BREATH Doctoral Programme – PhD Positions in France (2026 Intake)
The BREATH Doctoral Programme invites applications from international candidates interested in pursuing a fully funded PhD in France. The programme offers excellent employment and research conditions and is designed for researchers seeking to advance their careers through innovative, interdisciplinary work at the intersection of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) and Health.
The programme is hosted in the Pays de la Loire Region, in western France, and provides a dynamic research environment combining academic excellence, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and engagement with leading private and international partners.
Programme Overview
- Number of PhD positions: 10
- Duration: 3 years
- Location: Pays de la Loire Region, France
- Research focus: Interdisciplinary research combining SSH and Health
- Target group: International and domestic candidates interested in interdisciplinary doctoral research
Selected PhD candidates will be employed under competitive conditions, including:
- A doctoral salary
- Mobility allowance
- Family allowance (where applicable)
- Full health care coverage
Fellows will join an outstanding academic community and benefit from structured training, networking opportunities, and collaboration with leading experts and fellow doctoral researchers from around the world.
Online Launch Event – 30 January 2026
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the BREATH Online Launch Event, an informative webinar designed to support candidates interested in applying to the programme.
The launch event will cover:
- General presentation of the BREATH doctoral programme
- Eligibility criteria
- Application and submission process
- Tips for submitting strong PhD topics
- PhD student testimony
- Live questions and answers
Two sessions are offered to accommodate different time zones:
- Session 1: 30 January 2026, 10:30 AM (Paris time)
- Session 2: 30 January 2026, 3:30 PM (Paris time)
The webinar is open to candidates looking for a PhD position and researchers interested in learning how to submit PhD topics under the BREATH doctoral programme.
Who Should Apply
The BREATH programme is designed for researchers who wish to:
- Conduct innovative interdisciplinary research bridging SSH and Health
- Contribute to socially relevant and impactful research
- Develop strong academic and professional networks at international level
- Engage with both academic and non-academic partners
How to Apply
Applications for the BREATH Doctoral Programme must be submitted by 12 March 2026. Candidates are advised to attend the launch webinar to better understand the programme structure, eligibility requirements, and application process.
Registration links for the launch event sessions are available:
- Session 1 – 30 January, 10:30 AM (Paris time)
- Session 2 – 30 January, 3:30 PM (Paris time)
The BREATH Doctoral Programme offers 10 fully funded, three-year PhD positions in France for candidates interested in interdisciplinary research at the crossroads of Social Sciences and Humanities and Health. Hosted in the Pays de la Loire Region, the programme provides competitive employment conditions, strong academic support, and international networking opportunities. Applications close on 12 March 2026, with an online launch event scheduled for 30 January 2026 to guide prospective applicants through the process.
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