Funding to Attend DigiQ Networking Events

This is an open call organised through the DigiQ: Digitally Enhanced European Quantum Technology Master project; Grant Agreement No: 101084035; topic:DIGITAL-2021-SKILLS-01-SPECIALISED*¹ - Specialised education programmes in key capacity areas. Students can apply for financial support throughout the academic year to attend DigiQ Networking Events until the end of the programme on 30th September 2026 when all network events will have ceased. The maximum amount of funding available across the entire consortium is €925,000 with funding being provided by the students' home, host or other DigiQ partner*².

The call is open to EU citizenship students and DEP associated countries (see list of associated countries published by the European Commission).

In order to receive funding, students must be part [enrolled] of a DigiQ network or be committed to joining a DigiQ network at the next possible date. Or be a recent graduate of a DigiQ Master program with a network certification. Applications will be evaluated based on the student’s activity in the DigiQ environment as well as the student’s academic performance in- and outside of the DigiQ Environment.

Each student can receive funding to attend up to two in-person networking events per year independent of the paying institution. Therefore, previous funding received by the student must be disclosed during the application process.

Funding is available for travel expenses and accommodation up to a maximum of €500 for travel and €200 per day for accommodation and subsistence. Total maximum allowable per event is €1000. Attendance at a maximum of 925 events will be funded in total. Each student can receive a total of €2000 to attend two events.

How to apply:

1. Network events will be advertised by the institution hosting the event to the relevant DigiQ networks. Available network events will be advertised on DigiQ-Track.
2. Event host will indicate if funding is available from them to attend the event, and the application process, eligibility rules and selection process.
3. Students are asked to submit their CV and a motivational letter
4. If no funding is available from the event host DigiQ students should contact their local coordinator to enquire about available funding to attend the networking event, the application process, eligibility rules and selection process.

Selection Criteria

Eligibility check

The local representative will verify eligibility.

1. Is the student enrolled in a DigiQ network? Y/N
2. Is the host institution a DigiQ Partner? Y/N
3. Is funding available from the home institution? Y/N
4. Is funding available from the host institution? Y/N

It is intended that all eligible DigiQ students may attend at least one networking event. If an event is overbooked such that we cannot accept all students from DigiQ partners, The DigiQ mobility panel evaluate them case-by-case, based on the student’s activity in the DigiQ environment as well as the student’s academic performance in- and outside of the DigiQ Environment and the content of their motivational letter.

Candidates will be evaluated based on the candidate's submitted documentation. Evaluation criteria are:

Academic Performance

1. Grades (total 3 points)
2. Motivation letter & Course Plan / Learning Agreement (total 3 points)

i. Clear motivation and research interests (2 points)

ii. Match with chosen network event (1 point)

CV (total 3 points)

i. Prizes, awards, fellowships (1 point)

ii. Previous research experience (1 point)

iii. Publications / other outstanding features of CV )1 point)

Background and Experience (total 3 points)

Candidate has sufficient background / training for attending network event; take into account statement of support.

Learning Potential & Community Service (total 3 points)

Candidate demonstrates potential for leadership and / or experience in leadership roles, including supervision of students, and / or has a record of impact on the scientific community (e.g. in student chapters, outreach activities etc.)

For all criteria, the excellence and output of the candidate should be evaluated relative to their experience and the opportunities the candidate has had relative to other candidates. In assessing this, the selection committee may take into account factors such as gender, disability, educational opportunities, socio-economic background, refugee status, etc.

Mobility Guidelines to ensure Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (copied from DEI general guidelines)

In instances where mobility committees or similar official bodies are involved in the process of selecting students for participating in the DigiQ internship and exchange program as well as in network activities, we recommend following our guidelines encompassing structure, gender representation, delineation of responsibilities and roles among mobility committee members, inclusive of decision-making protocols, communication procedures, and avenues for appeals. Mobility panel also follows these guidelines.

1. All Mobility Committees should actively aim to have equal gender representation (e.g. at least 40% men, 40% women, and 20% of any gender). This means that a mobility committee should consist of at least two members who have an equal representation of men and women.
2. All Mobility Committees should actively and repeatedly seek to encourage students from underrepresented gender with the aim to have an equal gender representation (e.g. at least 40% men, 40% women, and 20% of any gender). This includes advertisements of mobility opportunities that are only available to students of underrepresented gender, students with disadvantages, students with career breaks, changes of fields, parental leave, caregiving (e.g. child care, disability care etc.) responsibility, breaks (or variations) in the chronological order of CVs. 20% of the mobility funding needs to be reserved for under-represented groups. Only if sufficient effort has been made (decided by the mobility panel), these 20% of funds can be given to any DigiQ student.
3. The mobility committee should comprise members from diverse backgrounds, mobility experiences, and perspectives to promote a broad range of viewpoints and minimize bias. Involve people of different cultures/nationalities and different professional and disciplinary expertise.
4. All members of mobility committees should have equal voting/grading rights
5. Ensure that members are familiar with local policies and recognition of academic achievements from other institutions, conflict of interest, and discrimination.
6. Designate an experienced chair who can lead the committee effectively and foster cooperation among members.
7. Use physical or digital tools to document proceedings thoroughly during discussions, interviews, and deliberations to ensure accuracy and transparency.
8. Thoroughly report to the DigiQ Executive Board on practices to assign mobility funding and incorporation of DEI guidelines.

If an event is oversubscribed priority will be given to students [enrolled] from DigiQ partner institutions.

We are committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, ensures equity, and promotes inclusivity for all. At DigiQ, we aim to provide equal opportunities and accessibility to everyone, regardless of their background, identity, or abilities. Every effort will be made to ensure that as many students as possible can participate.

*¹This call (as well as the financial support that will be provided through it) is NOT an EU action. This call is launched solely by DIGIQ . The financial support to the selected successful applicants will be provided directly by DIGIQ in its own name and under its own responsibility. DIGIQ’s own responsibility includes the preparation and drafting of this call as well as the selection of successful applicants that will receive the said financial support. The publication of this call in the EU Funding & Tenders Portal is made solely for information purposes with the aim to increase the visibility of this call to the general public, including to potential applicants (i.e. students). The said publication shall not be construed as direct or indirect approval of the content and conditions of this call by the relevant EU authorities or as any form of waiver from the above-described responsibility of DIGIQ.

*²Funding will be provided by the following DigiQ Partners: Aarhus University, Fundacio Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, Ceske Vysoke Uceni Technice V Praze, Københavns Universitet, Ruprecht-Karls Universitaet Heidelberg , Universite Paris-Saclay, Ecole Normale Superieure, Universitat de Barcelona,Universita Di Pisa Rheinisch-Wesfaelische Technische Hochschule Aachen, Universitite de Strasbourg, Helsingin Yliopisto, Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona, Sorbonne Universite, Deloitte Technology De Troyes, Instituto Superior Tecnico

More information regarding our diversity, equity and inclusion policies can be found in the following documents:

1. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion guidelines
2. Inclusive Communications guidelines
3. Selection guidelines

Please visit the DigiQ networks page on the DigiQ website for more information.

Funding to attend DigiQ Network Events can be found on the mobility pages of the DigiQ website