La Rochelle Université wins a European COFUND project “EU-DOCS for SmUCS” in partnership with EU-CONEXUS
La Rochelle Université is thrilled to announce that its MSCA COFUND project “EU-DOCS for SmUCS” (Horizon Europe) has been approved by the European Commission. This prestigious project will recruit 17 PhD students over 60 months, with La Rochelle Université acting as the sole beneficiary.
Strengthening collaboration within EU-CONEXUS
The programme will leverage the combined strengths of EU-CONEXUS partners, which include universities and research institutions from across Europe. By fostering interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration, the project will enhance the educational experience for PhD students, facilitating joint supervision, providing access to diverse resources, and creating opportunities for academic and non-academic actors to work together on sustainable solutions for coastal challenges. Overall, this network will aim to support the development of comprehensive, resilient approaches to urban coastal sustainability.
Addressing coastal challenges
Based on a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach, the EU-DOCS for SmUCS programme brings together La Rochelle Université and its partners from EU-CONEXUS. Together, they aim to address major societal challenges related to the sustainable development of urban coastal areas — an urgent necessity considering that 60% of the global population resides near the coast. The issues addressed include the rise of sea levels, wetland pollution, the vulnerability of coastal cities, the impact of mass tourism, and others.
Training future researchers
The programme will equip 17 PhD students with interdisciplinary skills and international networks through 60-month theses. It emphasises three core principles: PhD cotutelles, excellence and interdisciplinarity, and transversal skills aimed at enhancing their employability in academia and beyond.
This initiative marks a significant step in advancing coastal sustainability research and preparing a new generation of researchers who are dedicated to developing sustainable solutions.
