Interdisciplinary Research In Societal challenges

The Interdisciplinary Research in Societal Challenges Postdoctoral COFUND (IRIS) programme aligns with the European Commission's policies and the Brussels Capital Region’s (BCR) RIS3 strategy. IRIS aims to enhance interdisciplinary research skills while contributing to solutions to pressing urban societal challenges. IRIS fellows will focus on one or more of the six key societal challenges identified for BCR: 1) Climate & Energy, 2) Resource Optimization, 3) Mobility, 4) Healthy & Sustainable Food, 5) Health & Well-being, and 6) Participative & Inclusive Society. These challenges are relevant to urban areas worldwide.Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), working alongside partners such as Innoviris, Sirris, UNICA, BeWise, and hub.brussels, form a strong intersectoral network. IRIS consortium responds to the Joint Research Centre’s call for universities to take on a greater role in regional transformation. The IRIS programme aligns with ULB and VUB’s strategic priorities to foster sustainability, strengthen collaborations with the research and innovation ecosystem, and promote interdisciplinary, intersectoral, and international cooperation.Over 60 months, IRIS will recruit 36 postdoctoral researchers through two application rounds, offering research training and career development opportunities. The programme plans three pillars training—Foundations, Consolidation, and Transition—designed to develop fellows’ Research, Technological Development, and Innovation ‘RTDI’ skills, expand their professional networks, and enhance their employability. IRIS supports the transition from recognised to established researchers, equipping fellows for diverse career paths and enabling them to create a lasting societal impact. Fellows will benefit from access to top research teams, infrastructure, and a broad network of non-academic public and private partners, fostering collaboration beyond academia.