The University of Helsinki has launched applications for the prestigious RESDOC Doctoral Training Programme 2026, a fully funded international doctoral research initiative designed to train the next generation of researchers capable of addressing some of the world’s most pressing sustainability, health, environmental, and societal challenges.
Co-funded by the European Union through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND Programme under Horizon Europe and the University of Helsinki, RESDOC offers selected doctoral researchers a unique opportunity to pursue a four-year fully funded doctoral degree in Finland while receiving structured research training, international collaboration opportunities, interdisciplinary supervision, and competitive employment conditions.
Applications are open from 1 June 2026 to 31 August 2026.
Application Deadline
31 August 2026 (11:59 PM Finnish Time – EET)
What is the RESDOC Programme?
RESDOC (Training Doctoral Excellence for a Resilient and Just Future) is an innovative doctoral training programme established at the University of Helsinki to prepare researchers capable of generating solutions for complex global challenges.
The programme is anchored within the University’s major research profiling initiative, Resilient and Just Systems (RESET), and combines:
- High-quality doctoral research
- International collaboration
- Interdisciplinary training
- Industry engagement
- Public-sector partnerships
- Career development support
- Research mobility opportunities
Successful candidates will become salaried doctoral researchers employed by the University of Helsinki while pursuing their doctoral degree.
Why Choose RESDOC?
RESDOC goes beyond traditional doctoral education by combining scientific excellence with transferable skills training and real-world engagement.
Participants will benefit from:
- Full-time employment for four years
- Monthly gross salary of approximately €2,900
- World-class supervision
- International research exposure
- Industry and public-sector collaborations
- Career development training
- Interdisciplinary research opportunities
- Access to one of Europe’s leading research universities
- Structured doctoral training aligned with European standards
Research Focus and Environment
One of the most distinctive features of RESDOC is its interdisciplinary approach.
Doctoral researchers are free to develop their own research topics provided they align with one of the programme’s four major thematic areas.
The Four RESDOC Research Themes
1. Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance in Changing Environments
Research under this theme focuses on:
- Emerging infectious diseases
- Public health threats
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Environmental drivers of disease
- Global health resilience
- Disease surveillance systems
2. Biodiversity and Nature’s Resilience
Researchers may explore:
- Ecosystem sustainability
- Biodiversity conservation
- Climate adaptation
- Ecological resilience
- Environmental restoration
- Nature-based solutions
3. Secure and Sustainable Food and Water Systems
Potential topics include:
- Food security
- Sustainable agriculture
- Water governance
- Resource management
- Food systems transformation
- Agricultural resilience
4. Just Socio-Ecological Transition
This theme addresses:
- Climate justice
- Social sustainability
- Environmental governance
- Green transitions
- Policy innovation
- Equitable development
Outstanding Research Environment
Doctoral researchers will conduct their studies within one of the University of Helsinki’s 14 doctoral programmes while simultaneously participating in the interdisciplinary RESDOC community.
This dual structure provides:
- Strong disciplinary expertise
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration
- Access to international networks
- Advanced research infrastructure
- Academic mentoring
- Professional development opportunities
Supervision and Academic Support
Every RESDOC doctoral researcher receives extensive academic support throughout the programme.
Each candidate is assigned:
Primary Supervisor
A principal investigator (PI) from the University of Helsinki responsible for guiding the doctoral research.
Co-Supervisor
An additional supervisor who may come from:
- The University of Helsinki
- Industry partners
- Public sector organizations
- International institutions
Thesis Committee
Every doctoral researcher receives support from a Thesis Committee that monitors research progress and provides guidance.
Peer Mentoring Groups
Researchers participate in peer support groups that encourage collaboration, networking, and community building.
Doctoral Studies and Training
The doctoral degree combines original research with structured coursework.
Degree Structure
The programme consists of:
- Doctoral dissertation
- Mandatory studies totaling 30 ECTS credits
RESDOC contributes approximately:
- 20–25 ECTS credits through specialized training modules
Additional credits are earned through discipline-specific doctoral programme courses.
RESDOC Training Components
Doctoral Base Camp
During the first year, participants attend an immersive retreat featuring:
- Expert workshops
- Research skills training
- Interdisciplinary discussions
- Networking opportunities
- Community building activities
Annual Symposia
Every year researchers participate in symposia involving:
- Supervisors
- Industry partners
- Associated organizations
- International experts
Researchers’ Day
Doctoral researchers organize annual thematic events focused on:
- Systems thinking
- Sustainability challenges
- Scientific collaboration
- Cross-disciplinary learning
Artificial Intelligence Training
Participants complete mandatory AI training covering:
- Responsible AI use
- Research applications
- Critical assessment of AI tools
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Module
Training includes:
- Innovation development
- Entrepreneurial thinking
- Commercialization skills
- Industry engagement
Citizen Science Assignments
Researchers engage communities through:
- Public participation projects
- Science communication
- Citizen engagement activities
Compulsory International and Intersectoral Secondments
A defining feature of RESDOC is its compulsory secondment programme.
Each doctoral researcher completes a:
- Two- to four-month secondment
These placements may occur in:
- Industry
- Government organizations
- Research institutions
- International organizations
Benefits include:
- Practical experience
- Career networking
- Knowledge transfer
- Exposure beyond academia
Importantly, doctoral researchers continue receiving their salary during secondments.
Extensive International Partnership Network
RESDOC collaborates with 23 associated partner organizations across academia, government, and industry.
Partners include:
Private Sector
- Orion
- UPM Kymmene Oyj
- Valio
- Raisio Group
- Resistomap
- Vetcare
- Demos Helsinki
Public Sector
- City of Helsinki
- City of Lahti
- Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE)
- VTT
- HUS Diagnostics
- Natural Resources Institute Finland
International Universities
- University of Nairobi
- University College Dublin
- University of Göttingen
- University of Turku
- Linnaeus University
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Employment and Working Conditions
Successful applicants become employees of the University of Helsinki.
Employment Duration
- Four years
- 2027–2030
Salary
Doctoral researchers receive:
- Approximately €2,900 gross per month
Additional Benefits
Employees enjoy:
- Occupational healthcare
- Social security coverage
- Paid annual leave
- Flexible working arrangements
- Professional development support
- Safe and inclusive working environment
Living in Finland
Selected researchers will relocate to Finland and reside there throughout the programme.
Benefits of living in Finland include:
- High quality of life
- Excellent public services
- Safe society
- Strong research ecosystem
- International academic environment
- Nature-rich surroundings
- English-friendly environment
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
RESDOC follows the principles of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and strongly promotes:
- Equal opportunities
- Diversity
- Inclusion
- Accessibility
- Non-discrimination
The programme also supports researchers at risk whose academic freedom or career opportunities may be limited in their home countries.
RESDOC Framework and Funding
RESDOC is funded through one of Europe’s most prestigious research funding mechanisms.
Funding Source
The programme is co-funded by:
- The European Union Horizon Europe Programme
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND
- University of Helsinki
Why MSCA Funding Matters
MSCA is widely recognized as the European Union’s flagship programme for researcher development.
Since 1996, MSCA has supported more than 150,000 researchers worldwide through:
- International mobility
- Research excellence
- Career development
- Cross-sector collaboration
RESDOC operates under Grant Agreement No. 101261796.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki’s online recruitment system.
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Hold a Master’s degree
- Not hold a PhD
- Have less than four years of research experience
- Meet English language requirements
- Meet mobility requirements
- Be willing to live in Finland
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Europass CV
- Motivation Letter and Doctoral Study Plan
- Degree Certificate and Transcript
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Research Proposal, Ethics Self-Assessment and Mobility Plan
Step 3: Submit Application
Applications must be submitted no later than:
31 August 2026 at 11:59 PM EET
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Selection Process Timeline
June–August 2026
Application period
September 2026
Eligibility screening and evaluation
October 2026
Academic alignment interviews
November 2026
Final selection and supervisor matching
December 2026
Employment preparation and relocation guidance
January–February 2027
Programme commencement
Final Thoughts
The University of Helsinki RESDOC Doctoral Programme represents one of the most attractive fully funded doctoral opportunities currently available in Europe. Combining a competitive salary, international research training, interdisciplinary collaboration, world-class supervision, and extensive industry engagement, RESDOC offers exceptional preparation for future careers in academia, government, international organizations, and industry.
Researchers passionate about sustainability, health, biodiversity, food systems, climate action, and social transformation are strongly encouraged to apply before the 31 August 2026 deadline.
Learn More
- For more information about this opportunity, Click here
- More global Fellowship opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here
