Fully Funded PhD in AI Governance, Criminal Law, and Technology at Ghent University Ghent University in Belgium

Ghent University in Belgium is offering a fully funded PhD position in the field of Law & Technology, with a specific focus on AI Governance, Criminal Law, and Digital Law. This doctoral fellowship is part of the ERC-funded BIGDATPOL project, which investigates the development and deployment of AI systems in policing, law enforcement, and crime prevention, ensuring compliance with European data protection and privacy law (GDPR), the EU AI Act, and fundamental rights and ethical standards.

The position is based in the Department of Criminology, Criminal Law and Social Law, and offers interdisciplinary collaboration with legal scholars, technical researchers, and public authorities. The research will address real-world regulatory challenges of AI in high-stakes societal domains, providing strong support for publications, conferences, and international research exposure.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Law or a closely related field such as criminology, governance, or public administration. A strong interest in AI regulation, data protection, and technology governance is essential, as is a motivation to tackle the legal and ethical challenges of data-driven systems. The position is fully funded for up to four years, with a flexible start date from May 2026.

To apply, candidates should prepare a CV, grades, and a motivation letter, and submit their application before the deadline of 8 March 2026. For full details and application instructions, visit the provided link. This opportunity is ideal for those seeking to build a career at the intersection of digital law, AI governance, and tech policy.