Queen’s University Belfast FORESIGHTERS Fully Funded PhD Programme 2026 in the UK | 20 Doctoral Positions with Salary Up to £37,734

<p>Applications are now officially open for the highly prestigious FORESIGHTERS Doctoral Training Programme 2026 at Queen’s University Belfast in the United Kingdom. The programme is offering 20 fully funded PhD positions for early-stage researchers interested in interdisciplinary, future-focused research designed to tackle some of the world’s most pressing societal challenges.</p> <p>Funded by Horizon Europe MSCA COFUND and the Department for the Economy (Northern Ireland), FORESIGHTERS provides a unique doctoral training experience that combines world-class academic research, interdisciplinary collaboration, Futures Thinking, and engagement with non-academic partners across multiple sectors.</p> <p>Successful candidates will receive full tuition coverage, a highly competitive salary package, staff employment benefits, research and travel funding, international collaboration opportunities, and advanced training designed to prepare the next generation of global research leaders.</p> <p>The application deadline is Monday, 29th June 2026.</p> <h2>What is the FORESIGHTERS Programme?</h2> <p>FORESIGHTERS stands for:</p> <p><strong>Future ORiEnted Skills, Innovation for Governance for Health, Technology, EneRgy, citieS and creativity</strong></p> <p>The programme has been developed to train researchers capable of understanding and responding to complex global changes through interdisciplinary and future-oriented research.</p> <p>Unlike traditional PhD programmes, FORESIGHTERS is centered around:</p> <ul> <li>Futures Thinking</li> <li>Futures Literacy</li> <li>Interdisciplinary collaboration</li> <li>Societal impact</li> <li>Innovation and governance</li> <li>Sustainability and resilience</li> </ul> <p>Researchers will learn how to critically explore multiple possible futures and apply future-focused methodologies to today’s societal, technological, environmental, and governance challenges.</p> <h2>Number of Fully Funded Positions</h2> <p>Queen’s University Belfast is recruiting:</p> <ul> <li>20 Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs)</li> <li>42-month full-time funded doctoral positions</li> </ul> <p>There are:</p> <ul> <li>5 research themes</li> <li>4 vacancies available within each research theme</li> </ul> <p>Applicants apply directly to one of the research themes and compete within that applicant pool.</p> <h2>Research Themes Available</h2> <p>Applicants can apply under one of the following interdisciplinary research themes:</p> <h3>1. Health Research Theme</h3> <p>Focused on healthcare innovation, governance, wellbeing, public health, health systems, and future healthcare solutions.</p> <h3>2. Technology Research Theme</h3> <p>Exploring artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, digital transformation, governance, ethics, and technological futures.</p> <h3>3. Energy Research Theme</h3> <p>Research involving sustainability, climate transitions, renewable energy systems, resilience, and future energy solutions.</p> <h3>4. Future Cities Research Theme</h3> <p>Projects addressing smart cities, urban planning, infrastructure, sustainability, resilience, and future urban development.</p> <h3>5. Creativity Research Theme</h3> <p>Connecting arts, culture, humanities, innovation, storytelling, and creative futures.</p> <h2>Salary and Financial Benefits</h2> <p>The FORESIGHTERS programme offers an exceptional financial package for doctoral researchers.</p> <p>Successful applicants will receive:</p> <h3>Competitive Salary Package</h3> <ul> <li>Salary package up to £37,734</li> <li>Additional family allowance of £6,600 for eligible researchers</li> </ul> <h3>Full Tuition Fee Coverage</h3> <ul> <li>Complete PhD tuition funding</li> <li>Access to advanced doctoral training resources</li> </ul> <h3>Research and Development Funding</h3> <p>Researchers will also receive:</p> <ul> <li>Dedicated research funding</li> <li>Travel funding</li> <li>Opportunities for secondments with external organizations</li> <li>International networking opportunities</li> </ul> <h3>Employment Benefits</h3> <p>Researchers are appointed on full-time employment contracts and receive:</p> <ul> <li>Staff employment benefits</li> <li>Access to university staff development programmes</li> <li>Professional skills training</li> <li>Career development support</li> </ul> <h2>Why the FORESIGHTERS Programme is Unique</h2> <p>FORESIGHTERS goes beyond conventional doctoral research.</p> <p>The programme combines:</p> <ul> <li>Academic excellence</li> <li>Futures Thinking methodologies</li> <li>Interdisciplinary supervision</li> <li>Real-world collaboration</li> <li>Policy and societal engagement</li> </ul> <p>Researchers will work with:</p> <ul> <li>Academic supervisors</li> <li>Industry partners</li> <li>Public sector organizations</li> <li>Non-academic collaborators</li> </ul> <p>The programme encourages co-designed research projects that create real-world impact beyond academia.</p> <h2>Open Research Call Structure</h2> <p>One of the most unique aspects of the programme is that it operates as an open call.</p> <p>Applicants may:</p> <ul> <li>Select from suggested project ideas</li> <li>Develop and propose their own research ideas</li> </ul> <p>This gives researchers significant intellectual independence while ensuring their ideas align with the broader aims of the FORESIGHTERS programme.</p> <p>Applicants are encouraged to:</p> <ul> <li>Highlight interdisciplinary links</li> <li>Demonstrate originality</li> <li>Show societal relevance</li> <li>Connect their proposal to future-oriented thinking</li> </ul> <h2>Eligibility Requirements</h2> <p>To qualify for MSCA funding, applicants must answer “No” to BOTH of the following questions:</p> <h3>Mobility Rule</h3> <p>Applicants must NOT have:</p> <ul> <li>Resided in the UK</li> <li>Carried out their main education</li> <li>Or undertaken employment activity in the UK</li> </ul> <p>for more than 12 months within the 36 months before the application deadline (29th June 2026).</p> <h3>Doctoral Degree Rule</h3> <p>Applicants must NOT:</p> <ul> <li>Already possess a doctoral degree</li> <li>Be in the process of being awarded one before the application deadline</li> </ul> <p>Applicants who do not meet these requirements will be considered ineligible.</p> <h2>Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Commitment</h2> <p>Queen’s University Belfast strongly emphasizes equality of opportunity and inclusive recruitment practices.</p> <p>The university is internationally recognized for:</p> <ul> <li>Gender equality leadership</li> <li>Diversity and inclusion initiatives</li> <li>Disability inclusion</li> <li>Equitable employment practices</li> </ul> <p>FORESIGHTERS specifically commits to:</p> <ul> <li>Diverse selection panels</li> <li>Inclusive recruitment strategies</li> <li>Accessible interview processes</li> <li>Recognition of cultural and language differences</li> <li>Fair assessment of applicants with career breaks, parental leave, or non-traditional pathways</li> </ul> <p>The programme explicitly encourages applications from underrepresented groups in academia.</p> <h2>Detailed Recruitment Timeline</h2> <h3>Recruitment Opens</h3> <p>18th May 2026</p> <h3>Information Webinars</h3> <p>10th June 2026</p> <h3>Application Deadline</h3> <p>29th June 2026</p> <h3>Eligibility Screening</h3> <p>Expected within 2 weeks after applications close</p> <h3>Shortlisting Notifications</h3> <p>Expected by end of July 2026</p> <h3>Online Research Theme Sandpits</h3> <p>Expected in early September 2026</p> <h3>Interviews</h3> <p>Expected in early October 2026</p> <h3>Final Appointment Decisions</h3> <p>Expected by November 2026</p> <h3>Programme Start Date</h3> <p>January 2027</p> <h2>Step-by-Step Application Process</h2> <h2>Stage 1: Online Application Submission</h2> <p>Applications must be submitted through the Research section of the Queen’s University Belfast Career Opportunities portal.</p> <p>Applicants must complete:</p> <ul> <li>Personal information</li> <li>Contact details</li> <li>Employment history</li> <li>References</li> <li>Equal opportunities section</li> <li>Declaration forms</li> </ul> <h3>Required Application Documents</h3> <p>Applicants must upload a single combined file containing:</p> <h4>1. Curriculum Vitae (Maximum 2 Pages)</h4> <p>The CV should include:</p> <ul> <li>Academic qualifications</li> <li>Universities attended</li> <li>Degrees awarded</li> <li>Grades and courses</li> <li>Professional qualifications</li> <li>Employment experience</li> <li>Research and voluntary experience</li> <li>Publications (if any)</li> </ul> <h4>2. Supporting Statement (Maximum 2 Pages)</h4> <p>Applicants should explain:</p> <ul> <li>How they meet the essential and desirable criteria</li> <li>Motivation for joining FORESIGHTERS</li> <li>Interest in interdisciplinary doctoral research</li> </ul> <h4>3. Outline Research Proposal (Maximum 1 Page)</h4> <p>The proposal should:</p> <ul> <li>Describe research interests</li> <li>Align with the chosen research theme</li> <li>Highlight interdisciplinary links where relevant</li> <li>Demonstrate originality and future-focused thinking</li> </ul> <p>Applicants can apply to multiple themes, but a separate application must be submitted for each theme.</p> <h2>Stage 2: Eligibility Screening and Shortlisting</h2> <p>Applications are reviewed for:</p> <ul> <li>MSCA eligibility compliance</li> <li>Academic suitability</li> <li>Research potential</li> <li>Quality of supporting documents</li> <li>Strength of research proposal</li> </ul> <p>Each application is reviewed by at least two panel members using a structured scoring rubric.</p> <p>Approximately:</p> <ul> <li>6–8 applicants per theme<br /> will be shortlisted for interview.</li> </ul> <h2>Stage 3: Online Sandpits and Interview Assessment</h2> <p>Shortlisted applicants will participate in:</p> <ul> <li>Online Research Theme Information Sandpits</li> </ul> <p>These sessions are designed to:</p> <ul> <li>Introduce potential supervisors</li> <li>Explore interdisciplinary collaboration</li> <li>Encourage co-design with non-academic partners</li> <li>Help applicants refine their research ideas</li> </ul> <p>Importantly:<br /> Candidates are NOT assessed during the Sandpit sessions.</p> <h3>Final Research Proposal</h3> <p>Before interviews, shortlisted applicants must submit a more detailed research proposal demonstrating:</p> <ul> <li>Originality</li> <li>Research impact</li> <li>Interdisciplinary thinking</li> <li>Methodology and feasibility</li> <li>Evidence of refinement after Sandpit participation</li> </ul> <h2>Interview Structure</h2> <p>All interviews last approximately one hour.</p> <h3>Interview Components</h3> <h4>Welcome and Introductions</h4> <p>14 minutes</p> <h4>Research Proposal Presentation</h4> <ul> <li>3 slides</li> <li>3-minute presentation</li> </ul> <h4>Futures Thinking Task</h4> <p>Candidates receive a special interdisciplinary task 60 minutes before the interview and present:</p> <ul> <li>3-minute presentation</li> <li>No PowerPoint allowed</li> </ul> <h4>Panel Questions</h4> <p>40 minutes</p> <p>Assessment criteria include:</p> <ul> <li>Excellence</li> <li>Interdisciplinarity</li> <li>Impact</li> <li>Research potential</li> <li>Communication skills</li> </ul> <h2>Stage 4: Final Appointment</h2> <p>Following interviews:</p> <ul> <li>The top 4 candidates in each research theme will receive offers</li> <li>Additional appointable candidates may be placed on reserve lists</li> </ul> <p>Successful applicants will:</p> <ul> <li>Finalize their research projects</li> <li>Confirm supervisory teams</li> <li>Receive support for UK visa applications if required</li> </ul> <p>The university will assist international researchers with:</p> <ul> <li>Global Talent Visa support</li> <li>Relocation processes</li> <li>UK work authorization requirements</li> </ul> <h2>Why Study at Queen’s University Belfast?</h2> <p>Queen’s University Belfast is one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities and a member of the prestigious Russell Group.</p> <p>The university is recognized globally for:</p> <ul> <li>Academic excellence</li> <li>Research impact</li> <li>Sustainability leadership</li> <li>Diversity and inclusion</li> <li>Doctoral training quality</li> </ul> <h3>Global Recognition</h3> <p>Queen’s University Belfast is:</p> <ul> <li>Ranked among the world’s top 200 universities</li> <li>Recognized in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026</li> <li>Holder of the Athena Swan Gold Award</li> <li>Recognized as a University of Sanctuary</li> </ul> <h2>Living in Belfast</h2> <p>Belfast offers:</p> <ul> <li>Affordable living costs compared to many UK cities</li> <li>Strong international student community</li> <li>Vibrant arts and culture</li> <li>Excellent quality of life</li> <li>Rich history and modern innovation ecosystem</li> </ul> <h2>Final Thoughts</h2> <p>The FORESIGHTERS Doctoral Training Programme 2026 represents one of the most exciting fully funded interdisciplinary PhD opportunities currently available in Europe.</p> <p>With generous funding, strong institutional support, interdisciplinary collaboration, Futures Thinking training, and global research engagement, the programme is designed to prepare researchers to become leaders capable of shaping a more sustainable, innovative, and resilient future.</p> <h2 data-section-id="13dq7ve" data-start="8664" data-end="8679">How to Apply</h2> <p data-start="3711" data-end="3810">Interested applicants can apply through the official application portal <a href="https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/QUBJobVacancies/ResearchJobs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>HERE</strong></a>.</p> <p>Click <a href="https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/foresighters/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>HERE</strong></a> for more information about the Belfast FORESIGHTERS Fully Funded PhD Programme.</p> <p>Explore more global job opportunities on OFY <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=fellowship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/06/08/queens-university-belfast-foresighters-fully-funded-phd-programme-2026-in-the-uk-20-doctoral-positions-with-salary-up-to-37734/">Queen’s University Belfast FORESIGHTERS Fully Funded PhD Programme 2026 in the UK | 20 Doctoral Positions with Salary Up to £37,734</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>