Fully Funded PhD Positions in Sport & Sustainability – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network

Applications are opening for two fully funded PhD positions in Sport and Sustainability at Audencia Business School. These doctoral roles are part of a prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network funded through the European Commission under the Horizon Europe Programme.

The program forms part of an international research network involving 17 doctoral candidates across leading European universities. Designed to encourage collaborative and interdisciplinary research, the initiative aims to advance knowledge and innovation at the intersection of sport, sustainability, and business.

The selected doctoral researchers will join a dynamic academic environment with structured doctoral training, mentorship from experienced researchers, and opportunities to collaborate with partner universities across Europe.

Program Benefits

The doctoral positions offer several benefits designed to support academic excellence and career development.

Selected candidates will receive:

• Fully funded PhD positions

• Structured doctoral training through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network

• Access to an international research network of 17 doctoral researchers

• Mentorship and academic supervision from researchers at Audencia and partner universities

• Opportunities to collaborate across disciplines and institutions

• Support to publish research in reputable academic journals

This environment encourages high-impact research while offering exposure to applied projects connecting sport, sustainability, and business practices.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Applicants should demonstrate strong academic preparation and a clear interest in sustainability within the sports sector.

Ideal candidates should have:

• A Master’s degree in business, management, sustainability, or a related discipline

• Strong interest in circular economy, sustainable sport management, or sustainable supply chains

• Good English language proficiency

• Motivation to conduct interdisciplinary and collaborative research

Application Timeline

The official call for applications is opening soon, and interested candidates are encouraged to begin preparing their application materials early.

Prospective applicants may contact the research team for additional information or clarification regarding the projects.

Why This PhD Program Matters

The sports industry plays an important role in shaping global sustainability practices. Research that integrates circular economy principles into sport equipment production and event management can significantly reduce environmental impact while improving industry practices.

By joining this doctoral network, researchers will contribute to innovative solutions that support sustainable transformation across the global sports ecosystem.

Research Topics

The two doctoral positions focus on advancing the application of circular economy principles in the sports industry.

Circularity in Sport Equipment Supply Networks

This research project examines how circular economy practices can transform supply chains and operational systems within the sport equipment industry. The study will explore sustainable strategies that reduce waste, extend product lifecycles, and improve industry practices across equipment production and distribution.

Learn more about this position

Circularity in Sport Event Networks

This research topic focuses on sustainability within sport events. The doctoral candidate will explore how circular economy principles can be implemented in sport event planning, operations, and stakeholder networks to minimize environmental impact and improve sustainability practices.

Learn more about this position.

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