Ubbo Emmius Scholarships 2009, University of Groningen

web-link:
http://www.phd-jobs.info/netherlands-ubbo-emmius-phd-scholarships-2009-university-of-groningen/

Ubbo Emmius (UE) PhD scholarships provide students with a generous level of annual funding for a four-year period of PhD study. Between 20-25 scholarships are offered each year to excellent students, on the basis of their talent, motivation and past academic achievements. The application procedure is organized by the GGSS. PhD students funded via this procedure will receive substantial freedom in designing their own projects. In this way, we will provide a unique opportunity for talented, creative and ambitious students to pursue their academic goals. UE scholarship applicants may draw inspiration from suggested project ideas or submit their own independent project proposals. If selected, they are free to change the project aims and supervision scheme to best suit their academic needs. Please contact the Graduate School Office if you have questions about the programme.

UE 2009 SCHOLARSHIPS

We have now posted all projects suggested for the UE 2009 scholarship programme. Applications will be accepted in the period from 3 April until 1 May 2009.

OVERVIEW

This year, 17 PhD scholarships are available from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMNS). 8 additional PhD scholarships are available for joint projects with the Faculty for Medical Sciences (UMCG/FMW). Such inter-faculty projects come in two ‘flavours’. In the ’single’ version, a single PhD student has multiple thesis advisors (at least one from each faculty) and spends part of his or her time at FMNS and part at the UMCG/FMW. In the ‘twin’ version, two PhD students (one associated with each faculty) join forces and work hand-in-hand on two closely related projects.

Project offerings

Interested students can apply with their own research ideas and find a faculty mentor thereafter, or they can draw inspiration from one of the projects proposed by members of our research institutes. An overview of project possibilities can be found under the menu options at left.

Application guidelines

Students are invited to submit application materials for the first selection round by 01 May 2009 . A complete application package will include a CV, letter of motivation and academic transcripts (undergraduate and master’s level coursework). Additionally, 2-3 reference letters should be sent directly to the Graduate School Office. These letters should be written by individuals who know the candidate well enough to speak to their level of suitability for independent PhD research, and can describe personal qualities which will contribute to future success in a scientific career.

Selection of candidates

Candidates for the UE scholarships will be selected in two rounds. In a first round (deadline 01 May 2009), about 50 candidates will be selected on the basis of application materials including a letter of motivation, academic transcripts, and several reference letters. Each of these candidates will then be asked to contact a potential thesis advisor and to write a PhD proposal (similar to the proposals of the NWO Toptalent Programme). In a second round, a definite selection will take place on the basis of the application materials, the project proposal, and a (tele ‑ )interview. The final selection of candidates will occur in late June 2009, at which time potential supervisors (promotors) will express their willingness to host the candidate. Students awarded UE scholarships are expected to enrol as a cohort in the fall of 2009.

Scholarship and tuition

Students who are offered an UE scholarship receive ca. € 20,000 per year. This financial support provides a monthly income sufficient to cover housing and living expenses in Groningen . Additional funding to cover travel costs and visa fees is typically available for foreign students. Ubbo Emmius scholarship recipients are classified as “fellowship PhD students� (bursalen) in the University of Groningen ’s educational scheme. This means that they are not employees, but independent research fellows pursuing a post-graduate degree.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Candidates for the UE Programme undergo two rounds of a competitive selection procedure prior to acceptance. Although absolute requirements cannot be set for an international applicant pool, successful candidates are expected to have demonstrated intellectual abilities that are well above average. Furthermore, they should have a track record of active participation in research-related activities which speaks to their ability to do self-directed work. Scientific creativity and independence are important assets, since UE students have the opportunity to design their own PhD project.

The criteria for acceptance include:

   * an internationally- recognised Master’s degree in the relevant scientific field
   * marks that clearly identify the candidate as belonging to the top 10-15% of her/his cohort
   * demonstrated oral and written communication skills
   * good command of the English language
   * outspoken motivation to pursue a scientific career
   * excellent letters of recommendation

Please see the application procedure section for a detailed description of the steps required to participate in the scholarship competition.