The French Ministry of the Armed Forces and the Defense Innovation Agency (DIA) are launching the DIA Cifre-Défense 2023 call for thesis projects. It covers military and dual (civilian and military) topics. EU, UK and Swiss citizens are eligible.
Check out the details of funded topics and apply by May 5, 2023.
Research projects funded by the Defence Innovation Agency (DIA) include doctoral theses, in particular Cifre-Defense theses (Industry Conventions for Training through Research). Their goal is to engage defence companies more closely in defence R&T, including thesis work on priority defence topics identified by the DIA.
DIA co-finances around 15 Cifre-Defense theses every year (€42,000/thesis for 3 years).
The selected theses are co-funded by DIA and a company. Applications for funding include a commitment by the company to complement DIA funding and employ a PhD candidate.
New in 2023
Companies no longer have to find a PhD student to submit a proposal. A nomination package is always recommended but becomes optional. An additional period of three weeks after the project acceptance is announced is added to complete the project with the application form. The DIA can reject a selected project if the committee's nominee does not meet the required profile.
Only EU, UK and Swiss candidates are eligible. No exceptions will be made for this rule.