PhD Scholarships in Science Policy, International Relations, and Environmental/Space Studies Université Laval in Germany

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Anthropology

Funding

The scholarships are fully funded, covering full tuition fees and a competitive stipend estimated at C$40,000 per year, subject to satisfactory progress. Additional funds are available for research and travel expenses, as well as a dedicated workspace. Funding is provided by the Volkswagen Foundation.

Deadline

Expired

Country

Germany

University

Laval University

How do Korean students apply for this?

Where to contact

Official Email

[email protected]

Keywords

Anthropology

Environmental Science

Sociology

Political Science

Geography

International Relations

Science And Technology Studies

Space Exploration

Chinese Studies

Geopolitics

Science Policy

Global Governance

About this position

Two fully funded, four-year PhD scholarships are available at Université Laval, Quebec City, in partnership with the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG) in Berlin, for an international research project examining the multi-level impacts of China’s expanding scientific cooperation, with a focus on environmental and space issues. The project, funded by the Volkswagen Foundation, investigates the Science Silk Road and its implications for global science policy, knowledge production, and international alliances. Successful candidates will be co-supervised by Professors Hang Zhou and Jean-Frédéric Morin (Université Laval) and mentored by Professors Han Cheng and Anna Lisa Ahlers (MPIWG). Students will be based in the Department of Political Science at Université Laval, with opportunities to spend time at MPIWG in Berlin and attend a PhD course at the University of Oslo.

The scholarships are open to candidates of any nationality and cover full tuition, a stipend of approximately C$40,000 per year, and additional research and travel funds. Applicants should have or expect a Master’s degree in a relevant field, strong interest in science policy and international cooperation, and fluency in English or French.

The application deadline is November 14, 2025. To apply, email Prof. Han Cheng with the required documents and later submit a formal application through Université Laval.

Funding details

What's required

Applicants must hold, or expect to attain by the end of the 2025-26 academic year, a Master’s degree with Merit or Distinction in political science, international relations, sociology, anthropology, geography, or related disciplines. Candidates should have a strong interest in science diplomacy, science policy, STS, science and society, science for development, global governance of science, or international scientific cooperation. Knowledge of the Belt and Road Initiative and Global China Studies is beneficial but not mandatory. For a global focus, proficiency in mixed methods such as case studies, interviews, surveys, or data analysis is required. For a regional focus, a strong background in qualitative research is needed, with preference for experience in ethnographic fieldwork in Africa or Latin America. Fluency in English or French, both oral and written, with a good understanding of the other, is required.

How to apply

Email Prof. Han Cheng at [email protected] with your academic CV, cover letter, transcripts, and a 3-page research proposal. At a later stage, submit a formal application through Université Laval. Visit the provided links for more information on the PhD program and application process.