Empowering 36 PhD Fellows to Shape a Sustainable Future
Nextstep is a high-caliber doctoral training programme designed to equip 36 PhD candidates with the advanced skills and expertise needed to address the pressing challenges of sustainable development and innovation. Aligned with Horizon Europe’s objectives, the program fosters interdisciplinary research in critical areas such as health, energy, environment, and digital industries.
Exploring Advanced Analytical Frontiers
Participants will have the unique opportunity to harness cutting-edge analytical techniques, including synchrotron X-ray imaging, neutron scattering, and advanced electron microscopy. These methods, provided by world-renowned research infrastructures like ESRF, ILL, and eDREAM, enable unprecedented precision in understanding materials, biological systems, and processes at the atomic and molecular levels.
Fostering Collaboration Across Disciplines and Sectors
Through its innovative approach, Nextstep bridges academia, industry, and research institutions, creating a dynamic platform for collaboration and impactful scientific discovery. This unique combination of training and resources positions the programme as a leader in preparing researchers to drive sustainable innovation.
Training Innovators to Tackle Global Challenges
At Nextstep, we envision a future where research and innovation serve as the driving forces behind sustainable progress. By nurturing a new generation of highly skilled scientists, we aim to redefine how interdisciplinary expertise and advanced techniques can address global challenges and create meaningful societal impact.
We aspire to:
Train and empower a new wave of researchers who not only excel in advanced analytical techniques but are also equipped with the creativity, adaptability, and entrepreneurial mindset to lead transformative change in science and innovation.
Establish a collaborative ecosystem that transcends traditional boundaries, connecting leading research infrastructures, industry, and public stakeholders to foster knowledge sharing, co-creation, and real-world solutions.
Develop impactful and actionable solutions to global priorities, including sustainable development, climate resilience, and technological innovation, ensuring they align with the needs of society and the planet.
Shape leaders who can bridge the gap between disciplines and sectors, turning data and insights into groundbreaking applications across scientific, industrial, and policy-making spheres.
Our Network of Excellence
Nextstep thrives on the synergy of its exceptional Host Institutions - renowned European research infrastructures providing unparalleled training and access to cutting-edge technologies.
At the heart of the network, Grenoble’s European Photon and Neutron Campus is home to ESRF and ILL, offering expertise in synchrotron X-ray imaging and neutron scattering. Complementing this, eDREAM’s distributed network of facilities across Europe specializes in advanced electron microscopy, enabling precision analysis at the atomic scale. Together, these institutions represent a powerhouse of innovation, driving discoveries that address today’s global challenges.
With their world-class facilities and collaborative ethos, our Host Institutions ensure that Nextstep PhD fellows gain hands-on experience with techniques that are shaping the future of science and innovation.
