Political Science Université Laval in Canada

Université Laval is offering two Volkswagen Foundation-funded PhD scholarships for research on China’s Science Silk Road and the new geopolitics of knowledge production. The project critically examines the multi-level impacts of China’s expanding scientific cooperation, focusing on environmental and space issues. The scholarships are open to candidates of any nationality and provide full tuition coverage, a competitive stipend of approximately C$40,000 per year, and additional funds for research, travel, and workspace. Successful candidates will be co-supervised by Professors Hang Zhou and Jean-Frédéric Morin at Université Laval, and Professors Han Cheng and Anna Lisa Ahlers at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science.

The research is interdisciplinary, drawing from international relations, sociology, anthropology, geography, and science and technology studies. Students will be based at Université Laval’s Department of Political Science, with opportunities to spend time at MPIWG in Berlin and attend relevant courses in Oslo. Applicants must hold or expect to attain a Master’s degree with Merit or Distinction in a relevant discipline by the end of the 2025-26 academic year. They should have a strong interest in science diplomacy, policy, and global governance.

Proficiency in English or French is required, with a good understanding of the other language. Application documents include an academic CV, cover letter, transcripts, and a research proposal. The deadline for applications is November 14, 2025.

For more information, applicants can visit the Université Laval program website.