2025/2026 Research Programme Supervisors Open Call

Are you a PhD or PostDoc researcher in psychology who would like to be a Supervisor for an international group of motivated and dedicated students working on a research project? Do you want to pursue international research and need some help? Would you like to help us contribute to the academic community’s development by mentoring tomorrow’s young researchers?

If you answer yes, apply for EFPSA’s Research Programme 2025! This year the theme of the Research Programme is Hugs and Hypothesis: Psychology of Close Relationships. You can read more about it here.

What is EFPSA’s Research Programme?

The EFPSA Research Programme (EFPSA RP) is an EFPSA Service consisting of a twelve-month research programme uniting students, PhDs, postdoctoral researchers,  and established academics. This programme constitutes a unique opportunity, intending to gain research abilities, teamwork, and interpersonal skills in the process of conducting research. Undergraduates or master’s students are supervised by a professor, PhD or postdoctoral researcher, thus having the chance to publish before graduation. More information can be found on efpsa.org website here or in the About us section on this blog.

What are the stages of the Research Programme?

In all, there are seven stages of the Research Programme involvement:

1. Attendance at the Research Summer School (RSS) in July.

2. Working continuously on the tasks of the research project and maintaining communication with the team. 

3. Communicate regularly with the RP Team on your research progress.

4. Attending online training (in November and January). 

5. Attending the mid-programme meeting in person in January/ February (not mandatory). 

6. Presenting the work-to-date at the EFPSA Annual Congress.

7. Finalising your research and publishing it in the journal of your choice.

What is EFPSA Research Summer School?

The first Research Summer School (RSS) took place in Leie, Estonia in 2007, with the topic of ‘Cross-Cultural Psychology’. Since then, it has been followed by Research Summer Schools focusing on different topics almost every year. This is the opening event of the whole Research Programme where Student Researchers, Supervisors, and the Research Programme Team meet for the first time. This is also a fantastic opportunity to get intercultural experience and expand your scientific knowledge.

During this seven-day event, students and supervisors immerse themselves in a programme of intercultural research where they have the opportunity to join one of the research projects led by supervisors experienced in the academic field. The whole Research Programme lasts 12 months. Besides, during this week you can expect various lectures and workshops from different areas of psychology, all connected to the central theme of the ongoing Research Programme.  After the RSS, all the groups work on the research on their own and then they get the opportunity to show their results or process during the annual EFPSA Congress in Spring. 

What is the role and benefits of a Research Programme Supervisor?

The Research Programme Supervisor keeps the guidance over student researchers during the RSS and the whole year after. It is a great opportunity to help psychology students in pursuing their careers and development. What is more, it is also an amazing chance to test yourself in a leadership position while working with an international group. As a Supervisor, you will enjoy several benefits, including the opportunity to develop and conduct a research project in a cross-cultural setting on the topic of your choice, being able to publish the work under your name and reach a broader audience. You will also collaborate with EFPSA and become a part of our Supporting Community, inspire and educate young researchers, and develop leadership and communication skills that are valuable assets of every academic position. Last but not least, you will attend the Research Summer School free of charge (including accommodation and food) and will have the possibility to request training on motivation, team building, academic writing and other skills from EFPSA!

How do I apply?

To start the application process first carefully read the Research Programme Guidelines for more general information about our programme.  To find out about the Supervisor’s role and eligibility criteria please read the Supervisors Guidelines document. After reading these two documents you can start the process by filling in this application form.  

At the end of the application form, you will be asked to upload your CV and Proof of Studies. Following the application deadline, you will have one more week to submit the Supervisor Research Proposal Form.

If you know anyone who might be interested in applying for this position, please feel welcome to share this information with them. Please contact rp@efpsa.org if you have any questions about the Supervisor’s recruitment process!

We are looking forward to receiving your applications!