The InnovaXN project (H2020-COFUND framework) supports 40 fully-funded PhD studentships at ESRF and ILL working on pre-competitive research projects, each involving an industrial partner. A first set of 20 projects was selected in 2019 and students are now being recruited to start in September 2020. See the InnovaXN web sitefor more details,
Based on the experience of the first round, the second call for projects now involves a pre- project phase and is brought forward and starts today with the following schedule at the ILL:
- 24/05: Deadline for submission of pre-projects (submission consists of one A4 page maximum with people/affiliation involved and scientific summary of project to innovaxn(at)ill.eu)
- 29/05: Outcome of selection of pre-projects to go forwards to full project submission (internal review committee at ILL)
- 03/07: Deadline for submission of full proposals (proposal template will be updated)
- A convenient date around 20/07: clip by local (ILL/ESRF) potential supervisors
- 31/07: List of accepted proposals finalised and start of collaboration agreements
The InnovaXN PhD projects are particular in that they must include an industrial partner. Projects are encouraged to make use of both neutron and synchrotron X-ray techniques, providing valuable interdisciplinary research for the student and exploiting the complementarity of the EPN infrastructures for innovation. High quality proposals will also be welcome in which only synchrotron X-rays or neutrons are required.
You may use these guidelines to develop projects with your potential partners:
- Science projects must be driven by pre-competitive industrial research; selected projects will be advertised worldwide for prospective students to apply.
- Students will be recruited by ILL or ESRF.
- PhD student to be enrolled at a collaborating European University, or Université Grenoble Alpes.
- Student hosted at ILL or ESRF with student co-supervision made by ILL and/or ESRF, industrial and academic scientists, as required by each project.
- The InnovaXN programme covers the full salary costs of the PhD student.
What InnovaXN expects from the partner companies:
- A science project driven by pre-competitive industrial research built in cooperation with ILL and/or ESRF scientists and usually an academic partner.
- To host the student for three months at their premises within the three-years of the doctoral project.
- Participation in regular PhD project follow-up meetings and attendance at the InnovaXN general assemblies.
- According to their capacity, external partners (industrial and academic) are more than welcome to contribute to project costs, although this is not a requirement.
The ILL Industrial Liaison Office and ESRF Business Development Office will help in making connections if necessary. The implication of an ILL and/or ESRF scientist as a co-supervisor is expected in each of the projects.
For more information please contact ILL scientists or ask Caroline BOUDOU at the ILL Industry Liaison Unit ( +33 476 207 209).