Training the next generation of quantum scientists

QuanG aims to recruit and train PhD fellows in the field of quantum science and technologies. The programme is funded by the European Commission through the MSCA COFUND 2021 call, and co-funded by the LabEx LANEF and the ANR France 2030 QuanTEdu-France project. Between autumn 2022 and autumn 2024, five calls for PhD projects have been launched.

Scientific topics

QuanG was designed to cover the full spectrum of quantum science, with four main research axes:

• • Quantum Materials

• • Quantum Technologies and Devices

• • Quantum Computing and Software

• • Quantum Enabling Technologies

An additional interdisciplinary foundation enables projects at the interface with chemistry, energy, humanities, and social sciences.

 

A Comprehensive Education Plan

QuanG’s training programme is built upon four core pillars:

1. Scientific Training

Fellows are involved in lab-based research, collaborative projects, advanced lectures, summer schools, and dissemination through seminars, conferences, publications, and valorisation of results.

 

2. Secondment

Each fellow must complete a mandatory secondment, choosing between:

• • 2 months in a company, or

• • 4 months in a foreign research laboratory

Each fellow receives an €8,000 mobility grant to support travel and accommodation expenses.

 

3. Network and Community Activities

Throughout their PhD, fellows are involved in dynamic programme-wide events:

• • Junior Quantum Seminar: monthly meetings with the programme director and project assistant, where one fellow presents their work. These sessions encourage exchange, peer feedback, and informal discussion.

• • Out-of-Lab Day: an annual outdoor event bringing together all fellows for cross-cutting topics and team-building activities. These take place in the mountains around Grenoble.

• • Quantum Seminars: participation in scientific events like the QuantAlps Days and the LANEF PhD Days.

• • Quantum Day: an annual event where fellows meet with industry partners in the quantum ecosystem.

Each fellow is expected to participate in at least one of the following collective initiatives:

• • Final Conference: co-organisation of the programme’s closing event

• • Across the Border: summer school in 2026 with fellows from widening countries

• • Sustainable Quantum: working group on the environmental impact of quantum technologies (carbon footprint, life-cycle analysis)

• • Humanities for Quantum: collaborations with researchers in philosophy, history, or sociology of science

• • Communicate Quantum Sciences: outreach presentations (in English) in Grenoble’s international high schools, connecting science and language learning
   

4. Career Development

Fellows receive tailored support for their future career path:

• • Participation in relevant seminars and training sessions (scientific English, pedagogy, project management, entrepreneurship, CV writing, etc.)

• • Career orientation sessions (academic and non-academic careers)

• • Industrial connections through matchmaking events and secondments

• • Follow-Up Committee (CSI): annual discussion on career planning and progress