The MultiLAwa Doctoral Network is offering a unique opportunity for aspiring researchers through its fully funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Double Degree PhD Fellowships. This program, part of Horizon Europe’s MSCA Doctoral Networks, aims to train 14 international researchers in the digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) era. The MultiLAwa fellowship focuses on multilingualism, interdisciplinary studies, and international collaboration, preparing doctoral candidates for the evolving demands of digital transformation and AI-driven language technologies. Applications are open until July 8, 2026.
About the MultiLAwa Doctoral Network
The MultiLAwa Doctoral Network is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Joint Doctorate program. It is funded by Horizon Europe and designed to equip doctoral researchers with the skills needed for the digital age. The program specifically targets emerging professional needs related to digital transformation, multilingual communication, and generative AI. It seeks to develop experts in areas such as language awareness, multilingual communication, AI-driven language technologies, computational linguistics, digital linguistics, sociolinguistics, gender linguistics, lexicography, terminology, and language policy and teaching. The network also includes expertise from fields like finance, economics, information science, engineering, AI, multimedia, environmental sciences, and the circular economy. This broad approach ensures that fellows gain skills applicable to academic, governmental, technological, educational, and industrial settings.
Key Features of the MultiLAwa PhD Fellowship
The MultiLAwa program distinguishes itself from traditional PhD programs through several key features designed to foster international and interdisciplinary growth. It emphasizes mobility, collaboration, and a unique academic structure.
Double Degree PhD Structure
All selected doctoral candidates will earn a joint doctoral degree, also known as a “cotutelle.” This means they will receive two PhD diplomas from two different universities located in separate European countries. Throughout their studies, candidates will conduct research and study at multiple institutions across Europe, gaining diverse academic perspectives.
Fully Funded Fellowship
The fellowship provides full funding for a 36-month duration, adhering to MSCA regulations. The financial package includes a competitive monthly living allowance, a mobility allowance, and a family allowance if applicable. Additional allowances for long-term leave and special needs may also be provided. The exact salary amounts are adjusted based on country-specific correction coefficients.
International Research Mobility
Doctoral candidates will experience significant international research mobility. They will spend time at two different host universities and participate in international secondments. These research stays can range from a few days to six months, offering opportunities to collaborate with partner organizations and industries across Europe.
Multilingual and Interdisciplinary Environment
The program actively promotes plurilingualism and multicultural collaboration. Internal communications and training activities are conducted in both English and German. Fellows will also be exposed to additional European languages and cultures, enriching their academic and personal experience.
Strong Career Development Support
Each doctoral candidate receives a Personal Career Development Plan (PCDP). This includes professional mentoring, transferable skills training, and opportunities to participate in conferences and workshops. Fellows also engage in public engagement activities and receive advanced research training to support their long-term career goals.
Research Areas within MultiLAwa
The MultiLAwa consortium brings together expertise from several advanced disciplines, creating a rich environment for interdisciplinary research. These areas span linguistics, digital technologies, and their intersection.
Linguistics and Language Studies
This includes specialized fields such as applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, gender linguistics, interactional linguistics, lexicography, terminology, language for specific purposes (LSP), didactics, and language policy. These areas focus on the understanding and application of human language in various contexts.
Digital and AI Fields
This component covers digital linguistics, computational linguistics, natural language processing (NLP), artificial intelligence, and language technologies. These fields explore the intersection of language with digital systems and AI.
Interdisciplinary Areas
The program also integrates research from multimedia and information science, finance and economics, environmental sciences, and the circular economy. This interdisciplinary approach allows fellows to explore the broader societal and economic implications of language and technology.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To be considered for the MultiLAwa fellowship, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements. These criteria ensure that applicants are well-suited for the program’s demands and adhere to MSCA guidelines.
Doctoral Degree Status
Applicants must not already hold a PhD at the time of recruitment. This includes individuals who have successfully defended their thesis but have not yet officially received their degree.
Master’s Degree Requirement
Candidates must possess a Master of Arts, Master of Translation, Master of Education, Master of Science (MSc), or an equivalent qualification. The degree should be in linguistics, translation studies, language studies, or a closely related field. Strong academic performance, typically with distinction-level grades, is also required.
MSCA Mobility Rule
A key requirement is adherence to the MSCA mobility rule. Applicants must not have lived, worked, or studied in the country of the recruiting university for more than 12 months within the three years preceding their recruitment.
Language Proficiency
Applicants need to demonstrate strong language skills, with a minimum of B2 level proficiency in both German and English. Evidence, such as language certificates, must be provided. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an advantage.
Interest in International and Interdisciplinary Research
Candidates should express a genuine interest in multicultural collaboration, international travel, research secondments, and working within interdisciplinary environments. This reflects the program’s core values.
Training and Development for Fellows
Selected doctoral candidates will engage in a structured doctoral training program designed to enhance their research and professional skills. This training covers a wide range of topics relevant to academic and industry careers.
Core Training Components
Training opportunities include workshops on research methodology, specialized training in AI and language technologies, and development in academic writing and public speaking. Fellows will also participate in transferable skills courses, international conferences, collaborative projects, and public engagement activities. This holistic approach aims to prepare them for diverse career paths.
Fellowship Details
The MultiLAwa fellowship is a full-time employment contract lasting 36 months. The planned start date for the fellowship is November 1, 2026. This duration allows for in-depth research and completion of the double degree requirements.
Significance in the AI and Digital Era
The MultiLAwa fellowship is particularly relevant in today’s world, marked by the increasing influence of AI, digital communication, and multilingual societies. There is a growing need for experts who can bridge the gap between human language and digital systems. This program directly addresses this demand by training researchers capable of supporting multilingual digital societies, developing ethical AI communication systems, and advancing research in language technologies and cultural communication. The fellowship is ideal for those interested in careers in academia, AI and NLP industries, European institutions, language policy, translation technologies, international organizations, education, and research institutes.
Application Deadline
The final deadline to submit applications for the MultiLAwa 2026 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Double Degree PhD Fellowships is July 8, 2026, at 11:59 pm Central European Summer Time (CEST). Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their applications well in advance and to attend the online information session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MultiLAwa Doctoral Network?
The MultiLAwa Doctoral Network is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Joint Doctorate program funded by Horizon Europe, designed to train researchers in digital transformation, multilingual communication, and generative AI.
What does a Double Degree PhD mean?
A Double Degree PhD, also known as a ‘cotutelle,’ means you will receive two PhD diplomas from two different universities in separate European countries.
What is included in the fellowship funding?
The fellowship is fully funded for 36 months and includes a living allowance, mobility allowance, and potentially a family allowance, adjusted by country-specific rates.
What are the main eligibility requirements?
Applicants must not hold a PhD, possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field with strong academic performance, meet the MSCA mobility rule (not lived in the host country for more than 12 months in the last 3 years), and have at least B2 proficiency in German and English.
