteam
- PRIMARY LOCATION
- Chieti-Pescara
- Cork
- Chieti-Pescara
Duration: 3–4 years (starting 2 November 2026)
Working language: English
Programme Coordinator: Prof. Giovanna Vessia
giovanna.vessia@unich.it
Joint PhD in Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence: Foundations and Applications
Designed and delivered by seven partner universities—University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara (UdA, Italy), Munster Technological University (MTU, Ireland), University of Oviedo (UNIOVI, Spain), Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA, Germany), Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iași (TUIASI, Romania), South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk, Finland) and the University of Skövde (HiS, Sweden)—the programme promotes interdisciplinary research on the design, development and evaluation of Artificial Intelligence systems centred on human needs, values and capabilities. Through international co-supervision, mobility opportunities and collaboration across partner institutions, doctoral candidates will contribute to advancing trustworthy, transparent and socially responsible AI.
Doctoral candidates will explore:
computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, engineering, mathematics, logic, statistics, psychology and economics, with a focus on explainable AI, trustworthy AI, human-computer interaction, machine learning, decision support systems and responsible digital innovation.
Places and funding:
- POSITIONS
- 2
- 2
- FUNDING INSTITUTION
- UdA
- MTU
- PRIMARY LOCATION
- Chieti-Pescara
- Cork
Duration: 3–4 years (starting 2 November 2026)
Working language: English
Programme Coordinator: Prof. Gianpiero Monaco
gianpiero.monaco@unich.it
Joint PhD in Innovative Strategies for Wellbeing
Now in its second edition, Innovative Strategies for Wellbeing brings together the University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara (UdA, Italy), Munster Technological University (MTU, Ireland) and South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK, Finland).
The programme combines expertise in life sciences, engineering, digital technologies and behavioural sciences to investigate innovative approaches to health and wellbeing. Doctoral candidates will study the neurophysiological, genetic and psychological determinants of wellbeing while developing advanced wearable technologies, cyber-physical systems, AI-driven data analytics and environmental interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and resilience.
The interdisciplinary approach prepares researchers to tackle major societal challenges including healthy ageing, chronic diseases and environmental stressors.
Places and funding
- POSITIONS
- 2
- 1
- 1
- FUNDING INSTITUTION
- UdA
- MTU
- XAMK
- PRIMARY LOCATION
- Chieti-Pescara
- Cork
- Kotka / Mikkeli
Duration: 3–4 years (starting 2 November 2026)
Working language: English
Programme Coordinator: Prof. Francesca Ferri francesca.ferri@unich.it
Joint degree and European mobility
All programmes offer a joint European doctoral degree, international co-supervision, funded mobility at partner universities, access to specialised laboratories and research infrastructures, as well as opportunities to collaborate with industry and international research networks.
Doctoral candidates become part of the wider INGENIUM community, benefiting from an international learning environment and interdisciplinary mentoring across the Alliance.
Key dates
- 21 August 2026 (11:00 AM CEST-Italian Time) – Application deadline
- 14 September 2026 – Publication of s pre-selection results
- 17 September 2026 – Online interviews
How to apply
As the administrative headquarters of the Joint PhD programmes are established at the University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, applications are managed through the UdA Doctoral School.
Applicants are invited to:
-
- Download the full call for applications and information sheet (attachments below).
- Register on the PICA platform and complete the online form (application fee €40).
- Upload your CV, research proposal (max 10 000 characters) and required certificates.
