Professional development for PhD candidates in Humanities

Its aim is to boost the employability of PhD candidates by funding a professional integration program in a public, private or voluntary organization (up to 32 days) and study trips (up to 10 days) with a professional focus, enabling them to acquire skills outside the university environment. 

Study trips for professional purposes should be organized within public (central administrations, local authorities, public establishments, etc.) or private (galleries, craftsmen, creative companies, etc.) cultural organizations. 

Study trips should encourage participation in major cultural events, such as the Venice Biennale or TEFAF in Maastricht.

Objective and presentation of the call

This call for projects will take place in two phases:

The aim of the first phase, the subject of this call for projects, is to select initiatives led by one or more PSL’s academics and researchers in partnership with an external public or private organization.

Two types of projects will be considered:

• Professional integration program set up in partnership with public or private organizations, each of which will host one (1) to three (3) PhD candidates for a maximum of thirty-two (32) days. 
• Group study trips of up to 10 days, which may, for example, take place in (the framework of) international event in humanities, social sciences and arts in France or abroad.

The second phase of the call, which will take place in the autumn 2025, will consist of a call for applications from PhD candidates at PSL University, preferably enrolled in the Historical sciences, Religious studies, Philosophy and Literature, Social sciences and Arts PSL’s Graduate Programs, for the initiatives selected in the first phase.

Submission conditions : 

1. Common criteria 

Projects will be selected based on their ability to mobilize several key criteria: originality, co-financing, potential for sustainability, innovation, development of non-academic skills, contribution to the professional integration of PhD candidates, quality of partnerships and development of cross-disciplinary skills.

Terms and conditions:

• All projects must include a partner from outside PSL University who will provide professional expertise, logistical support and, if possible, co-funding.
• No management fees can be charged.

The following are ineligible: project schools, colloquia, seminars, Autumn / Winter / Spring / Summer schools.
 

Professional integration programs

• Professional integration programs must take place between 01/01/2026 and 31/12/2026 and may not last more than 32 days.

• The projects will be credited by the submission of a report (around twenty pages long) and its defense attended by the academic tutor and the tutor hosting the PhD candidate during the project.

• The maximum amount awarded for projects in this category is €10,000.
   

Study trips 

• Study trips must take place between 01/11/2025 and 31/12/2026 and may not last more than 10 days. They may take place in France or abroad.

• At the end of the study trip, a travel summary report (around twenty pages) will be submitted to the academic tutor.

• The maximum amount awarded to projects in this category will be €40,000. 

Phase 1 - terms and conditions : 

Project submission is done in a single step via this form.
Complete application must be submitted on this form no later than Monday September 15th, 12:00 noon (GMT+1). 

Language:

• The application can be written in French or English.
• Letters of support can be written in French or English.

Provisional timetable:

Call phase 1 
- Application deadline: Monday September 15th, 12:00 noon (GMT+1)
- Selection period : From Monday 22 September to Tuesday 30 September 2025: The jury will review applications and initiate Phase 2.

Contact and information: aap-doctorat-shs-2025@psl.eu