Newsletter 
The PhD cotutelle grant within the framework of the French Maupertuis program
(https://www.magnusehrnroothinsaatio.fi/en/)
One PhD cotutelle grant for 2023 within the framework of the Maupertuis program is open for application in one of the fields of science supported by the Magnus Ehrnrooth Foundation (Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry and Medical chemistry).
International Cotutelle of thesis
Cotutelle is a mechanism that promotes mobility among doctoral candidates while encouraging scientific cooperation between French and foreign research teams. Candidates conduct their research under the oversight of, and with guidance from, a dissertation adviser from each of the two countries involved in the program. Working jointly, both advisers provide a full measure of supervision for the candidate. The candidate conducts his research in the two countries under the terms of the agreement governing the program. This agreement may introduce more flexibility in the definition of these terms and allows adapting the general framework for each student therefore improving the proper progress of the doctoral studies.
What degree does the graduate receive?
Cotutelle operates under the terms of an agreement between two institutions, one of which must be French. The rules and procedures are the same as those of French doctoral programs and doctoral programs within the foreign university. The two universities recognize the validity of the joint supervision and of the degree awarded to successful candidates —a doctoral degree from the French institution and an equivalent degree from the foreign university. There are two possibilities for the granting of the degree:
- The successful candidate may receive a single Doctoral Degree conferred jointly by the two institutions. The diploma will carry the name of the degree in two languages. (For example, Doctorat en littérature française and PhD in French literature).
- The candidate may receive two separate degrees, one from each institution. In this case, each diploma will bear the name of the degree issued by that institution, will mention that the dissertation has been jointly supervised and will specify the name of the partner university.
In both cases, the dissertation is defended in just one of the institutions participating in the joint supervision agreement, as determined by the two research advisers.
How large, for how long, and who can apply?
The program is funded in part by the Magnus Ehrnrooth Foundation (the grant to the student, 24 000 euros and a contribution towards travel costs, around 2 000 euros) per year for three to four years, for the time it takes to complete the PhD-degree. The extra costs involved for the student, when he/she spends time in the French institution will be covered with French money.
The grant is awarded for up to four years and paid in annual instalments as agreed between the grantee and the foundation. An annual report on the progress of the research is expected from the grantee, as well as statements from the supervisors in both countries.
The program is open to candidates from both Finnish and French universities. Applications for 2023 are open on October 15th, 2022. The deadline for applications is November 30th, 2022, with decisions made by mid-February. Applications are made using the grant application system of the Magnus Ehrnrooth Foundation.
The terms of the grant will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
How is the application done?
You should study the instructions for PhD-students because they are valid also in the cotutelle case (https://www.magnusehrnroothinsaatio.fi/en/instructions-for-applicants/ ). On most pages there is a login-button to the application system.
In this system you will have to create a username and a password for your account. If you do this from the English language pages the instructions and the application forms will be in English. You may, of course, use Finnish or Swedish if you prefer that. Click on the appropriate flag symbol.
Fill the forms and click the tab indicating that you are applying for the cotutelle grant.
Your application will also be considered for an ordinary graduate student grant if you are not chosen for the cotutelle.
Make sure that your application is submitted before the deadline. Just saving your application does not submit it. After saving your work you may always return to it afterwards and continue working on the application up to the deadline. After submitting your application, it is received by the system, and you can no longer make changes to the application.
Your research plan should include a few sentences about the additional benefits of the cotutelle program to your research and a statement on why you are interested in doing the cotutelle. A letter of recommendation from both the Finnish and the French thesis supervisors must be included with the application.
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact
Niklas Meinander +358-40-7213805 magnus.ehrnrooth@protsv.fi