PhD Scholarships in Sovereignty Implications of European Open Data

About the Project

Funding for PhD scholarships (stipend plus fees) is available at the University of Galway and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission.

The University of Galway offers a PhD position in collaboration with the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission. The PhD student will spend 2 years at JRC, located in Ispra (Italy), and 2 years at the University of Galway.

The Insight Research Ireland Centre for Data Analytics and the Data Science Institute at the University of Galway offer a stimulating, dynamic and multicultural research team with members from all over the world, excellent ties to research groups worldwide and close collaboration with industrial partners. The Data Spaces group research techniques for intelligent information systems, including large-scale decentralised architectures, open data infrastructure, data semantics (representation, storage, and interoperability), and dynamic data (events and streams).

Project

European public authorities and research organisations have championed open data developments. As a consequence, Europe has gradually become a continent with one of the most advanced, if not the most advanced, open data infrastructures in the world. Considering the new geopolitical realities and a rapidly observed paradigm shift from an open to a shared data regime, the digital sovereignty implications for open data practices are understudied and not well understood.

The proposed PhD Project is situated at the intersection of policy, technology, and society. The PhD candidate will investigate the sovereignty implications of European open data including the trade-offs and frictions between sovereignty and openness, as well as possible pathways towards ensuring a balance between (i) retaining open data as an enabler of digital transformation, and (ii) strategic autonomy. The PhD candidate will apply a mixed-methods approach, drawing inspiration and methodological approaches from political science, sociology, science and technology studies (STS), and public governance research.

The PhD student will conduct fundamental research to investigate the "what", the "how", and the "what next" for Open Data in Europe using impact assessments and toolkits, taxonomies, decision matrixes, and roadmaps. You will have the opportunity to work with renowned experts in the field of data-driven innovation and digital sovereignty, both from academia and policymakers. Thanks to the collaboration with JRC, you are guaranteed to work on real-life problems with a clear link to European Union policymaking, especially in the context of the European Competitiveness and the European Data Union Strategy.

Profile

Applicants should have the following:

• At least a 2.1 (Hons) degree and/or a Masters in Computer Science, Information Systems, Political Science, Law, Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related discipline. (You can also apply if you are currently in your last year of study and will obtain your degree in the summer.)
• Knowledge of several of the following areas is desirable: open data, data governance, AI governance, digital transformation, data spaces.
• Experience using mixed method approaches (i.e. discourse analysis, network analysis, stakeholder interviews, case studies, Delphi, STS, workshops)
• Effective, highly motivated team player with the ability to work independently and interested in working with experts studying AI and Data infrastructures
• Willingness to engage with stakeholders including policymakers to identify requirements and needs.
• You have the ambition to publish your work in top scientific journals in the field and present your work in international conferences.
• Possesses strong analytical skills, oral, and written proficiency in English.
• You should be willing to relocate to Italy and Ireland and occasionally travel in the framework of your PhD.

PhD Offer Package

• Multiple benefits (access to university infrastructure and sports facilities, etc.).
• Training on research methodologies and soft skills through access to internal and external courses.
• The opportunity to develop a professional network within academia and industry.
• The opportunity to work in an ambitious and reputable team that encourages personal growth, creativity and taking responsibility.
• The opportunity to gain experience in the role of project management, after a sense of organizational skills have been demonstrated.
• Preferred starting date is from Spring 2026.
• During your PhD research, you follow the Structured PhD programme of the University of Galway.
• You regularly participate in workshops and international conferences.
• The CDP PhD project will have a total duration of 4 years where the PhD candidate is expected to spend 12 months at the University of Galway in Ireland, followed by 24 months at the JRC in Ispra, Italy and then a final 12 months at the University of Galway.
• For the period spent at the University of Galway, the student will receive a Hardiman Scholarship. The student will receive a scholarship, including a tax-free stipend of €25,000, p.a., full coverage of tuition fees, funds for conference travel, and an equipment allowance. (https://www.universityofgalway.ie/hardiman-scholarships)
• While employed at the JRC, the salary and benefits are those of a JRC Grantholder Category 20, following the Grantholder Rules. The annual gross salary will be around 45.000 Euro and is subject to national income tax.

Eligibility criteria

Candidates should, prior to the start of the employment contract with the JRC:

• have the nationality of a Member State of the EU or a country associated to the Research Framework Programmes, or being resident in an EU Member State since at least five years, and
• be admitted to the PhD programme in College of Science and Engineering, please consult: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/science-engineering/postgraduateprogrammes/structured-phd/dsi-eng-research.html

Selection

The selection will be done in two stages: first at the University of Galway, and second at the JRC. The selection is based on CVs and interviews by the HEI in the first stage and then the JRC invites 2 to 5 shortlisted candidates for a second and final interview.

Application procedure:

Candidates are requested to submit a cover letter and CV to edward.curry@universityofgalway.ie using "Sovereignty Implications of European Open Data” in the subject line.

The deadline for applications is 14th May 2026.