17th edition · 2026/2027
Promoting Flavor Research amongst PhD Students in Europe
Group 1 · First Year Bursaries
EUR 3000
× 6 students about to commence their PhD in flavor science during the 2026/2027 academic year.
Group 2 · Best PhD Thesis Award
EUR 5000
For the best final year PhD thesis in the flavor area.
About the programme
Giract is proud to announce that, following the success of its unique and innovative programme to promote flavor research amongst PhD students in Europe across various universities and institutes, 7 industry sponsors will continue to support the programme, now in its seventeenth year. This consortium aims to raise awareness of the industry and career opportunities in order to increase the flavor research talent pool in Europe.
This seventeenth edition is organised by Giract, in coordination with Andrea Cattaruzza, Director of AndCat Ltd and Professor Emeritus Andy Taylor of the University of Nottingham, UK.
Sponsors 2026/2027
Purpose
To promote innovative flavor research amongst PhD students across European universities and research institutes. PhD students enrolled in universities and research institutes in EU27, Iceland, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, UK and Ukraine are eligible to apply. A key objective is to publicise the attractions of flavor research so as to pull high calibre students into appropriate PhD courses and then into industry.
Group 1
Students about to commence their PhD
- Bursaries awarded to 6 selected students planning to commence their PhD studies in flavor science during the 2026/2027 academic year.
- The 6 winners can visit the laboratory of certain sponsor companies during the second year of their PhD, using part of their bursary for travel and stay — a first-hand view of an industry R&D centre.
Key dates
Nov 30, 2026
Application and submission of relevant documents
Dec 21, 2026
Announcement of results
Jan–Dec 2027
The 6 successful first year PhD students are reimbursed research-related expenses against countersigned invoices. Any unspent bursary amount within this deadline is handed over to the department of the respective university/institute
Jun 30, 2027
Bursary winners submit a short summary of mid-year research progress
Dec 31, 2027
Bursary winners submit a short summary of the full year research progress
During 2027
Details of laboratory visits to certain sponsor companies communicated to the winning students
Group 2
Students about to complete their PhD
- Solicit and evaluate innovative flavor research projects amongst these students.
- The Annual Savory Flavor & Food Industry Conference, held in Geneva each spring, is a platform for the winner to present his/her work to potential employers.
Key dates
Nov 30, 2026
Application by candidates
Dec 1, 2026
Submission of relevant documents for evaluation
Jan 25, 2027
Winner announced by Steering Committee
Mar 11/12, 2027
Presentation of thesis by the winner to sponsor representatives in Geneva, followed by participation at Giract's Annual Savory Flavor & Food Industry Conference
Frequently asked questions
Apply by email: phdapplications@giract.com