Have a question about the application or selection procedure ?
Check the FAQ below first...
If you can’t find the answer, email: application-lightinparis.isl@institutoptique.fr
- Please use the subject heading “LIGHTinPARIS Call 2 question ».
- If you don’t receive a response within 48h (barring weekends and holidays), please send a message to lightinparis.isl@institutoptique.fr
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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”). Following the external evaluation, if more than one application is eligible for the interview stage, the applicant can be interviewed for only one of these applications. The selection will be made by the Governing Board as per the preference indicated by the candidate and the scores obtained (see Guide).
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?
First and foremost, you should contact the thesis supervisor (contact emails provided for each project) for all scientific questions related to the thesis project and the suitability of your skills and background.
For all administrative and practical questions about the programme and conditions of the fellowship, please email application-lightinparis.isl@institutoptique.fr
Who will deliver the employment contract of the LIGHTinPARIS PhD students?
Candidates selected by the LIGHTinPARIS programme will be employed by one of the implementing partners (Université Paris-Saclay, Abbelight, Imagine Optic, ONERA, PASQAL, Quandela, or Thales).
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
Test your eligibility here
How does the recruitment process work?
Call 2 will open in December 2025, and close in February 2026. All candidates should contact the thesis supervisor of the selected thesis subject(s) to find out more about the scientific details of the project.
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 one week to respond to the offer following the notification.
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 you 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 restriction on age nor on nationality for applicants.
What training will I receive as a LIGHTinPARIS PhD student?
PhD students will be required to participate in certain obligatory training courses offered by University Paris-Saclay such as, Ethics and Integrity, Open science and Sustainable research and development.
LIGHTinPARIS fellows will additionally benefit from a LIGHTinPARIS specific 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 the LIGHTinPARIS Guide for Applicants.
We strongly encourage you to consult the Application Guide for more details