EERA JP Smart Cities launches the PhD Candidate Award 2026
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The EERA Joint Programme Smart Cities is pleased to announce the launch of the PhD Candidate Award 2026, recognising outstanding doctoral research that contributes to the development of smarter, more sustainable, and climate-neutral cities.
The award aims to support excellent PhD research, encourage collaboration across the EERA community, and support the next generation of researchers driving Europe's urban energy transition.
Who can apply?
The call is open to PhD candidates from EERA member organisations, as well as candidates conducting collaborative doctoral research in partnership with an EERA member.
Eligible research should align with at least one of the thematic areas of the EERA JP Smart Cities Sub-Programmes:
Clean Energy Transition & Urban Decarbonisation in Cities
Smart & Digital Transition in Cities
Urban Resilience & Integrated Sustainability in Cities
Capacity Building, Knowledge Sharing and Dissemination related to Cities
Collaboration with EU/extra EU funding Programmes related to Smart Cities
Market & Industry Engagement related to Smart Cities
The award welcomes innovative research that advances scientific knowledge while addressing real-world challenges faced by cities and urban communities.
Award Categories
Three award categories will recognise outstanding PhD research pathways:
Gold Award: €1,000
Silver Award: €800
Bronze Award: €500
In addition to the monetary prizes, the award offers early-career researchers increased visibility within the European research community and the opportunity to showcase their work to leading experts in the field of smart cities.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated by an expert jury based on the scientific quality, originality, relevance, and potential impact of the candidate's research. Attention will be given to interdisciplinary approaches and contributions that support Europe's transition towards sustainable, resilient, and digitally enabled urban environments.
Deadlines
Application deadline: 21 August 2026
Successful applicants will be informed after the evaluation process (early October) and will be invited to an online meeting to present their research.
Apply Now
For full eligibility criteria, application requirements, and submission guidelines, please consult the official Call for the EERA JP Smart Cities PhD Candidate Award 2026.
