Postgraduate research schools
World-class doctoral education opportunities
Postgraduate research schools at Lund University provide new interdisciplinary opportunities for doctoral students and postdocs. Many offer courses, seminars and workshops.
Postgraduate research schools focus on a specific subject or theme and connect early-career researchers from different academic backgrounds with common aspirations and interests. They are often run in close collaboration with industry, the public sector and private organisations.
Below you can find a list of postgraduate research schools that are currently organised at Lund University.
They are categorised according to their main/broad subject area, but please note that they may also provide opportunities to doctoral students/postdocs representing other areas of study.
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ADMIRE focuses on microscopy and micro imaging spanning across a number of research fields.
PhD students from the Faculties of Science, Medicine or Engineering at Lund University who have an interest in advanced microscopy technique(s) can apply to ADMIRE.
Students that are part of ADMIRE can:
- participate in workshops
- get access to microscopy related courses a
- apply for travel scholarships for visits to other microscopy centres and/or microscopy related conferences
CanFaster combines applied medical research in oncology and entrepreneurship.
Students with a doctoral degree or four years of full-time equivalent research experience can apply to CanFaster.
The postgraduate school provides students with:
- top cancer research settings
- training in an academic as well as a clinical and industrial secondments
- entrepreneurship and soft skills training
CARES provides a deeper insight in all aspects of comprehensive translational cancer research.
PhD students in cancer research at Lund University and University of Gothenburg can apply to the post graduate research school that was relaunched in a new format in 2022.
At CARES students can take part in:
- on-line courses
- retreats
- an exchange programme
Keywords: cancer, translational, collaboration Gothenburg, preclinical/clinical fellows
LiFT postgraduate school is a national education platform and research network in food-related areas.
PhD students at LiFT have various scientific and technical backgrounds. Early-stage PhD students with a mentor, funding, and with an interest in an industrially oriented education can apply to LIFT.
The school provides:
- high scientific competence in areas of importance for Swedish society and industry
- networks between industry, academia and institutes
- courses, seminars and conferences
GENECO focuses on the interface between ecology, evolution, molecular biology and genomics.
PhD students from Nordic Universities who study genomic ecology can apply to GENECO.
At GENECO students can:
- study a wide range of research topics, from ecological and evolutionary studies with molecular techniques to in-depth genomic approaches in cellular pathways
- study introductory and specialised courses, as well as hands-on laboratory (wet or computer) and theoretical courses
- attend an international two-week workshop in genomics
- apply for travel scholarships for visits to laboratories in Sweden and abroad
CSiS is a postgraduate research school for teachers and pre-school teachers in science and technology subjects.
At CSiS enrolled students can study how various types of science communication skills and methods impact pupil motivations in science and technology.
CSiS has close collaboration with schools and municipalities in Skåne and Blekinge.
Offers PhD projects in physics disciplines, such as atomic, molecular and laser physics, nano-bio and nano physics and particle physics, with a strong focus on instrumentation development.
HELIOS welcomes applicants with a Master degree in natural sciences or related fields.
Students that are part of HELIOS:
• are based in Hamburg, with a 3-year contract, salary and benefits
• are co-supervised in Hamburg and Lund
• have a possibility to do internships in partnering cutting-edge companies
QDETAILSS is a two-year postgraduate research school that combines experimental problems in chemistry and experimental research project management.
QDETAILSS provides advanced courses for chemistry PhD students in the following subjects:
- good laboratory practice (GLP)
- data statistics
- project management
- ethics
- scientific communication
Imaging of 3D structures covers X-ray and neutron imaging at all length scales – from protein structures to medical and engineering imaging.
A total of 20 PhD students and postdocs with a backgrounds in natural science, engineering or medicine are accepted to the postgraduate research school each year.
Students that attend the school:
- can specialise in a particular imaging area
- get access to imaging related courses
- will be prepared for research activities at MAX IV and ESS in Lund
- will get access to research groups engaged in imaging of 3D structures
NDPIA focuses on infection and antibiotics research.
PhD students and postdocs can apply for membership in NDPIA if they are enrolled at a Swedish university/institute or with one of NDPIA:s international partners. Applicants also need to be active in infections and/or antimicrobials research.
Students that are part of NDPIA can:
- take part in advanced courses (national and international) with theoretical and technical relevance to infection biology and antibiotics
- gain access to a national and international network of scientists connected to infection biology and antibiotics
- apply for co-funding to support travel and accommodation costs related to national and international courses and activities
- apply for travel scholarships for visits to laboratories in Sweden and abroad
SWEAH focuses on interdisciplinary ageing research connected to diagnoses, such as neurodegenerative diseases, heart disease, stroke, mental illness, diabetes and cancer.
PHD students and postdocs often have a background in medicine and health sciences. Behavioural sciences, humanities, law, demography, technology and architecture are examples of other areas of interest.
The postgraduate research school offers:
- a set of unique theoretical and methodological multi-disciplinary courses on ageing and health for affiliated PhD students
- advanced courses for postdocs
- activities, such as student days, network meetings, conferences and educational assignments
This postgraduate research school focuses on multidisciplinary aspects in neuroscience.
The school targets preclinical, health science, and clinical graduate students and postdocs who are active in neuroscience research.
Students that are part of the school can:
- specialise in multidisciplinary research areas, e.g., cell and animal models, health sciences, clinical research, nanotechnology, physics, imaging, computational sciences
- take part in courses, seminars and workshops that reinforce scientific competence as well as improve and nurture leadership and project management skills
Offers a diverse selection of educational activities at Lund Stem Cell Center (SCC) related to stem cell research.
PhD students and postdocs are automatically admitted to the postgraduate research school once they start working in one of the SCC-affiliated laboratories.
The school provides:
- a one-year complementary educational program for PhD students from diverse laboratories at SCC
- a variety of courses and workshops in stem cell biology, and in soft skills such as scientific writing, scientific illustration and leadership development
- seminar series that stimulate translational discussions and collaborative research between different research areas at SCC
COMPUTE focuses on scientific discovery using computing.
Membership is open to PhD students and employees at the Faculties of Science, Medicine, and Engineering at Lund University.
COMPUTE provides:
- several PhD-level courses
- a seminar series
- an annual retreat
- careers events each year
This postgraduate research school focuses on water research.
PhD students from VA-Teknik Södra, Dricks, VA-kluster Mälardalen, and Dag&Nät or Sweden Water Research can apply to the school. The school is also open to other PhD students interested in water research, as well as individuals from the water sector in Sweden.
The school provides:
- courses, seminars and networking activities to PhD students and the water industry
- educational study tours
- an optional mentorship program that connects students to experienced people in the water research sector and the water industry
WCMM Research School provides high quality education in molecular and regenerative medicine. Topics include inter-organ communication, biomedical engineering and imaging.
The school is open to all PhD students and postdocs at Lund University.
The school provides:
- lectures, seminars and journal clubs that focus on the interface between physiological systems, translational and clinical research
- workshops on state-of-the-art research methods in molecular and regenerative medicine
- workshops on scientific writing, project design and career development activities
- opportunities to discuss career development strategies with WCMM fellows and guest researchers
Is a four-year postgraduate research school in educational sciences that specialises in subject didactics.
The school promotes scholarly development of knowledge within learning, teaching, educational systems, schools and the teaching profession.
FYS focuses on applied welfare research that strengthens long-term knowledge formation and development of social services.
Social service employees in Sweden and individuals who are eligible for postgraduate studies in social work can apply to FYS.
The school provides:
- third cycle studies that lead to a Licentiate degree
- specialised knowledge of social work, including extensive theoretical and methodological
- knowledge in social sciences
- courses, seminars and guest lectures that focus on applied welfare research
- an opportunity for subject specialisation
Is a postgraduate research school that provides high quality education and a national network for doctoral students specialising in historical subjects.
Doctoral students engaged in historical research at Lund University, the University of Gothenburg, Linnaeus University, Malmö University and Södertörn University can attend the National Graduate School of Historical Studies.
The school provides:
- courses on specific themes
- joint seminars
- one-day events
- opportunities for doctoral students to discuss and share dissertation projects in national and international contexts
- a national network of doctoral students and academic staff engaged in historical research
- international doctoral student exchanges
ROCIT:s ambition is to improve the public school system by combining experience-based and science-based knowledge.
Teachers and supervisors from universities, institutes, schools, preschools, and after-school activities who are eligible for postgraduate studies can apply to ROCIT.
ResArc produces new types of knowledge in architecture by combining architecture, geography, political sciences and environmental research.
Doctoral students in architecture can apply to ResArc.
Students that are part of ResArc:
- can develop PhD projects in collaboration with national and international actors in architecture research
- get access to recurrent thematic courses, as well as subject-specific courses related to architectural theory, history, materiality, socio-spatiality, design and practice
- are given an opportunity to present PhD projects at seminars as well as international symposia and biennials
Is a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary postgraduate research school for topics related to Agenda 2030 and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
17 sustainable development goals – un.org
The school is open to all PhD students at Lund University. It has also enrolled 30 doctoral students representing all faculties and a large number of subject areas at the university.
The school provides:
- university-wide and interdisciplinary PhD courses related to the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals
- events, conferences and other activities related to sustainable development
A transdisciplinary postgraduate research school focused on the transition from a heavily fossil-fuel based economy to a circular bioeconomy.
BIOECONOMY Graduate Research School is open to all national/international PhD students who have connections to bioeconomy.
The school provides:
- PhD courses
- workshops
- a PhD summer school
- seminars
- guest lectures
- field trips
Is a two-year postgraduate research school that promotes interdisciplinary research associated to biodiversity, ecosystem services and climate research. The school links sustainable development with new perspectives taken from natural science, social sciences, applied science and economics.
ClimBEco is open to currently enrolled PhD students from various disciplines and a number of Swedish universities.
Students that are part of ClimBEco can:
- participate in a variety of cutting-edge PhD courses, free of charge
- attend workshops and seminars
- be part of a mentoring programme focused on career development and other skills
- network with other PhD students and senior scientists
Is a new postgraduate research school that focuses on research in sustainable development and poverty reduction as ways to address extreme poverty in the world.
The school is a collaboration between Lund University, the University of Ghana, University of Gothenburg, and Uppsala University.
The aim is to provide doctoral students at the four universities with:
- novel, boundary-crossing and high-quality doctoral courses
- a series of seminars with practitioners and other invited guests
- skills and knowledge needed to address current and future challenges related to poverty reduction and sustainable development
- a doctoral exchange programme between the universities
Contact information
If you have any questions about a specific research school, please contact a staff member. You can find contact details on their website.
General questions about postgraduate research schools at Lund University may be directed to:
Ylva van Meeningen
Research administrator
ylva [dot] van_meeningen [at] cec [dot] lu [dot] se (ylva[dot]van_meeningen[at]cec[dot]lu[dot]se)
Telephone: +46 (0)46 222 04 93
Note that the following may differ between research schools:
- target audience and eligibility requirements
- whether any PhD/postdoc positions have previously been announced and filled, or will be offered in the future
- application procedures, dates and deadlines for positions, courses or other activities
- whether they are based on local, national or international collaborations (or a combination of these)
- organisation and format