PhD theses
Why would you choose to perform your PhD research at SCK CEN?
- Academic & research-oriented: SCK CEN ensures a close cooperation with the academic sector, combined with the unique character of our international research environment. You will work together with supportive experienced experts and use innovative facilities, specifically designed for nuclear experiments.
- Multidisciplinary research: Your PhD is inextricably linked with other areas of expertise, either because of the versatile character of your own topic, or indirectly thanks to knowledge exchanges with colleagues.
- Excellent training centre: SCK CEN is proud of its own SCK CEN Academy, which organises our own internal training courses. Obviously, you can also benefit from these opportunities and the Academy’s excellent reputation.
PhD thesis topics
All PhD topics are linked to priority research domains of SCK CEN.
Available PhD topics
Ongoing PhD topics
Completed PhD topics
How do I apply for a PhD research project?
As a PhD student, you must have been accepted by a pre-established university that supports your topic. Although you do your PhD at this specific university, you will spend the majority of your time at our research centre in Mol.
Important dates
- Deadline for your application: September 1, 2023
What if I am selected?
If you have been chosen as a PhD candidate, you can expect an email from the SCK CEN Academy and from your mentor(s) and supervisor(s). To complete your registration as PhD student, you will have to go through some administrative steps.
Doing a PhD with NIRAS/ONDRAF
To promote research into radioactive waste and disposal issues, SCK CEN and NIRAS/ONDRAF, the Belgian Agency for Radioactive Waste and Enriched Fissile Materials, also have some joint PhD theses on offer.
A professional jury with experts from NIRAS/ONDRAF, EURIDICE and SCK CEN will assess your application. Upon a positive assessment, you will be invited to come and present your research topic orally.
Discover all available PhD subjects in cooperation with NIRAS/ONDRAF
Important dates (PhD NIRAS/ONDRAF)
- Deadline for your application: March 23, 2023
- First step: selection based on application file: May 3-4, 2023
- Second step: oral presentation of the research topic: May 30-31, 2023
- Notification final result (the latest): June 30, 2023
- Standard start date: October 1, 2023 (earliest)
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The buddy system
Your buddy – a fellow PhD student of SCK CEN – will welcome you and give you a guided tour on and around the site. Do you still have questions about administrative formalities or procedures? Or are you looking for someone who can show you the way in and around Mol? Your buddy will come to the rescue.
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Welcoming event
SCK CEN organises a welcoming event for all new PhD students, buddies, mentors and university supervisors. We present our research programmes and training activities and round off the day with a speed dating session to get to know your fellow PhD students.
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Training courses, summer schools & conferences
SCK CEN Academy offers a wide range of courses and lectures that you, as a PhD student, can attend. What is in our portfolio? Scientific-technical information sessions, language courses and classes to improve your personal skills. Summer schools to study a topic more in-depth. You will also have the opportunity to attend conferences and workshops and present your own research results.
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PhD Days
Twice a year, SCK CEN organises its PhD Days, during which PhD researchers present their studies. These are days of discussion between young scientists, their supervisors and mentors but also colleagues from universities, the Scientific Board and the management of SCK CEN will join in. The attendance of PhD students and their mentors is compulsory.
The residential area of SCK CEN
Are you about to work at SCK CEN? Then a residence close to the site may be interesting. SCK CEN offers different rooms. The residential area is located in a unique green area of 334 hectares. You will also find the Lakehouse: the hotel, restaurant, bar and conference center of SCK CEN.