Frequently asked questions
(FAQ) section
Below, you will find answers to the FAQ. If you have any other questions not covered in this section, please feel free to contact us.
How many PhD fellowships will be awarded in the second call?
Is it possible to apply for more than one thesis project in the LIGHTinPARIS program?
Yes, you may apply to a maximum of 3 PhD projects (see “Thesis subjects”). Additional details will be provided once the call opens.
However, only one of these applications has to be presented by the candidate at the interview.
Do I have to speak French to apply?
No, only a good command of English (B1 CEFR level) is required. Courses in French as a Foreign Language (FLE) will be offered, to help with the integration and cross-disciplinary skills of doctoral fellows.
Where can I find practical information about living and working in France?
To discover the Université Paris-Saclay environment, we invite you to have a look at the Université Paris-Saclay Online Welccome Desk.
To prepare for your arrival, you will be helped by the Programme’s Project Manager and the services of the Université Paris-Saclay GATE for your administrative and practical procedures.
To whom may I ask questions before applying?
You can direct any questions to the project management team using the contact form on the LIGHTinPARIS webpage or send us a message at lightinparis.isl@institutoptique.fr
In addition, you should contact the advisor (thesis director) for your chosen research subject.
Who will deliver the employment contract of the LIGHTinPARIS PhD students?
Doctoral students selected by the LIGHTinPARIS programme will have an employment contract from one of the implementing partners (Université Paris-Saclay, ONERA, PASQAL, Abbelight, Quandela, Thales).
Are there partners in the LIGHTinPARIS programme?
Yes, LIGHTinPARIS has academic and non-academic partners. Some will provide trainings for all the PhD students of the programme; others will participate in events (such as Residential workshop) and/or will co-fund specific PhD projects. All of them will contribute to a LIGHTinPARIS ecosystem capable of boosting the careers of PhD students.
Am I eligible to apply if I obtain my master’s degree in 2025?
Yes, but you must have completed your cursus of study (including an internship) by the call deadline.
If you have not obtained your official diploma but have completed your cursus of study, you are eligible, but ou will need to provide your official diploma before the start of your contract.
Are there any prerequisites related to age or nationality?
There is no age or nationality requirement for applicants.
What training will I receive as a LIGHTinPARIS PhD student?
PhD students will be invited to participate in the everyday life of LIGHTinPARIS and to receive shared trainings (for example in Ethics and Integrity, Open science and Sustainable research and development). They will attend a Residential LIGHTinPARIS five days workshop on i) interdisciplinary communication, ii) detection of innovation potential, iii) inclusive practices and behaviours.
What are the evaluation and selection criteria ?
The evaluation and selection criteria for PhD applicants in the LIGHTinPARIS program are divided into two steps.
In step 1, the Selection Committee evaluates applications based on the candidate’s education, background, experience, and motivation, using the criteria outlined in Table 2 of the LIGHTinPARIS Guide for Applicants.
In step 2, the Interview Committee assesses candidates through interviews, focusing on their scientific maturity, presentation quality, and independent thinking using the criteria outlined in Table 3. This step determines the recipients of the PhD grants.
Full details are provided in section 4 of the LIGHTinPARIS Guide for Applicants.
How does the recruitment process work?
Call 2 will open in December 2025, and close in February 2026. All candidates shold contact the thesis supervisor of the selected thesis subject(s) to find out more about the scientific details of the project.
After submitting their application, an automatic acknowledgment email will be sent.
Step 1, focused on evaluating the submitted applications will be carried out in March 2026.
Step 2, consisting of remote (on-line) interviews (through videoconference), will be carried out in April 2026.
Candidates invited for interviews will be notified and have one week to respond.
They will also receive feedback based on selection criteria.
The final list of successful candidates will be notified by email and they will have two weeks to respond to the offer following the notification.
Am I eligible to apply for the PhD fellowship?
Yes, any one may apply provided you fulfill the following two condiitions by the deadline date of the call:
1/ fulfil the transnational mobility criterion
2/ fulfil the PhD qualification criterion