Hardiman Scholarship

The University of Galway, in collaboration with the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, invites applications for fully funded PhD scholarships focused on the sovereignty implications of European open data. This unique four-year PhD programme offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of policy, technology, and society, investigating the trade-offs and pathways between digital sovereignty and open data in Europe.

The successful candidate will join the Insight Research Ireland Centre for Data Analytics and the Data Science Institute at the University of Galway, engaging with a dynamic, multicultural research team and benefiting from strong international academic and industrial collaborations. The Data Spaces group specializes in intelligent information systems, large-scale decentralized architectures, open data infrastructure, data semantics, and dynamic data streams.

The PhD project addresses the evolving landscape of open data in Europe, particularly in light of shifting geopolitical realities and the move from open to shared data regimes. The research will explore the sovereignty implications of these changes, employing a mixed-methods approach inspired by political science, sociology, science and technology studies (STS), and public governance research. The candidate will conduct fundamental research using impact assessments, toolkits, taxonomies, decision matrices, and roadmaps, with a strong emphasis on real-world policy relevance and European Union strategies.

The programme structure includes two years at the JRC in Ispra, Italy, and two years at the University of Galway in Ireland. The student will receive the Hardiman Scholarship during their time in Galway, which provides a tax-free stipend of €25,000 per annum, full tuition fee coverage, conference travel funds, and an equipment allowance. While at the JRC, the candidate will be employed as a JRC Grantholder Category 20, with an annual gross salary of approximately €45,000 (subject to tax) and access to JRC benefits.

Applicants should hold at least a 2.1 (Hons) degree or a Masters in a relevant discipline such as Computer Science, Information Systems, Political Science, Law, Public Policy, or Public Administration. Experience with open data, data governance, AI governance, digital transformation, and mixed-methods research is desirable. Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical skills, proficiency in English, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Willingness to relocate between Ireland and Italy and to engage with stakeholders, including policymakers, is essential.

Eligibility requires EU or associated country nationality (or five years' residency in an EU Member State) and admission to the PhD programme in the College of Science and Engineering. The selection process involves two stages: initial review and interview at the University of Galway, followed by a final interview at the JRC.

To apply, submit a cover letter and CV to Dr Edward Curry at [email protected], using 'Sovereignty Implications of European Open Data' as the subject line. The application deadline is 14 May 2026. For further details, consult the Hardiman Scholarship and programme pages.