In the 2012 PEOPLE Work Programme, the biggest
news is the financing of two new Doctoral programmes
offered to research organisations within the "Initial
Training Network" action. The 2012 ITN Call has opened
in July and closes on January 12, 2012. Read more below,
or download relevant documents on the Research Participant
Portal.

European Industrial Doctorates (EID)

A European Industrial Doctorate is a 3 year project giving young researchers the opportunity to receive international research training in both a university/research institute and a company, which are established in two different Member States or associated countries. Associated partners from both the public and private sector can also be attached.

Such a scheme will promote cooperation between universities and businesses and will increase mobility between the two sectors. It will improve the output from universities and research institutes and will also make research affordable to companies, including SMEs. Early-stage researchers will be able to gain company experience while still completing their studies; thereby opening future career perspectives upon completion of their PhD.

EUR20 million will be dedicated to this new pilot initiative to be launched in July 2011 with a call deadline in January 2012. This first call will allow about 100 researchers to benefit from this excellent training. Businesses and universities/research institutions from two different Member States or associated countries are encouraged to jointly apply to get financial support for first class PhD training. The EID does not represent a new type of doctoral degree, but is designed to support long-term, industry-oriented basic research that has the same level of scientific merit as the general doctoral degree education.

Innovative Doctoral Programmes (IDP)

The objective of this new initiative is to enhance the quality of doctoral training in Europe. Any university or research institution established in a Member State or associated country and offering an innovative doctoral programme is encouraged to apply. Associated partners from both the public and private sector and eventually from third countries can also be attached. The best programmes ensuring an international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral training of doctoral candidates and offering them the highest potential for their future career will be funded.

In the three different implementation modes dedicated to the training of early-stage researchers - ITN, EID and IDP - the training offered should not only focus on research knowledge but also be completed with modules on transferable skills such as entrepreneuship, business management, financing of research projects, communication etc. Both the quality and quantity of supervision of the early-stage researchers are also important evaluation criteria.