About QISTgrad

QISTgrad is more than a PhD program — it’s a platform for collaboration, innovation, and leadership in the rapidly evolving quantum landscape.

Whether you are inspired by the physics of the quantum world or eager to apply quantum ideas to real-world technologies, this program offers the foundation, mentorship, and research environment to launch your career in one of the most exciting fields of modern science.

 

  • Independent Research
    Fellows have the opportunity to design their own PhD projects within the broad field of quantum research, encompassing the diverse expertise and facilities available across UCPH and DTU, yet belonging to a research community at the chosen university.
  • Cross-Institutional Supervision
    Each fellow will benefit from supervision by a chosen supervisor, but where relevant a mentor at the other university - ensuring a rich, interdisciplinary training experience and exposure to multiple research cultures while being anchored in a supportive research environment.
  • Comprehensive Funding and Support
    QISTgrad provides a 36-month fully funded fellowship, with support such as parental leave, allowing fellows to dedicate themselves to research excellence and innovation yet still maintain quality of life.
  • Training and Career Development
    Through the PhD schools at DTU and UCPH, fellows receive structured training in transferable skills, research integrity, leadership, and career development, equipping them for future roles in academia, industry, and beyond while building important networks.

 

 

Exploring the Future of Quantum Science and Technology

Quantum science and technology are transforming our world. From the smallest particles to the biggest challenges in computing, medicine, and communication, quantum effects are unlocking possibilities we could only dream of a few decades ago.

Today, quantum research is advancing at an unprecedented pace. Breakthroughs in quantum information science are paving the way for powerful new applications - from universal quantum computers that promise an entirely new computing paradigm, to quantum simulators that accelerate the discovery of new materials and medicines. Quantum cryptography is redefining digital security, while quantum sensors are enabling ultra-precise measurements that impact fields as diverse as medicine, geoscience, and astronomy.

As quantum technologies grow, so does the demand for experts who can shape this revolution. Quantum science is now recognised as a strategic field, one with the potential to drive major innovations across industry and society.

To prepare the next generation of quantum leaders, DTU (Technical University of Denmark) and UCPH (University of Copenhagen) have jointly launched QISTgrad. This program builds on the success of the recently established Master’s in Quantum Information Science, expanding it with a dedicated PhD program and networking opportunities designed to connect students and researchers across the quantum community.

 

 

QISTgrad is more than a PhD program, it will be a platform for collaboration, innovation, and leadership in the rapidly evolving quantum landscape.

Our goal is to achieve this through:

  1. QISTgrad: 24 PhD stipends over 5 years

The 24 PhD stipends will be awarded to exceptional candidates (see eligibility) and will be located at either DTU or UCPH.

  1. A Quantum Marketplace

A virtual marketplace will be developed to provide increased visibility of the opportunities for e.g. internships. We have an increasing number of quantum startups in Denmark and have seen significant mutual interest between students and startups in finding mechanisms to connect early in their education and work together.

  1. An Alumni Network & Events

As a PhD fellow in QISTgrad, you will not only conduct cutting-edge research — you’ll become part of a vibrant and growing quantum community in Denmark and beyond.

To strengthen this community, we are establishing a Quantum Alumni Network — a grassroots initiative designed to foster a strong sense of belonging and to showcase the diverse career paths open to quantum researchers at all levels. Whether your future lies in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship, this network will connect you with peers, mentors, and professionals across the quantum ecosystem.

The network will host a variety of events aimed at building connections and broadening perspectives, including:

  • Quantum Careers Fair — An in-person event highlighting opportunities in the Danish quantum industry and beyond, connecting researchers with employers and innovators across the quantum marketplace.
  • QISTgrad Symposium — A yearly gathering where current and former fellows share their research, exchange ideas, and strengthen collaborations within the quantum research community.
  • Workshops and Skills Classes — Focused on developing transferable skills that are valuable across disciplines and sectors, from communication and leadership to innovation and entrepreneurship.

By joining the Graduate Program, you’ll be part of a network that supports your growth as a researcher, connects you with career opportunities, and keeps you engaged with the quantum community long after your PhD.

 

 

Shaping the Future of Quantum Research

The QISTgrad Program empowers the next generation of quantum researchers to take an active role in shaping the future of the field. Our goal is to give PhD fellows not only the tools to solve tomorrow’s research challenges, but also the opportunity to influence the direction of quantum science itself.

To support this vision, QISTgrad is committed to fostering your personal, scientific, and professional development through:

  • Responsible Research Training — Developing awareness and best practices in research conduct, ethics, open science, and diversity.
  • Supervision and Mentorship — Providing timely guidance and access to mentors who can support your scientific progress and career ambitions, as well as anchoring you in a supportive research environment.
  • International and Intersectoral Exposure — Offering opportunities to collaborate and network across borders, disciplines, and sectors, connecting you with both academic and industry leaders.
  • Career and Skills Development — Supporting your growth through targeted training in transferable skills, strategic career planning, and professional development.

As a QISTgrad fellow, you will be formally enrolled in the PhD school of either the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) or the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), earning a PhD degree upon successful completion of the fellowship. During your program, you will complete 30 ECTS of coursework, combining scientific training with courses that strengthen your transferable skills and prepare you for diverse career paths in quantum research and beyond.

See the links to the relevant PhD schools:

DTU PhD schools (each department has its own school)

UCPH – one PhD school covering all PhDs in UCPH SCIENCE: