Open Call – Deadline: 14 September 2025
Is your work connected to key areas such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Future Materials and Technologies, One Health, or Sustainability?
Do you want to share the impact of your research with a broader, non-specialist audience?
Apply now to the Una Europa PhD Impact Competition 2025!
The PhD Impact Award celebrates the value and potential of doctoral research developed within the Una Europa alliance. In today’s world, being able to clearly communicate the relevance of your work is an essential skill for every researcher.
The competition is open to all PhD candidates currently enrolled at any of the 11 Una Europa partner universities. Please note that only candidates who are still in their doctoral period at the time of application are eligible—applications are not accepted after the final thesis defence.
To participate, your research must be aligned with at least one of Una Europa’s core Focus Areas:
But what exactly do we mean by impact?
Think about how your research makes a difference who benefits from it, and what changes it may bring about. The impact of your work could touch many areas: it might contribute to society by supporting communities, influence the economy through innovation or policy advice, promote health and well-being, enhance environmental sustainability, improve education and training, foster cultural understanding, or drive technological advancement. Consider the short-, medium-, and long-term effects of your research, as well as the number of people it could reach.
Winners will be invited to present their research at the Berlin Science Week (1–2 November 2025), on the renowned Inspiration Stage at the Museum für Naturkunde. They will also join an online science communication workshop to prepare for the event, receive full coverage of travel and accommodation expenses, and participate in a networking session with fellow researchers and stakeholders in an inspiring museum setting.
Submit your application via the online form available on the Una Europa website. You’ll be asked to write a short case study in English describing the impact of your research. The text should be accessible and engaging for a general audience, avoiding academic jargon and technical language.
Applications will be evaluated by an interdisciplinary jury based on four main criteria:
The deadline for applications is 14 September 2025 at 23:59 (CEST).
Winners will be contacted by the end of September and must be available to travel to Berlin for the event weekend.
If you are a non-EU citizen, Una Europa will assist you with visa procedures whenever possible. In case of difficulties, an alternative prize may be offered.