The University of Helsinki has launched applications for the prestigious RESDOC Doctoral Training Programme 2026, a fully funded international doctoral research initiative designed to train the next generation of researchers capable of addressing some of the world’s most pressing sustainability, health, environmental, and societal challenges.

Co-funded by the European Union through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND Programme under Horizon Europe and the University of Helsinki, RESDOC offers selected doctoral researchers a unique opportunity to pursue a four-year fully funded doctoral degree in Finland while receiving structured research training, international collaboration opportunities, interdisciplinary supervision, and competitive employment conditions.

Applications are open from 1 June 2026 to 31 August 2026.

Application Deadline

31 August 2026 (11:59 PM Finnish Time – EET)

What is the RESDOC Programme?

RESDOC (Training Doctoral Excellence for a Resilient and Just Future) is an innovative doctoral training programme established at the University of Helsinki to prepare researchers capable of generating solutions for complex global challenges.

The programme is anchored within the University’s major research profiling initiative, Resilient and Just Systems (RESET), and combines:

High-quality doctoral research
International collaboration
Interdisciplinary training
Industry engagement
Public-sector partnerships
Career development support
Research mobility opportunities

Successful candidates will become salaried doctoral researchers employed by the University of Helsinki while pursuing their doctoral degree.

Why Choose RESDOC?

RESDOC goes beyond traditional doctoral education by combining scientific excellence with transferable skills training and real-world engagement.

Participants will benefit from:

Full-time employment for four years
Monthly gross salary of approximately €2,900
World-class supervision
International research exposure
Industry and public-sector collaborations
Career development training
Interdisciplinary research opportunities
Access to one of Europe’s leading research universities
Structured doctoral training aligned with European standards

Research Focus and Environment

One of the most distinctive features of RESDOC is its interdisciplinary approach.

Doctoral researchers are free to develop their own research topics provided they align with one of the programme’s four major thematic areas.

The Four RESDOC Research Themes

1. Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance in Changing Environments

Research under this theme focuses on:

Emerging infectious diseases
Public health threats
Antimicrobial resistance
Environmental drivers of disease
Global health resilience
Disease surveillance systems

2. Biodiversity and Nature’s Resilience

Researchers may explore:

Ecosystem sustainability
Biodiversity conservation
Climate adaptation
Ecological resilience
Environmental restoration
Nature-based solutions

3. Secure and Sustainable Food and Water Systems

Potential topics include:

Food security
Sustainable agriculture
Water governance
Resource management
Food systems transformation
Agricultural resilience

4. Just Socio-Ecological Transition

This theme addresses:

Climate justice
Social sustainability
Environmental governance
Green transitions
Policy innovation
Equitable development

Outstanding Research Environment

Doctoral researchers will conduct their studies within one of the University of Helsinki’s 14 doctoral programmes while simultaneously participating in the interdisciplinary RESDOC community.

This dual structure provides:

Strong disciplinary expertise
Cross-disciplinary collaboration
Access to international networks
Advanced research infrastructure
Academic mentoring
Professional development opportunities

Supervision and Academic Support

Every RESDOC doctoral researcher receives extensive academic support throughout the programme.

Each candidate is assigned:

Primary Supervisor

A principal investigator (PI) from the University of Helsinki responsible for guiding the doctoral research.

Co-Supervisor

An additional supervisor who may come from:

The University of Helsinki
Industry partners
Public sector organizations
International institutions

Thesis Committee

Every doctoral researcher receives support from a Thesis Committee that monitors research progress and provides guidance.

Peer Mentoring Groups

Researchers participate in peer support groups that encourage collaboration, networking, and community building.

Doctoral Studies and Training

The doctoral degree combines original research with structured coursework.

Degree Structure

The programme consists of:

Doctoral dissertation
Mandatory studies totaling 30 ECTS credits

RESDOC contributes approximately:

20–25 ECTS credits through specialized training modules

Additional credits are earned through discipline-specific doctoral programme courses.

RESDOC Training Components

Doctoral Base Camp

During the first year, participants attend an immersive retreat featuring:

Expert workshops
Research skills training
Interdisciplinary discussions
Networking opportunities
Community building activities

Annual Symposia

Every year researchers participate in symposia involving:

Supervisors
Industry partners
Associated organizations
International experts

Researchers’ Day

Doctoral researchers organize annual thematic events focused on:

Systems thinking
Sustainability challenges
Scientific collaboration
Cross-disciplinary learning

Artificial Intelligence Training

Participants complete mandatory AI training covering:

Responsible AI use
Research applications
Critical assessment of AI tools

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Module

Training includes:

Innovation development
Entrepreneurial thinking
Commercialization skills
Industry engagement

Citizen Science Assignments

Researchers engage communities through:

Public participation projects
Science communication
Citizen engagement activities

Compulsory International and Intersectoral Secondments

A defining feature of RESDOC is its compulsory secondment programme.

Each doctoral researcher completes a:

Two- to four-month secondment

These placements may occur in:

Industry
Government organizations
Research institutions
International organizations

Benefits include:

Practical experience
Career networking
Knowledge transfer
Exposure beyond academia

Importantly, doctoral researchers continue receiving their salary during secondments.

Extensive International Partnership Network

RESDOC collaborates with 23 associated partner organizations across academia, government, and industry.

Partners include:

Private Sector

Orion
UPM Kymmene Oyj
Valio
Raisio Group
Resistomap
Vetcare
Demos Helsinki

Public Sector

City of Helsinki
City of Lahti
Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE)
VTT
HUS Diagnostics
Natural Resources Institute Finland

International Universities

University of Nairobi
University College Dublin
University of Göttingen
University of Turku
Linnaeus University
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Employment and Working Conditions

Successful applicants become employees of the University of Helsinki.

Employment Duration

Four years
2027–2030

Salary

Doctoral researchers receive:

Approximately €2,900 gross per month

Additional Benefits

Employees enjoy:

Occupational healthcare
Social security coverage
Paid annual leave
Flexible working arrangements
Professional development support
Safe and inclusive working environment

Living in Finland

Selected researchers will relocate to Finland and reside there throughout the programme.

Benefits of living in Finland include:

High quality of life
Excellent public services
Safe society
Strong research ecosystem
International academic environment
Nature-rich surroundings
English-friendly environment

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

RESDOC follows the principles of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and strongly promotes:

Equal opportunities
Diversity
Inclusion
Accessibility
Non-discrimination

The programme also supports researchers at risk whose academic freedom or career opportunities may be limited in their home countries.

RESDOC Framework and Funding

RESDOC is funded through one of Europe’s most prestigious research funding mechanisms.

Funding Source

The programme is co-funded by:

The European Union Horizon Europe Programme
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND
University of Helsinki

Why MSCA Funding Matters

MSCA is widely recognized as the European Union’s flagship programme for researcher development.

Since 1996, MSCA has supported more than 150,000 researchers worldwide through:

International mobility
Research excellence
Career development
Cross-sector collaboration

RESDOC operates under Grant Agreement No. 101261796.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki’s online recruitment system.

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Applicants must:

Hold a Master’s degree
Not hold a PhD
Have less than four years of research experience
Meet English language requirements
Meet mobility requirements
Be willing to live in Finland

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

Europass CV
Motivation Letter and Doctoral Study Plan
Degree Certificate and Transcript
Proof of English Language Proficiency
Research Proposal, Ethics Self-Assessment and Mobility Plan

Step 3: Submit Application

Applications must be submitted no later than:

31 August 2026 at 11:59 PM EET

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Selection Process Timeline

June–August 2026

Application period

September 2026

Eligibility screening and evaluation

October 2026

Academic alignment interviews

November 2026

Final selection and supervisor matching

December 2026

Employment preparation and relocation guidance

January–February 2027

Programme commencement

Final Thoughts

The University of Helsinki RESDOC Doctoral Programme represents one of the most attractive fully funded doctoral opportunities currently available in Europe. Combining a competitive salary, international research training, interdisciplinary collaboration, world-class supervision, and extensive industry engagement, RESDOC offers exceptional preparation for future careers in academia, government, international organizations, and industry.

Researchers passionate about sustainability, health, biodiversity, food systems, climate action, and social transformation are strongly encouraged to apply before the 31 August 2026 deadline.

Apply here

Learn More

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