Explore your academic future in Media, Innovation & Technology
Are you curious about interdisciplinary research and ready to dive deeper into innovation and technology in society?
Are you about to start your master’s, or have you recently completed it and are considering a future in research?
Then our Research Stay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer well spent!
What is it all about?
During the 2026 summer months, you will get hands-on experience with societal research in one of our areas of expertise. You will collaborate with our SMIT experts on ongoing regional or international research projects and/or studies and get the chance to prepare for your next study or career step: a thesis, FWO research proposal, or even a PhD application.
Whether you're writing your master thesis or seeking to develop a research proposal, this programme helps you explore academic research in a supportive and inspiring environment. You will be guided intensively by both junior and senior researchers, with a professor providing academic oversight to help you strengthen your work.
What's in it for you?
Your experience can be tailored to your academic interests and goals, aligning it with the ongoing work and priorities of our research teams. Depending on your profile, opportunities may include:
• Research internship or master’s thesis linked to SMIT projects
• Student job in one of our funded research lines
• Participation in workshops, events, summer schools, or conferences
• Proposal support for PhD tracks or post-master research opportunities
• Peer learning: interact with other students and PhD researchers
Eligibility
• You are about to start your master’s, or you have finished your master’s and are interested in pursuing a PhD
• You have a strong command of English, equivalent to CEFR level C1 or C2
• You have an interest in our research areas
Practical
• Duration: Flexible, typically during the summer
• Location: SMIT offices (Pleinlaan 9), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
• Compensation: A student worker fee is provided during the summer period
• Deadline to apply: 30 June 2025
Interested?
Apply by sending your resume and motivation letter to smit@vub.be.
Please do not hesitate to ask any questions by sending an email to smit@vub.be.