Fully Funded PhD in Political Science at UCLouvain 2026 in Belgium: Study Inclusive Political Representation Through the WEAVE Research Project
Overview
UCLouvain in Belgium is recruiting a fully funded PhD researcher in Political Science for the WEAVE Project, Co-Designing Inclusive Political Representation. The project is funded by FNRS and FWO and run jointly by UCLouvain and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). It asks how democratic representation can be redesigned to reflect the voices of people living in socio-economic precarity in Brussels, using a bottom-up approach in which community members help shape the research. Methods include democratic theory, participatory and community-engaged research, qualitative longitudinal research and co-design.
The PhD lasts four years and leads to a joint degree. The first two years are based at UCLouvain's Political Sciences Institute and the last two at VUB. Supervisors are Prof. Virginie Van Ingelgom, Prof. Karen Celis and Dr. Kenza Amara Hammou. The researcher develops an original dissertation, runs interviews, participatory workshops and co-design sessions, mainly in Brussels, works with NGOs and community organizations, analyses qualitative data, publishes, presents at conferences and engages with policy audiences.
What you get
The four-year (48-month) scholarship follows FNRS and FWO regulations and includes a dedicated budget for qualitative fieldwork, plus funding for conferences, training and dissemination. Researchers also gain dual supervision and access to doctoral seminars at both universities.
Who can apply
Applicants need a master's degree in political science or a related social science, though final-year master's students may also apply. They should have a strong interest in democracy, qualitative and community-engaged research, excellent spoken French, excellent written and spoken English, and a willingness to carry out extensive fieldwork in Brussels. Dutch is an advantage. Curiosity, initiative, independence and teamwork are valued.
How to apply
Applicants send a single PDF, where possible, with a cover letter of up to two pages, a CV, a one-page statement of research interests and project ideas, a master's thesis or other writing sample, the academic diploma and contact details for two referees. An email subject line that names the four-year PhD position and the project is required.
Key dates
The deadline is 31 August 2026. Shortlisted candidates are informed in early September, interviews take place in the second half of September and the start date is 1 October 2026.