State Scholarships Foundation announces 310 doctoral grants in Greece

The State Scholarships Foundation (IKY) has announced a call for 310 doctoral scholarships in Greece, co-financed by the European Union. The program aims to support PhD candidates across seven scientific fields, including natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and social sciences, for a maximum duration of 36 months. Eligible candidates must have had their three-member advisory committee appointed between January 2, 2021, and December 31, 2024.

However, the initiative has faced sharp criticism from Anastasios Perrakis, a research director at the Dutch Cancer Institute and professor at Utrecht University. Perrakis addressed IKY President Vaso Kinti, arguing that the call is “out of European reality.” He noted that due to evaluation and contracting timelines, funding might not begin until 2027, effectively only covering the final years of a doctorate and excluding newer candidates.

Perrakis also criticized the monthly stipend of 1,200 euros, pointing out the lack of an employment relationship, social security coverage, or leave rights. He further raised concerns regarding income criteria, military service requirements, the absence of maternity and childcare leave provisions, and requirements for thesis reports that could potentially impact academic independence.