Call for PPU projects (and the new PPU-MD-PhD): recruitment for October 2026 

The next call for the recruitment of PPU (Pasteur-Paris University) students for the October 2026 cohort is now open. 

To have your project published online by September 2025, please submit it via the link and follow the instructions provided.

Important dates:

•    Projects will be accepted from now until August 25, 2025. All the projects will be posted on the PPU website on a “first come, first served” basis - the earlier you submit your project, the higher it will be on the list.

•   The call for student applications will be open from September 1 to October 20, 2025.

•   The final application, jointly prepared by the selected candidate and the host lab, must be submitted by November 12, 2025. 

Eligibility requirements:

•    The host lab must be affiliated with a Doctoral School (ED) of either Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, or Université Paris Saclay.

•   Any scientist holding an HDR (Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches) may propose a project (a scientist who is in the process of obtaining their HDR may need a co-advisor).

•   The number of students per HDR must comply with the regulations of the respective EDs. 

Notes:

•    Eligibility is not affected by the candidate having completed an internship in France (including at Institut Pasteur), provided it was less than one year in duration.

•   If your lab has already selected a candidate, you must still submit a project indicating your intent to recruit through the PPU program You will later receive instructions to avoid receiving additional applications from other candidates. 

PPU satellite programs: 

The call is also open to projects within PPU’s satellite tracks (described below). 

•    Supervisors wishing to participate in the R&T or MD-PhD should select from the beginning the corresponding « type of PPU »

•   The Classic, EID, PS or PPU - Oxford follow the same application procedure and can be selected from the main PPU program under the « PPU satellite programs » option on the PPU platform.

While each satellite track has its own specific features, all PPU students will participate in the core activities of the PPU program. 

•    The Classic, EID, and PPU-Oxford programs are open to candidates who hold (or will obtain) a master’s degree or equivalent from a non-French university.

•   The R&T, PS, and MD-PhD tracks are also open to candidates with French degrees. 

Besides the specificities of each ‘satellite’ program, all the PPU students will follow all the activities proposed by the PPU program. 

► PPU Oxford: If the proposed PhD project focuses on antimicrobial resistance and you are willing to collaborate with the Oxford’s Chemistry Department, you should select the option «PPU-Oxford program» in the box « PPU satellite programs ». Students in this track will have the opportunity to spend up to three months of their PhD in the University of Oxford. 

► PPU Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID): If your proposed PhD project is related to this topic, your candidate may join the ‘One Health – Emerging Infectious Diseases’ Graduate School. This multidisciplinary program integrates science and health with key concepts of economics and communication. 

► PPU Research & Technology (R&T): To qualify for this track, the PhD project must be co-supervised by both a research unit and a core facility within the Institut Pasteur. The goal should not only be to apply existing technologies but also to drive innovation in the technological development as part of the project. 

► PPU Participatory Science (PS): CThis new program emphasizes experiential knowledge, patient advocacy, and public involvement in research. It offers a unique opportunity for researchers to propose interdisciplinary PhD projects in areas such as neuroscience, microbiology, and public health that actively integrate participatory science. Projects should demonstrate the value of public engagement and its potential to enhance both research methodology and outcomes for human health. 

► PPU MD-PhD: The brand-new PPU program, aiming to bridge fundamental, clinical, and translational research by training medical doctors in science and technology. It strengthens ties between medical and scientific institutions. The Institut Pasteur offers an excellent environment for MDs pursuing a PhD due to its high scientific standards, focus on public health, and strong international network.
The PPU-MD-PhD program aims to attract both French and international MDs and medical students who wish to integrate a PhD-level training into their curriculum. MD candidates who are already funded and beginning a PhD at the Institut Pasteur may apply to join the PPU program. A personalized curriculum will be offered in public health, dual mentorship, and integration into the Institute’s MD community. 

 

For any further information, please contact us at phd@pasteur.fr