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RESEARCH INSTITUTES
RESEARCH CENTRES
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CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR A PHD SCHOLARSHIP IN BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH TECHNOLOGY
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
The ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã through the Engineering and Science Complex (ESC)ÌýÌýÌýinvites applications from eligible ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã academic staff for one PhD scholarship in Biomedical and Health Technology, with a focus on Biomedical Engineering, Digital Health Solutions, Mobile Health Technologies, AI-driven Diagnostics, Medical Image Processing, Biomedical Measurement Technology, Biotechnology for Health, and other related fields.
CONDITIONS
The PhD scholarship is open for three years, either under a Double PhD Programme (“co-tutelle�) or a Visiting PhD programme with one of the ESC's partner institutions in France: Université Paris-Saclay, CentraleSupélec, ChimieParisTech – PSL, AgroParisTech, Mines Paris – PSL, or École des Ponts ParisTech.
The Double PhD Programme is a three-year (36 months) doctoral programme that leads to the award of two PhD degrees—one from the ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã and one from the French partner institution. The programme includes two research stays in France of up to nine months each and is implemented under a co-tutelle agreement between the UoN and the host institution in France. Successful candidate will be jointly supervised by two supervisors, one from the ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã (home institution) and one from the French partner institution (host institution) and will have one defense, in ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã.
The visiting PhD is a program of three years (36 months) that leads to one degree from ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã with two 5-month stays in France. The programme requires applicant to have a supervisor at the ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã and a host researcher at one of the French partner institutions. The program does not require a formal agreement beyond the engagement of the French institution to receive the candidate and the engagement of ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã to recognize the stays in France.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must:
- Be Kenyan citizens.
- Be tutorial fellow, full-time academic or research staff at the ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã.
- Hold a relevant Master's degree in a discipline related to biomedical and health technology.
- Be no more than 40 years of age at the application deadline.
- Not be receiving another PhD scholarship at the time of application.
- Be willing to undertake research mobility in France (either two 9-month stays for the Joint PhD or up to 10 months for the Visiting PhD).
- Have the required supervision arrangements:
- Double PhD: One supervisor from the ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã and one from a French partner institution.
- Visiting PhD: One supervisor from the ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã and a host researcher at a French partner institution.
- Demonstrate that the proposed research will contribute to innovation and knowledge creation within the ESC Communities of Excellence (CoEs), with potential outputs such as publications, patents, technologies, or start-ups.
- Plan to start the PhD programme at the latest in January 2027.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants should submit:
- A completed application form.
- A concept note (maximum three pages) outlining the proposed research and the expected roles of UoN and the French partner institution.
- A motivation letter.
- Two letters of recommendation from the prospective ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã supervisor and the prospective French partner supervisor/host.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Preference will be given to applicants who:
- Are early-career academic staff who do not yet hold a PhD.
- Have research supported by, or aligned with, a French partner institution and with strong potential to attract external funding and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the relevant Community of Excellence.
- Demonstrate a clear plan for industry collaboration or have existing partnerships with industry.
- Have secured the support of a co-supervisor (Double PhD) or host researcher (Visiting PhD) from one of the French partner institutions. The final award of the scholarship will be subject to confirmation of this support.
- Are woman, in case of equal academic profile.
WHAT THE SCHOLARSHIP COVERS:Ìý
- A monthly allowance to cover living expenses in France and Kenya (in France-1,800€/month; in Kenya - 400€/month).
- Maximum of two return tickets to France (max of 1300€ each).
- Visa costs and annual medical and personal accident insurance (up to 400€).
- ÌýResearch related expenses, if any, in France and Kenya (up to 12500€).
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:Ìý
Applications to be submitted through () by 31st August, 2026.
±·µþ:Ìý
- Plagiarized and AI generated proposals will not be considered.
- Only complete applications submitted online will be accepted.Ìý
The Engineering and Science Complex (ESC) is a flagship initiative at the ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã established to strengthen teaching, research, innovation, and technology development in science, engineering, and information technology. The project is implemented through a partnership between the Government of Kenya and the French Development Agency (AFD) in support of Kenya's Vision 2030.
As part of its commitment to developing high-level research capacity within its proposed Communities of Excellence (CoEs), the ESC is supporting doctoral training in priority research areas.