If you’ve ever wanted to conduct cutting-edge research in one of Europe’s most forward-thinking scientific environments, Electrify-IT might just be your golden ticket. The Electrify-IT Doctoral Network is a brand-new initiative under the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks programme, part of the European Union’s Horizon Europe research framework. Its mission? To shape the future of electrification technologies by training a new generation of researchers who can bridge the gap between academic innovation and industrial application.
Key Takeaways
What Is the Electrify-IT Doctoral Network?
Electrify-IT brings together universities, research centres, and industry leaders across Europe to tackle one of today’s most pressing scientific challenges: transitioning industries to cleaner, smarter, and more efficient energy systems. This isn’t just another PhD program; it’s a collaborative research ecosystem where doctoral candidates will not only earn their degrees but also gain real-world exposure through industrial placements and interdisciplinary training.
See If You’re Eligible for the Electrify-IT Fellowship!
We connect you with trusted immigration experts who simplify the entire process — from paperwork to approval.
Who Can Apply for Electrify-IT 2026?
The 2026 intake welcomes applicants from any nationality, making it an ideal opportunity for globally minded researchers looking to work in Europe. However, as with all MSCA programmes, there’s one key condition: the mobility rule. This means that, at the time of application, candidates must not have lived or carried out their main activities (work or study) in the host country for more than 12 months in the past 36 months.
Also Read: How to Get a Fully Funded Doctoral Scholarship at Shenzhen University in 2026
Academically, applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant field such as electrical engineering, energy systems, materials science, or related disciplines. Strong research potential, curiosity, and motivation for interdisciplinary work are essential. Since this is an EU-funded program, English proficiency is usually required, as most participating institutions conduct their training and research in English.
This setup ensures not only academic excellence but also cultural and intellectual diversity, a key ingredient of the MSCA’s international research ethos.
Where Will the PhD Positions Be Based?
Electrify-IT isn’t hosted by a single university but rather by a pan-European consortium of institutions. Across these eight fully funded positions, researchers will be spread among top universities, specialized research laboratories, and industrial partners collaborating under the Electrify-IT umbrella.
While each position will be hosted by a specific university or organization, all candidates will participate in joint training events, summer schools, and industry workshops that take place across Europe. This means you could be enrolled at a university in Germany, attend research training in France, and complete an industrial placement in Sweden, all as part of your single doctoral trajectory.
This structure reflects the true spirit of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie program: mobility, collaboration, and impact. Each hosting institution will also offer supervision by experts from both academia and industry, ensuring that every PhD candidate receives balanced guidance and exposure to real-world challenges in electrification technology.
What Benefits Do Selected Researchers Receive?
The Electrify-IT Doctoral Network offers comprehensive funding that leaves little room for financial worry. Each of the eight PhD positions is fully funded under the Horizon Europe MSCA framework. This includes a living allowance (to cover everyday expenses), a mobility allowance (for relocation and travel costs), and, if applicable, a family allowance for researchers with dependents.
Also Read: Global Talent Scholarship 2026: Study in London with £5,000 Support
In addition to these stipends, tuition fees are fully covered by the host institutions, and candidates receive additional funding to support research materials, training, and networking activities. The overall package ensures that researchers can focus entirely on their scientific and professional development rather than on financial constraints.
Moreover, because the network is designed around collaboration between academia and industry, selected researchers will gain hands-on experience in applied research environments, often with access to advanced labs, experimental facilities, and professional mentorship that few traditional PhD programs can match.
How to Apply for the Electrify-IT PhD Program
Applying to Electrify-IT 2026 is a structured but straightforward process, provided you start early. First, interested candidates should visit the official Electrify-IT or partner university websites once the positions are formally listed under the MSCA portal. Each position will include a detailed project description, eligibility conditions, and contact information for supervisors.
Also Read: Fully Funded Math PhD in Berlin: Apply for 2026 at BMS
Applicants will need to prepare a complete application package that typically includes:
- A curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting academic background and research experience
- A motivation letter explaining research interests and fit for the program
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and diplomas
- Proof of English proficiency (if required)
- Contact details of two academic referees
- A preliminary research proposal or statement of purpose
All applications must be submitted online, often through the hosting university’s system. Since these are highly competitive EU positions, early preparation is crucial, especially when gathering recommendation letters and verifying eligibility under the mobility rule.
The indicative call is open through 2025, with selection and enrolment expected to begin in early 2026. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or virtual presentations before final offers are made.
Why Electrify-IT Is a Game-Changer for Research Careers
The Electrify-IT Doctoral Network isn’t just another research grant; it’s a launchpad for a global scientific career. By combining academic depth with industrial collaboration, the program ensures that every researcher develops both the theoretical expertise and the practical skills demanded by today’s energy and technology sectors.
Also Read: Fully Funded Slovakia Scholarship 2026–27: Who Can Apply and What You’ll Get
Participants benefit from international exposure, network-wide mentoring, and the chance to collaborate with some of Europe’s leading innovators in sustainable electrification. The network’s interdisciplinary model also encourages cross-sector learning, preparing graduates for roles not just in academia but also in high-impact industries, policy advisory, and technological innovation.
Beyond the professional advantages, being part of an MSCA-funded project carries tremendous prestige. The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions are recognized globally for their emphasis on excellence, mobility, and training quality, meaning that graduates of Electrify-IT will emerge as well-rounded, internationally competitive researchers ready to lead in the global energy transition.
In Short
Electrify-IT 2026 offers a rare opportunity for passionate researchers to be part of a program that unites the best of academia, industry, and European innovation. With full funding, expert supervision, and a focus on the technologies driving the future of electrification, these eight PhD positions represent far more than a study opportunity; they’re a career-defining journey into the heart of Europe’s scientific transformation.
Reference: https://www.electrification2026.com/
