Program Overview

Introduction to the Joint PhD Program between Grenoble and Swansea

The joint PhD program between Université Grenoble Alpes and Swansea University offers a unique opportunity for students to pursue their research interests in a collaborative and international environment. With over 30 joint PhD programs developed across various fields, including medicine, science, engineering, and law, students can benefit from the expertise and resources of both institutions.

Overview of the Program

• The program allows students to spend 50% of their time in Swansea and 50% in Grenoble, with supervision from academic staff from both universities.
• Successful students will receive a dual degree from Université Grenoble Alpes and Swansea University.
• The number of students enrolled in the program has been increasing steadily since its inception in 2013.

Key Features and Benefits

• First Graduates: The first joint PhD graduate was awarded in 2014.
• Current Enrollment: Over 20 students are currently enrolled in the joint PhD program.
• Research Areas: Joint PhD programs are available in various fields, including biology, computer science, engineering, humanities and social sciences, law, medicine, mathematics, physics, and sports science.
• Funding: Swansea University has allocated over £675,000 in scholarships, and Grenoble has allocated over €800,000.
• New Intake: A new cohort of joint PhD students starts every year.
• Awards and Recognition: The first female graduate of the program won the L'Oreal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science, recognizing her outstanding research contributions.

Fees and Scholarships

• Admissions: Applicants must meet the admission requirements of both institutions.
• Fees: Students typically pay half of their fees to Swansea and half to Grenoble, which works out to be less than the standard Swansea PhD fees due to differences in fee levels between the UK and France.
• Scholarships: Several scholarships are available to cover fees and living costs. Continuous scholarship opportunities are offered, and students are encouraged to apply.

Success Stories

• Caroline Bissardon: The first graduate of the joint PhD program won the prestigious L'Oreal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science for her research on the role of selenium in articular cartilage metabolism, growth, and maturation.
• Her research, conducted in collaboration with the Swansea University's Nanohospital and the TIMC laboratory at Grenoble-Alpes University, and utilizing the Grenoble Syncotron facility, explored an interdisciplinary field combining geology, biology, and biophysics to analyze the importance of selenium in cartilage health.
• The findings of her research have broad implications for global health, given the correlation between low dietary selenium intake and increased risk of long-term health diseases.

Conclusion

The joint PhD program between Grenoble and Swansea offers a unique and enriching experience for students, providing access to a broad range of research areas, international collaboration, and significant funding opportunities. With its strong track record of producing high-achieving graduates, this program is an attractive option for those seeking to advance their research careers in an international context.