Scholarship details
The University of Twente PhD Scholarships in Home Care Innovation Capacity Building, Netherlands
Are you interested in pursuing a PhD degree in the field of home care innovation? Do you want to contribute to developing sustainable and inclusive solutions for the challenges faced by the elderly and people with disabilities in their daily lives? If yes, then you might be eligible for the University of Twente PhD Scholarships in Home Care Innovation Capacity Building, Netherlands.
This scholarship program is part of the Home Care Innovation Capacity Building (HOMECARE) project, which aims to improve the quality of life and well-being of older adults and people with disabilities by enhancing their access to home care services and technologies. The project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 101034867.
As a PhD candidate, you will be part of a multidisciplinary and international team of researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders from the Netherlands, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. You will conduct empirical research on the needs, preferences, and experiences of home care users and providers in different contexts, and co-design and evaluate innovative home care solutions that are culturally appropriate, affordable, and scalable. You will also participate in training and networking activities to enhance your academic and professional skills.
Scholarship Provider
The scholarship provider is the University of Twente, a public research university located in Enschede, Netherlands. The university is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and its focus on high-tech engineering and social sciences. The university has a strong reputation for excellence in research and education, and ranks among the top universities in the world.
The university offers a stimulating and supportive environment for PhD candidates, who are considered as full members of the academic community. The university provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, supervision by leading experts, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
Eligible Applicants
The scholarship program is open to applicants from any country who meet the following criteria:
- You have a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline, such as health sciences, social sciences, engineering, or design.
- You have a strong interest and motivation in conducting research on home care innovation.
- You have excellent academic and research skills, as evidenced by your grades, publications, or projects.
- You have good communication and collaboration skills, and are able to work in a multicultural and interdisciplinary team.
- You have good command of English, both written and spoken, and are willing to learn other languages if needed.
- You comply with the mobility rule of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, which means that you have not resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date.
Host Country
The host country is the Netherlands, a small but densely populated country in Western Europe. The Netherlands is known for its flat landscape, tulip fields, windmills, cheese, and bicycles. The Netherlands is also a progressive and tolerant country, with a high quality of life, a diverse culture, and a rich history.
The Netherlands is an attractive destination for international students and researchers, who can benefit from its excellent education system, innovative research environment, and vibrant social scene. The Netherlands is also a gateway to Europe, as it is well-connected by air, rail, and road to other major cities and countries.
Scholarship Worth
The scholarship program offers the following benefits to the selected candidates:
- A full-time employment contract for four years at the University of Twente, with a competitive salary and benefits, such as pension, health insurance, and holiday allowance.
- A generous budget for research, training, and travel expenses, as well as access to the facilities and resources of the HOMECARE project and the University of Twente.
- A personalized career development plan, with opportunities to attend workshops, courses, conferences, and other events to enhance your academic and professional skills and network.
- A PhD degree from the University of Twente upon successful completion of your research project and thesis defense.
Level and Field of Study
The scholarship program is for PhD level of study in the field of home care innovation. The program covers four research topics, each with a specific research question and objectives:
- Topic 1: How do home care users and providers perceive and experience home care services and technologies in different contexts?
- Topic 2: How can home care users and providers be involved in the co-design and evaluation of home care solutions that meet their needs and preferences?
- Topic 3: How can home care solutions be implemented and scaled up in different contexts, taking into account the socio-cultural, economic, and institutional factors?
- Topic 4: How can home care innovation contribute to the empowerment and well-being of home care users and providers, as well as the sustainability and inclusiveness of the home care system?
How to Apply
To apply for the scholarship program, you need to follow these steps:
- Choose one of the four research topics that matches your interest and background.
- Prepare your application documents, which include a motivation letter, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications or projects, a copy of your master’s degree certificate and transcript, a copy of your English proficiency test score (if applicable), and two reference letters.
- Submit your application online via the University of Twente website before the deadline. You can apply for only one research topic.
- Wait for the selection process, which consists of an initial screening, an online interview, and a final assessment.
Countries that can Apply
The scholarship program is open to applicants from any country in the world, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and the mobility rule.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the scholarship program are as follows:
- You have a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline, such as health sciences, social sciences, engineering, or design.
- You have a strong interest and motivation in conducting research on home care innovation.
- You have excellent academic and research skills, as evidenced by your grades, publications, or projects.
- You have good communication and collaboration skills, and are able to work in a multicultural and interdisciplinary team.
- You have good command of English, both written and spoken, and are willing to learn other languages if needed.
- You comply with the mobility rule of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, which means that you have not resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date.
Scholarship Deadline
The scholarship deadline is December 8, 2023. The expected start date of the PhD position is September 1, 2023.
