KU Leuven – Melbourne Call for Joint PhD Projects

Overview

In 2020, KU Leuven and the University of Melbourne (UoM) established the KU Leuven-Melbourne joint PhD program, providing opportunities for international research collaboration. The first cohort consisted of 12 supervisory teams supporting 24 candidates completing joint PhD projects in a wide range of research areas. Candidates benefit from their international supervisory teams, access to high-quality research networks and the development of a global perspective.

Candidates participating in the PhD program are enrolled at both institutions, perform their research work under joint supervision, and are assessed according to the academic standards of both institutions. Upon successful completion, each candidate will be eligible to receive a PhD recognised by two testamurs - one from UoM and one from KU Leuven. Both testamurs will state the joint nature of the award and the name of the partner institution.

In 2023, KU Leuven and UoM are calling for proposals to establish up to 10 joint PhD projects across ten separate pairs of PIs. Each of these ten PI pairs will access funding for two joint PhD candidates.

It is up to the partners involved in the individual projects to cover consumable costs.

This call for joint PhD project proposals is open to applications from academic supervisors only. If you are a prospective candidate interested in applying for a joint PhD, please refer to the information available here.

Eligibility

The Supervisory team must comprise of at least two Principal Investigators (PIs), one from KU Leuven and one from the University of Melbourne. The PIs must have capacity to serve as primary supervisors for two jointly enrolled PhD candidates.

UoM academics

UoM PIs must be registered to supervise as per the Supervisor Eligibility and Registration Policy. Primary supervisors should be employed at UoM beyond the envisaged submission date of their PhD candidates (2029). If their employment contract does not extend beyond the candidates’ submission date, then alternative arrangements must be in place, by either having:

1. A named co-supervisor employed at UoM beyond the envisaged submission date of their PhD candidates (2029); or
2. A letter of support from the respective Head of Department/Head of School detailing the arrangements in place to ensure continuity of supervision.

For more information, including forms for supervisor registration, please consult the information for supervisors section on the Graduate Research Hub.

Honorary employees whose primary academic affiliation is with UoM are eligible to lead an application as a PI if they are a registered Principal Supervisor at UoM, and either:

1. Their primary employer has entered into a written agreement for this call to fund the Melbourne cash component of the collaborative activity; or
2. They participate at their own expense if they are otherwise unaffiliated (for example, they hold an emeritus position).

Melbourne academics must not have outstanding Progress Reports or Final Reports from any other University of Melbourne Researcher Development Scheme.

KU Leuven academics

KU Leuven academics must meet the requirements of the General regulations and conditions Internal Funds. The KU Leuven PI and main applicant will also become the ‘promoter’ of the doctorate at KU Leuven. KU Leuven co-PI’s can become co-promoters of one or both PhDs

Supplementary notes for all applicants

Additional colleagues (including other partners in Australia, Belgium or internationally) are not eligible to apply as primary supervisors, although they can participate in co-supervision of joint PhDs.

Applications that do not satisfy these criteria will not be eligible.

How to apply

1. Review the guidelines

   Please review the guidelines before submission.

2. Complete and submit the application

   A single, jointly-prepared proposal in English must be submitted via SmartyGrants by Friday 9 February 2024 5.00 pm AEDT (Melbourne)/ 7.00 am CEST (Brussels). Applications should be written in English and for an audience proficient, but not expert, in the field.

   All Melbourne PIs must ensure that the Head of Department/School and Associate Dean (Graduate Research) endorsement is attached to the application using the approval forms also available under 'Supporting Documents' below. Melbourne applicants who hold an Honorary position must also complete the Honorary declaration form.

   If the application involves a PI from Melbourne's Faculty of Arts, the approval forms must be provided in addition to the supporting statement on how the candidates will be the Faculty’s PhD coursework requirement.

Supporting documents

- KU Leuven - Melbourne Joint Call Guidelines 2023/2024

- KU Leuven - Melbourne SmartyGrants application form 2023

- HoD and Associate Dean (Graduate Research) approval forms

- Honorary declaration form

Contacts