The PhD programme at the ESRF

Training and mentoring the next generation of scientists is at the core of the ESRF's mission. As a world-class facility and a leader in synchrotron science, the European Synchrotron offers an exciting international environment for PhD studies.

Every year, the ESRF welcomes new PhD students from among the top science graduates in their countries. We currently host over 30 PhD students who come from our 21 partner countries and beyond. These students pursue ambitious research projects in diverse fields, including physics, chemistry, materials science, life sciences, earth and environmental sciences, engineering, cultural heritage and palaeontology.

Do you want to join a pioneering, cutting-edge research facility, the world's first high-energy 4th-generation synchrotron? Do you want to be part of a vibrant scientific community? Do you want to participate in international, cutting-edge projects that will help advance your career? Do you want to shape your life in a unique setting at the heart of the French Alps?

Then come join us at the ESRF. We look forward to welcoming you!

What is it like to be a PhD student at the ESRF?

In a new Humans of ESRF series, we highlight the life of the PhD students who have recently joined the ESRF-EBS adventure. Young, enthusiastic, from all over the world and from different backgrounds, they are contributing to light the way that leads to new scientific discoveries, using the new ESRF-Extremely Brilliant Source.

Hear about the ESRF from Laura Wollensen, one of the PhD student representatives of the ESRF PhD programme: