Application requirements and selection process

Below you find the list of candidates that have been awarded, at the end of the evaluation process, first place for the topic of the corresponding number.

Please note that:

• Typically several other candidates have been selected and ranked for each topic. All of these candidates have been informed that they have been placed on a waiting list.
• Selected candidats are not shown for several topics because of on-going verifications. The full list will be published soon.
• Note that all candidates have been informed or will be informed until end of June about the status of their application.

Application process and system

The SEED PhD topics for cohort #2 will be published October 10th at the latest, stay tuned!

In order to apply, check first all information on the application requirements below.

Submit your application via the

SEED application system

Applications, 2nd call: opening of application platform on 10 Oct 2024, 12 PM (Paris time, CEST), closing on 10 Nov. 2024 12 PM (Paris time, CET)

For any information request beyond the info on these pages, contact  

seed-contact AT imt-atlantique DOT fr

Please do not send applications to this mail address!

Application information

SEED Guide for Applicants (PDF, 1.1 MB)

Application requirements

Eligibility criteria. In accordance with MSCA rules, SEED will open to applicants without any conditions of nationality nor age criteria. SEED applies the MSCA mobility standards and necessary background. Eligible candidates must fulfil the following criteria

• Mobility rule: Candidates must show transnational mobility by having not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the three years immediately before the deadline of the co-funded program's call (10 November 2024 for Call #2). Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.
• Early-stage researchers (ESR): Candidates must have a master’s degree or an equivalent diploma at the time of their enrolment (and not already at the time of application on 10 Oct. 2024) and must be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research career. Moreover, they must not have been awarded a doctoral degree before.
  Extensions may be granted (under certain conditions) for maternity leave, paternity leave, as well as long-term illness or national service.

The candidates need to provide hard evidence that they fulfil the eligibility criteria as part of their application file.

The SEED programme promotes gender equity and commits to foster equal opportunities in line with European Union regulations and recommendations. The scientific components of the SEED programme will be fundamentally gender-blind, and all the stakeholders in this proposal consider the promotion of gender balance as a priority both at the level of ESR recruitment (including at the dissemination call level) in the selection committee and also in the Executive Board. The programme is committed to provide equal opportunities, irrespective of gender, colour, race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origins, disability or age.

Application from researchers with disabilities and/or refugee status will be facilitated

SEED timeline

 

 

FAQ

In the following, you find a (continually expanding) list of answers to frequently asked questions.

In case of any new questions or need of further information, please contact

 

seed-contact AT imt-atlantique DOT fr

 

Currently you find answers to the following questions:

• I am studying in France: am I eligible for SEED PhD positions? [E1]
• What about time spent in France under special statuses prior to my application (eg., national service, refugees)? [E2]
• When do I have to finish my masters and submit my MSc diploma? At application time or at enrolment time? [A1]
• Do I have to submit an IELTS certification? Are there other ways to justify a sufficient level of proficiency in English? [A2]
• What references should I propose for recommendation letters? [A3]

 

Eligibility conditions

• I am studying in France: am I eligible for SEED PhD positions? [E1]

  Generally, students studying in France are eligible if the have studied at most 12 months out of the last 36 months in France.

  However, study periods in France are not counted against this 12-month limit in several cases, notably if have an official refugee status.

  Other exemptions apply, please contact us to get more information.

• What about time spent in France under special statuses prior to my application (eg., national service, refugees)? [E2]

  The following rules apply that are part of Horizon Europe - Work Programme 2023-2024 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions:

  Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays and time spent by the researcher as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.

 

Application conditions and documents

• When do I have to finish my masters and submit my MSc diploma? At application time or at enrolment time? [A1]

  You do have to present your MSc diploma at enrolment time, sometime (shortly) before the effective start of your PhD.

• Do I have to submit an IELTS certification? Are there other ways to justify a sufficient level of proficiency in English? [A2]

  We consider (and normally accept) any other well-established English language certification that justifies a level of proficiency equivalent to our IELTS requirements.

  We also consider (and normally accept as sufficient) English proficiency acquired by following full (!) study programs taught in English. Note that this is evaluated on a case-by-case basis: participation in programs that are only partially taught in English, for instance, will be evaluated in detail and may be accepted.

  Finally, we will consider and may accept other justification of your English proficiency.

• What references should I propose for recommendation letters? [A3]

  We are looking mainly for references to professors and researchers that can provide recommendations for your most recent research-related activities, in particular, your MSc studies if they are recent or on-going.

  We will, however, contact any reference you provide and consider any recommendation from them.