Phortify Grants for Master Thesis Project - Pilot Call

About Phortify

Phortify - Photonics Education Network for Next-Gen Innovation and Digital Skills Excellence for Industry and Society - is dedicated to the Enhancement and Harmonisation of Photonics education and training across Europe. Phortify offers a two-year European Master’s in Photonics Engineering, combining advanced coursework, hands-on laboratory training, and cutting-edge digital skills development, structured mobility windows and industry placements. Students who complete the Phortify track receive an official Phortify Certificate in addition to their Master’s degree. Students can enrol in a Phortify-related master programme at any of the 7 participating universities. In addition, Phortify provides stand-alone modules with harmonised standards for quality assurance and certification, offering high flexibility and mobility for both students and industry professionals. Finally, Phortify organises mentoring programmes for women postdocs and early PIs as well as one-day immersive experience events for prospective students, providing a unique opportunity to explore photonics and its applications.

About the Phortify Funding Framework

Phortify’s Funding Framework aims to widen participation in photonics by supporting students and staff who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM. This includes women and gender minorities, students from low-income or socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, first-generation university students, and learners with disabilities or specific support needs. The programme also encourages participation from regions with limited access to advanced higher education, as well as those belonging to cultural or minority groups that may be underrepresented in higher education. By addressing these dimensions of diversity, Phortify helps ensure a more inclusive and equitable community of future photonics professionals. Participants selected for Phortify funding receive financial support for studies and mobility pathways within the participating master programmes, or for mentoring programmes and STEM experience workshops organised by one of the Phortify partners.

Disclaimer:

This call (as well as the financial support provided through it) is NOT an EU action. This call is launched solely by Phortify. The financial support to the selected successful applicants will be provided directly by Phortify in its own name and under its own responsibility. Phortify’s responsibility includes the preparation and drafting of this call as well as the selection of successful applicants who will receive the said financial support. The publication of this call in the EU Funding & Tenders Portal is made solely for information purposes with the aim of increasing the visibility of this call to the general public, including to potential applicants (i.e. students). The said publication shall not be construed as direct or indirect approval of the content and conditions of this call by the relevant EU authorities or as any form of waiver from the above-described responsibility of Phortify.