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Applications are now open for the Queen’s University Belfast FORESIGHTERS Scholarship 2026 in the United Kingdom, a prestigious fully funded doctoral training programme offering 20 funded PhD positions for outstanding early-stage researchers from around the world.

The FORESIGHTERS Doctoral Training Programme (Future ORiEnted Skills, Innovation for Governance for Health, Technology, Energy, Cities and Creativity) is hosted by Queen’s University Belfast and supported through the Horizon Europe MSCA COFUND programme and the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy. The programme combines interdisciplinary research with advanced training in futures thinking, future literacy, foresight, systems thinking, and innovation.

Successful candidates will undertake cutting-edge doctoral research while receiving a competitive salary, tuition fee coverage, research funding, and professional development opportunities.

Summary

• Scholarship Name: FORESIGHTERS Doctoral Training Programme 2026
• Host Institution: Queen’s University Belfast
• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Study Level: PhD
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Number of Positions: 20
• Duration: 42 Months
• Eligible Applicants: International and Domestic Applicants
• Research Themes: Health, Technology, Energy, Future Cities, and Creativity
• Salary Package: Up to £37,734 per year
• Additional Benefits: Tuition Fees, Research Funding, Travel Support, and Professional Development
• Application Deadline: 29 June 2026

About the FORESIGHTERS Programme

The FORESIGHTERS Doctoral Training Programme is designed to prepare the next generation of interdisciplinary research leaders capable of addressing major societal, environmental, technological, and economic challenges.

Researchers will be trained in Futures Thinking and Future Literacy while working across multiple academic disciplines. The programme aims to help participants understand, anticipate, and shape future developments through innovative research approaches and collaboration with academic and non-academic partners.

Participants will join a collaborative cohort of researchers and benefit from world-class doctoral training at one of the UK’s leading Russell Group universities.

Research Themes

Applicants may undertake research within one of the programme’s interdisciplinary themes:

• Health
• Technology
• Energy
• Future Cities
• Creativity

Projects are expected to address real-world challenges while incorporating future-oriented research methods and interdisciplinary perspectives.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Annual salary package of up to £37,734
• 42-month employment contract
• Research and travel funding
• Professional development training
• Access to world-class research facilities
• International networking opportunities
• Interdisciplinary research experience
• Collaboration with non-academic partners
• Visa endorsement support where applicable
• Standard staff employment benefits

The programme provides both financial support and advanced doctoral training, enabling participants to focus fully on their research and professional growth.

Unique Features of the Programme

FORESIGHTERS goes beyond traditional doctoral education by providing training in:

• Futures Literacy
• Strategic Foresight
• Systems Thinking
• Citizen Engagement
• Innovation Methods
• Policy Development
• Interdisciplinary Research
• Scenario Planning
• Leadership Development
• Stakeholder Collaboration

These transferable skills are designed to prepare researchers for careers in academia, government, industry, and international organizations.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants generally must:

• Hold qualifications suitable for PhD admission
• Demonstrate strong academic performance
• Show research potential and motivation
• Meet Queen’s University Belfast admission requirements
• Demonstrate interest in interdisciplinary research
• Be willing to participate in cohort-based doctoral training
• Meet any programme-specific requirements

The programme welcomes applications from talented candidates worldwide.

Required Documents

Applicants may be required to submit:

• Completed online application form
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• Research proposal or project-specific documents
• Personal statement
• Recommendation letters
• English language qualification evidence (if required)
• Passport or identification documents

Applicants should review the specific project requirements before applying.

How to Apply

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official FORESIGHTERS programme website.
2. Review the available doctoral projects.
3. Check the eligibility requirements carefully.
4. Prepare all required application documents.
5. Complete the online application form.
6. Submit your application before the deadline.
7. Await shortlisting and interview invitations.
8. Participate in the selection process if shortlisted.

Applications must be submitted through the official Queen’s University Belfast recruitment platform.

Application Deadline

• Application Deadline: 29 June 2026
• Interview Period: October 2026
• Programme Duration: 42 Months

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible due to the competitive nature of the programme.

Why Apply?

The FORESIGHTERS Scholarship offers:

• Fully funded PhD education
• Competitive salary package
• World-class doctoral training
• Interdisciplinary research opportunities
• International collaboration
• Advanced futures-thinking skills
• Research and travel funding
• Career development support
• Access to leading experts
• Membership in a global research network

The programme is ideal for ambitious researchers interested in shaping future solutions to complex global challenges.

Related Opportunities

• Gates Cambridge Scholarship
• EPFL CYD Fellowship in Switzerland
• Deakin University RTP Scholarships in Australia
• Forrest Foundation Fellowship in Australia
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) in Canada
• OIST Visiting Scholars Program in Japan
• Chulabhorn Graduate Institute Scholarship in Thailand
• KOICA Scholarship 2027 in South Korea
• University of New Brunswick Scholarship in Canada

Official Application Link

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The Queens University Belfast FORESIGHTERS Scholarship 2026 is one of the most exciting fully funded doctoral opportunities currently available in Europe. With full tuition coverage, a competitive salary package, interdisciplinary research training, and advanced futures-thinking skills development, the programme offers exceptional value for aspiring researchers.

At AK Travels LTD, we strongly encourage interested applicants to begin preparing their documents early and carefully review the available research projects. Since only 20 positions are available, a strong academic record, clear research motivation, and a well-prepared application will significantly improve your chances of selection.

Website: http://www.aktravelsltd.com