The EERA Joint Programme on Smart Grids (JP SG) is pleased to launch its first PhD Candidate Award, recognising outstanding doctoral research that contributes to the development of smart, resilient, and sustainable energy systems in Europe.

As electrification and digitalisation transform the energy landscape, smart grids are essential for flexibility, reliability, and secure power delivery. The initiative is aimed to award excellence in ongoing PhD research, promotes scientific collaboration, and supports the next generation of researchers shaping the clean energy transition.

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 2026.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must:

• Applicants must have successfully completed at least the 1st year of their PhD research and must not have defended their PhD thesis before 30 September 2025.
• Be currently enrolled in a PhD programme at a member organisation of the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA), or have conducted significant collaborative research related to their PhD in partnership with an EERA member organization.
• Conduct research aligned with at least one the following JP Smart Grids thematic areas:
  1. Technologies and tools for the management of future power systems
  2. Storage integration
  3. Smart and flexible distribution systems
  4. Consumer and prosumer engagement through digitalisation and ICT
  5. Flexible transmission networks

Application process

Applicants must submit a complete application by 30 November 2025 (23:59 Brussels time) to smartgrids@eera-set.eu.

Through this initiative, the JP Smart Grids reinforces its commitment to scientific excellence, collaboration, and support for young researchers driving Europe’s energy transition.

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