Call for proposals
The CNRS-University of Sherbrooke Joint PhD Program is a joint call for projects between the CNRS and the University of Sherbrooke (UdeS) that is part of the objectives of the International Research Center (IRC) “Innovations for a Sustainable Planet,” launched between the two institutions in April 2024.
Each joint project selected under this call will enable the funding of two doctoral scholarships over three years, one funded by the CNRS for the doctoral student from the CNRS unit, and another funded by UdeS for the doctoral student from UdeS. The winning projects will also receive funding for mobility between France and UdeS.
The 2026 call for projects aims to catalyze scientific and technological innovations centered on the concept of a “sustainable planet.” Particular attention will be paid to environmental issues, energy efficiency, and low-carbon solutions. Projects must demonstrate how they integrate these dimensions from the design stage onwards.
This year, the call focuses on four specific themes:
- Low-carbon and frugal technologies and innovations
- Solutions for decarbonization and energy efficiency
- Environmental observation and analysis, and biodiversity preservation
- Sustainable development and responsible innovation.
All projects must fall within the scope of at least two of the IRC's four focus areas, and demonstrate this in the proposal:
- Responsible innovation, transitions, and biodiversity
- Micro-nanotechnologies
- Sustainable chemistry and material circularity - Responsible low-carbon materials for sustainable construction
- Quantum science and technology
Who can submit an application?
UdeS professors, associate professors who are members of CNRS international research laboratories based at UdeS, together with researchers and teacher-researchers (PU, MCF) affiliated with a laboratory under the supervision of the CNRS (UMR, UPR).
Calendar
Submission deadline: November 2, 2025
Announcement of results: February 16, 2026