PhD Position – Circular Economy in Sports Event and Participation Networks (MSCA Doctoral Network SUPER)

Join the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network, SUPER, as a PhD Fellow at Audencia Business School and contribute to radically rethinking how physical activity is promoted and practised to fight climate change. This position offers a unique opportunity to research circularity in sport event networks, including federations, clubs, events, athletes, and spectators. The project aims to transform business models, supply chains, and entire ecosystems around sport events towards sustainability, with a special focus on the French AGEC law and the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility networks under the European Waste Framework Directive. As a doctoral candidate, you will develop a conceptual framework and practical tools for applying circular economy principles to various sport event networks. You will advance theory on intersectoral collaboration for sport events, create concrete collaboration models with sustainable outcomes, and design innovative platforms for circular sport participation. The research is expected to result in at least three high-quality papers for top-tier management and business journals. SUPER (Sustainable Sports and Physical Activity for Equity and Resilience) offers 17 pioneering fellowship opportunities at the intersection of sustainability and sports science. You will be registered as a fee-free PhD student at Audencia and enrolled in the SUPER Doctoral Network, with secondment opportunities in industry and other European academic institutions. The program provides competitive funding, including a monthly living allowance (€4010), mobility allowance (€710), and family allowance (€660 if applicable), all subject to tax and contributions. Applicants must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline (Management, Business Administration, Sport Sciences, Marketing, Information Systems, Economics, Sociology with sport management or sustainability focus), excellent academic results, and English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS unless previous studies were in English). Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams, are required. A research proposal aligned with the project topic and full-time availability from October 2026 are essential. GMAT or GRE scores in or above the 85th percentile are desirable. MSCA eligibility conditions apply: no prior doctoral degree and limited prior residence/activity in France. The selection process is open, transparent, and merit-based, including eligibility checks, screening, and online interviews by a diverse selection committee. For more information, contact Dr Anna Gerke. Apply via the Audencia Website and complete the diversity form. Information sessions will be held on March 23, 2026, to provide further details and answer questions. This is a highly interdisciplinary and impactful research opportunity for candidates passionate about sustainability, sport management, and innovative business models. The project is funded by Horizon Europe and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation Europe.