The COCOSO Marie Curie PhD Scholarships is now accepting applications for 15 fully funded doctoral positions under the esteemed Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). Running from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2028, this distinguished initiative presents a rare opportunity for pioneering scholars eager to delve into co-construction methodologies within social welfare, all while engaging in a dynamic, multinational, and transdisciplinary research environment.
COCOSO Marie Curie PhD Scholarships Details:
- Fully Funded
- Denmark Universities, Romania Universities, Austria Universities, Portugal Universities, Poland Universities, Spain Universities, Greece Universities
- PhD
- All Subjects
- International Students
- Denmark, Romania, Austria, Portugal, Poland, Spain
- 03/03/2025
About the COCOSO Network
The Co-Construction in the Field of Social Welfare (COCOSO) Network is a collaborative endeavor uniting six premier universities and 16 strategic partners spanning public, private, and non-governmental sectors across Europe. At its core, the program champions the fusion of academic inquiry with real-world application, striving to advance democratic participation and foster social innovation through co-construction frameworks.
PhD Program Highlights
Multidisciplinary Research Focus – Doctoral candidates will engage in cross-sectoral studies spanning social policy, communication sciences, history, education, and sociology.
Hybrid Industrial Doctorate Model – Scholars will split their research tenure equally between academic institutions and social welfare organizations, ensuring their studies retain both practical relevance and theoretical rigor.
Dual Supervision Model – Candidates will benefit from guidance by both academia and industry practitioners, cultivating a holistic research approach.
Extensive International Training – Participants will partake in biannual intensive study sessions in various European nations, complemented by virtual symposia and bespoke training modules.
Degree Level & Participating Institutions
COCOSO Marie Curie PhD Scholarships Eligibility Criteria initiative is fully funded and open for enrollment at the following universities:
- Denmark
- Romania
- Austria
- Portugal
- Poland
- Spain
- Greece
Available PhD Research Areas
- Denmark – Co-Construction for People with Disabilities
- Austria/Romania – Power, Gender, and Social Work History
- Portugal/Spain – Youth Engagement in Co-Construction Processes
- Poland/Portugal – Leadership in NGO Social Services
- Greece – Community Involvement in Mental Health Initiatives
- Portugal – Digital Innovations for Crisis Management
For an exhaustive list of research themes, refer to the COCOSO PhD Pre-Announcement.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Financial Support
- Competitive Salary – Monthly remuneration aligned with MSCA funding provisions.
- Mobility Allowance – Supplemental funding for relocation and travel.
- Family Allowance – Additional financial assistance for scholars with dependents.
International Exposure & Training
- Collaboration with six leading European universities and 16 NGOs, think tanks, and governmental bodies.
- Semi-annual global research retreats across various European nations.
- Access to high-caliber workshops delivered by renowned academics and policy experts.
Industry-Embedded Research Experience
- Scholars will directly engage with frontline social welfare organizations, ensuring their research drives tangible policy advancements.
- At least 50% of research activities will occur in non-academic settings, including NGOs, governmental agencies, and policy institutions.
Career Advancement & Networking
- Exclusive access to elite scholars, policymakers, and social innovation leaders.
- Participation in conferences, research colloquiums, and policy dialogues.
- Elevated career prospects in academia, governance, and the social impact sector.
Who Can Apply COCOSO Marie Curie PhD Scholarships?
COCOSO Marie Curie PhD Scholarships Eligibility Criteria globally competitive program welcomes applicants from all nationalities who meet the following eligibility requirements:
COCOSO Marie Curie PhD Scholarships Eligibility Criteria
COCOSO Marie Curie PhD Scholarships Eligibility Criteria below
Early-Stage Researcher Status – Candidates must not hold a PhD at the time of recruitment and should be eligible for doctoral enrollment.
Mobility Rule (MSCA Requirement) – Applicants must not have resided or conducted their main activities (work/study) in the host country for more than 12 months within the last three years.
Academic Qualifications – Candidates should possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant social science discipline, such as:
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Public Policy
- Law
- Social Work
Commitment to Practical Research – Scholars must be willing to dedicate 50% of their doctoral work to applied research in collaboration with NGOs, policy institutions, or social welfare organizations.
Language Proficiency – Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory, as the program’s instructional and research medium is English.
Passion for Social Innovation – Ideal candidates will have a deep-seated interest in participatory governance, social welfare reform, and co-construction methodologies.
How to Apply?
Application Opens: January 2025
Application Deadline: March 3, 2025
Application Steps
Prepare Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter detailing research interests
- Academic Transcripts
- Letters of Recommendation
2️⃣ Submit Online Application
- Detailed submission instructions are available on the Euraxess recruitment portal.
Key Dates
Application Deadline: March 3, 2025
Contract Start Date: September 1, 2025
Contract End Date: August 31, 2028
Final Thoughts – Why Apply?
The COCOSO Marie Curie PhD Scholarships Industrial Doctoral Network is not just an academic pursuit—it is a transformative research endeavor that enables scholars to shape progressive social policies while immersing themselves in interdisciplinary and applied research settings. This fully funded initiative ensures that early-stage researchers gain unparalleled exposure to policy-driven impact, cross-sectoral collaboration, and an extensive international research community.
Are you ready to contribute to the future of social welfare? Submit your application before March 3, 2025, and take the first step toward an intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding doctoral journey.
Visit the Official COCOSO Recruitment Page for More Details.
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