Are you a doctoral researcher at one of Una Europa’s partner universities?

                             >>> Application form <<<

Is your research connected to Cultural Heritage, Future Materials and Technologies, or One Health?
Would you like to communicate the impact of your research beyond academia?

Then apply for the Una Europa PhD Impact Award 2026.

The Una Europa PhD Impact Award recognises and celebrates the impact and potential impact of doctoral research across the alliance. The initiative encourages PhD candidates to reflect on how their work contributes to society and to develop the ability to communicate its value to a broader, non-specialist audience.

Applicants are invited to present their research through a short submission in English, explaining clearly and accessibly what difference their work makes, who benefits from it, and what change it may generate.

Who can apply?

The competition is open to doctoral researchers currently enrolled at one of the 11 Una Europa partner universities.

Please note: applications must be submitted during the PhD, before the defence.

Submissions must be linked to one of the following Una Europa Focus Areas:

• Cultural Heritage
• Future Materials and Technologies
• One Health

Interdisciplinary approaches are strongly encouraged.

What is the prize?

Winners of the Una Europa PhD Impact Award 2026 will be invited to take part in the Una Europa General Assembly, which will take place in Leuven (Belgium) from 16 to 18 November 2026.

This will provide a unique opportunity to:

• present their research to the Una Europa community
• engage with researchers and stakeholders from across Europe

Travel and accommodation costs will be covered.

In addition, winners will:

• participate in an online science communication workshop
• have their work published on the Una Europa website
• receive a digital certificate of recognition

What is meant by “impact”?

Applicants are encouraged to reflect on the real-world relevance of their research, including its potential effects on:

• society
• the economy
• the environment
• health
• education
• technology
• culture
• policy

Both current and future impact can be considered, including short-, medium- and long-term perspectives.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted in English via the online application form, using clear and accessible language suitable for a non-specialist audience.

Submissions will be evaluated by an interdisciplinary jury based on:

• significance of impact
• clarity of communication
• evidence of impact
• innovation and robustness of the research

Deadline

The deadline for applications is 14 June 2026 (23:59 CEST).

Selected candidates will be notified by mid-August 2026.

More information

Full details and application form are available on the Una Europa website.