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Applications open for CYD Doctoral Fellowships

Deadline: 25-Feb-2026

The CYD Doctoral Fellowships provide up to four years of full financial, academic, and institutional support for PhD candidates conducting cyber-defence research in Switzerland. The program focuses on security, privacy, digital trust, AI-driven data analysis, information sharing, and the protection of cyber and cyber-physical systems. Fellows gain salary support, research funding, and international exposure while collaborating with CYD Campus researchers and Swiss higher education institutions.

Overview

The CYD Doctoral Fellowships are designed to support highly motivated PhD candidates pursuing research in cyber-defence and related fields in Switzerland. The program provides up to four years of comprehensive funding, academic guidance, and institutional backing, enabling researchers to focus on high-impact projects in security, privacy, digital trust, data science, AI-based analysis, information sharing, and protection of cyber and cyber-physical systems.

Key Focus Areas

The fellowship targets projects that advance knowledge and innovation in:

  • Cyber and cyber-physical system protection: Ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical infrastructures.

  • Information sharing and data fusion: Techniques for secure and efficient distribution of cyber-relevant information.

  • Data science and AI methods: Using AI to analyze complex cyber and technology-related datasets.

  • Security, privacy, and digital trust technologies: Developing tools and protocols for secure, trustworthy digital ecosystems.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Enrolled in a doctoral program at a Swiss higher education institution.

  • Have the endorsement of a supervising professor at the host institution.

  • Propose a project collaboratively developed with CYD Campus researchers and at least one Swiss university.

  • Demonstrate academic excellence and the potential to contribute to Swiss cyber-defence.

  • Open to all nationalities with no age restrictions.

Why It Matters

Cyber-defence is a critical priority for Switzerland and global security. This fellowship:

  • Builds advanced research capacity in cyber security and digital trust.

  • Supports interdisciplinary projects bridging data science, AI, and secure systems.

  • Prepares PhD researchers to make impactful contributions to national and international cyber-defence initiatives.

  • Strengthens collaborative networks between Swiss higher education institutions and the CYD Campus.

Funding and Benefits

Fellows receive robust support for the duration of their PhD:

  • Salary support aligned with the host institution’s pay scale.

  • Research funds: Up to CHF 3,000 per year for equipment or project needs.

  • Conference support: Up to CHF 5,000 per year for travel, participation, and international exposure.
    This financial structure ensures stability and enables full engagement in research activities.

How to Apply / How It Works

  1. Identify a research topic aligned with the fellowship’s focus areas.

  2. Secure a supervising professor at a Swiss higher education institution.

  3. Develop a collaborative project with CYD Campus researchers.

  4. Prepare an application detailing research objectives, methodology, expected impact, and budget.

  5. Submit the application according to the CYD Campus guidelines.

  6. Participate in evaluation based on academic excellence, project relevance, and potential impact.

  7. Receive fellowship funding and begin research with full academic and institutional support.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting applications without a supervising professor’s endorsement.

  • Proposing projects lacking collaboration with CYD Campus or other Swiss institutions.

  • Failing to demonstrate academic excellence or measurable impact.

  • Requesting funding outside the allowed research or conference limits.

  • Overlooking the importance of a clear methodology and interdisciplinary relevance.

FAQ

1. What fields of research are supported?
Security, privacy, digital trust, cyber and cyber-physical systems protection, data science, and AI-driven analysis.

2. How long does the fellowship last?
Up to four years, providing full PhD support.

3. Who can apply?
PhD candidates enrolled in a Swiss institution, with endorsement from a supervising professor and collaborative involvement with CYD Campus researchers.

4. What funding is provided?
Salary support, up to CHF 3,000/year for research, and CHF 5,000/year for conferences.

5. Are there nationality or age restrictions?
No. Candidates of any nationality and age are eligible.

6. Is collaboration required?
Yes. Each project must include researchers from CYD Campus and at least one Swiss higher education institution.

7. How competitive is the fellowship?
Highly competitive; applicants must demonstrate strong academic records and a project with significant impact on cyber-defence and data science.

Conclusion

The CYD Doctoral Fellowships provide a fully supported pathway for exceptional PhD candidates to conduct impactful, interdisciplinary research in cyber-defence and digital trust in Switzerland. By combining financial stability, research resources, and collaborative networks, the program enables fellows to contribute meaningfully to Swiss cyber-defence capabilities and global security research.

For more information, visit EPFL.