IGNITION Doctoral Network (DN) PhD Scholarships 2026 in Europe | Fully Funded
The IGNITION Doctoral Network (DN) PhD Scholarships 2026 in Europe offer 13 fully funded PhD opportunities under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). The program is designed for highly motivated predoctoral researchers who want to build a career in neuroimmunology and neurodegenerative diseases.
IGNITION is a transnational doctoral training network hosted across 10 institutions in 8 European countries: Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland. It combines research excellence with strong international training and mobility.
Read the full details of this program to see if you are eligible, understand what it offers, and learn how to apply.
IGNITION Doctoral Network (DN) PhD Scholarships 2026 Summary
- Host Country: Different European countries
- Study Abroad: Study in Europe
- Host: IGNITION Doctoral Network (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – MSCA-DN)
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All countries (subject to MSCA mobility rules)
- Reward: Fully funded PhD (salary + allowances)
- Deadline: April 2, 2026
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IGNITION Doctoral Network (DN) PhD Scholarships 2026 Details
IGNITION is a European doctoral training consortium focused on neuroimmunology and neurodegenerative diseases. The scientific framework builds on the discovery of anti-IgLON5 disease, a rare and life-threatening neurological disorder. This disease has become a model for studying the link between neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
The network brings together 10 beneficiary institutions and 13 associated partners. These include universities, hospitals, research centres, SMEs, large companies, a patient organisation, and a specialised training provider. This structure gives Doctoral Candidates exposure to academic, clinical, and industrial environments.
The program offers 13 Individual Research Projects (IRPs). Each selected candidate will complete a 36-month research project hosted at one of the participating institutions.
IGNITION’s scientific goals include:
- Addressing clinical challenges in diagnosing and monitoring anti-IgLON5 disease
- Studying the role of chronic inflammation in neurodegeneration
- Developing and characterising innovative mouse models
- Understanding the physiological and pathological role of IgLON5
Beyond research, the program includes:
- Network-wide courses
- Secondments (2 weeks to 3 months)
- Annual doctoral schools
- Consortium meetings
- Congress participation
- Career Development Plan
- Co-supervision and mentorship
Doctoral Candidates receive structured scientific training, transversal skills development, and international mobility experience.
Watch the full video on our YouTube Channel to see how to practically apply step by step for the Romania Government Scholarships:
Eligibility Requirements for the IGNITION Doctoral Network (DN) PhD Scholarships 2026
To apply for the IGNITION Doctoral Network (DN) PhD Scholarships, interested and qualified applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must not already hold a doctoral degree
- Must comply with the MSCA mobility rule (not have resided or carried out main activity in the recruiting country for more than 12 months in the 36 months before the deadline)
- Must have academic qualifications that allow access to PhD studies in the European Union:
- European Higher Education System: At least 300 ECTS (Degree + Master or equivalent)
- Non-European Higher Education System: Degree that gives access to doctoral studies in the country of issue (certified)
- Must demonstrate a good level of English (proved during application and interview)
- Must meet all MSCA-DN eligibility rules at the time of the deadline
Failure to meet any eligibility requirement will result in disqualification.
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IGNITION Doctoral Network (DN) PhD Scholarships 2026 Benefits
The IGNITION Doctoral Network provides financial and professional support under MSCA-DN rules. Selected candidates will receive:
- Living Allowance (gross salary adjusted by country correction coefficient; subject to national deductions)
- Mobility Allowance: €8,520 per year (€710 per month)
- Family Allowance (if applicable): €5,940 per year (€495 per month)
- Long-term leave allowance (if applicable)
- Special needs allowance (if applicable)
In addition to financial support, candidates will benefit from:
- High-quality co-supervision
- International mobility
- Secondments across sectors
- Annual doctoral schools
- Network-wide training and e-training
- Transversal skills courses
- Career Development Plan
- Participation in international conferences and congresses
2026 IGNITION Doctoral Network (DN) PhD Scholarships Required Documents
Applicants preparing for the IGNITION Doctoral Network (DN) must ensure the following documents are ready:
- University degree certificate (in English or with official translation)
- Master’s or equivalent degree certificate (in English or with official translation)
- PDF copy of the submitted online application form
- Two certified reference letters from different referees (with electronic signature and contact details)
- English certificate (if available)
- Certification of eligibility for PhD access (for non-European Higher Education Systems, if required)
- Any required translated and legalized academic documents
No additional documents outside the specified requirements will be considered.
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How to Apply for the IGNITION Doctoral Network (DN) PhD Scholarships 2026
To apply for the IGNITION Doctoral Network (DN) PhD Scholarships, interested applicants should carefully follow these steps:
- Carefully read the Guide for Applicants and confirm eligibility.
- Complete the online application form on the IGNITION website (must be done in one session).
- Submit the form in English.
- After submission, download the automatically generated PDF sent to your email.
- Email the PDF application form to IGNITION Project Management ([email protected]).
- Attach all required academic records and supporting documents.
- Ensure all documents are complete. Missing documents may lead to provisional ineligibility (with only one week to correct).
Only complete applications submitted through the official channel will be evaluated.
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