PhD Candidate Award 2026 Edition

In 2026, the EERA JP Smart Grids launches the second edition of its PhD Candidate Award, an initiative dedicated to recognising and promoting excellent doctoral research in the field of smart grids.

The award aims to highlight high-quality PhD research pathways that contribute to the development of more sustainable, resilient and efficient energy systems. It focuses on the originality, scientific quality, methodological soundness and relevance of ongoing doctoral work, while showcasing the role of young researchers in advancing innovation for Europe’s future energy system.

Through this initiative, EERA JP Smart Grids seeks to support scientific excellence, encourage knowledge exchange within its community, and inspire a new generation of researchers working on smart grids solutions.

Female researchers are particularly encouraged to apply.

Find below more details about the 2026 call.

2026 Call

Award details

  • Gold Award: up to 3 recipients (€3,000 each)
  • Silver Award: up to 3 recipients (€2,000 each)

Awardees will be invited to present their research at the JP Smart Grids Workshop in spring 2027. Travel and accommodation costs will be reimbursed up to €700 per person.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must:

  • Have successfully completed at least the first year of their PhD research and must not have defended their PhD thesis before 31 October 2026.
  • Be currently enrolled in a PhD programme at an EERA member organisation, or have conducted significant collaborative research related to their PhD in partnership with an EERA member organisation.
  • Conduct research aligned with at least one of the following JP Smart Grids thematic areas:
    1. Technologies and tools for the management of future power systems
    2. Storage integration
    3. Smart flexible distribution systems: planning and operation
    4. Consumer and prosumer activation and engagement through digitalization and ICT
    5. Flexible transmission networks.

Application process

Applicants must submit a complete application by 31 October 2026 (23:59 Brussels time) to smartgrids@eera-set.eu, with m.menon@eera-set.eu and mattia.cabiati@rse-web.it in copy. The application includes a short 3-minute video presentation.

DOWNLOAD the 2026 CALL FULL TEXT