The EPICUR Hubs, set to launch in April 2025, feature research-oriented learning, training and networking opportunities for:
- Master’s students interested in pursuing a research career
- Early career researchers (ECRs)
The EPICUR Hubs serve as virtual centres for transnational academic and research collaboration, focusing on research training, interdisciplinary engagement and cross-institutional collaboration. They aim to support master’s students and ECRs, including doctoral candidates, postdocs and junior professors.
By fostering advanced research skills based on the latest scientific discoveries and promoting innovation, the Hubs will help develop the skills needed for successful research careers both inside and outside academia. They offer a mix of virtual, blended and onsite activities, such as courses, workshops, networking sessions and platforms (such as the EPICommunity) and research conferences across nine partner universities. Additionally, the Hubs promote intersectoral exchange and community engagement with regional stakeholders.
The Hubs will specialise in four priority areas:
1. Sustainable Transformation: Focuses on transitioning to sustainable living and business practices
2. European Values: Emphasizes human rights, democracy, diversity and solidarity
3. Global Health: Addresses global health challenges and promotes equitable health outcomes
4. Future Intelligence: Explores the creation and evolution of intelligent systems and technologies
These thematic areas are complemented by transversal and research skills offerings, ensuring comprehensive training and support for diverse research career paths.
The EPICUR Hubs pilot (2025-2026) will focus on Sustainable Transformation, chosen for its significant relevance and impact. The pilot will launch in April 2025 with the introduction of the Sustainable Transformation Hub, various transversal offerings and the Hubs’ virtual space, followed by a research conference in October 2025 at KIT. An assessment of the pilot, planned for April to June 2026, will inform the development of a roadmap for future thematic hubs.
Features of the Hubs
Courses and training programmes
In order to enhance the EPICUR learning offer for research-oriented master’s students and ECRs from across the alliance, the EPICUR Hubs will feature a portfolio of courses and training programmes. These will include a wide range of transversal courses, innovation courses, challenge-based training programmes, seasonal (summer/winter) schools and thematic courses linked to the Hubs pilot topic, Sustainable Transformation. By participating in these offers, master’s students and ECRs will have the opportunity to expand their network within the European university landscape, work interdisciplinarily with peers from across Europe, and build valuable skills for their later careers. The portfolio will be featured in the EPICUR course catalogue starting from February 2025. Check back soon for updates!
Networking opportunities
The Hubs will facilitate connections with peers and established researchers through virtual and onsite events, including research conferences. The intersectoral networking series will highlight diverse research career options across academia, industry, and other sectors, offering participants unique insights into professional opportunities. These exchanges will help master’s students and ECRs build meaningful connections and gain a broader perspective on potential career pathways.
Hubs virtual space
Launching in April 2025, the Hubs virtual space will provide a centralised platform with information on courses, events and mobility funding schemes, as well as links to relevant EPICUR services and resources. It will also include a Research Opportunities Portal, showcasing research stays at the other partner universities and fostering collaboration across the EPICUR network. These academic exchange opportunities will offer master’s students and ECRs practical experience and access to a vibrant community of researchers, promoting interdisciplinary learning and cross-institutional engagement.
Past opportunities
If you are interested in learning more about programmes that were offered in the past, please view the Past opportunities page.
