The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is calling for universities and laboratories to submit research ideas to its latest PhD funding programme as part of the UK-France defence partnership. 

The joint programme between Dstl and the Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA) was launched in 2011. 

Five PhDs were funded in 2011, two from the UK and three from France. They are addressing a variety of interests, including autonomous underwater vehicles, meta-materials and vehicle armour.

A further ten PhDs are expected to be funded by the UK and France in this latest call, in the following areas: 

• Photonics
• Energy
• Biology and Biotechnologies  
• Human and Systems 
• Environment and Geosciences  
• Human and Social Sciences
  

Louise Owen from the Futures and Innovation Department at Dstl is hoping the latest programme will lead to further exciting research ideas: "The 2011 call brought some very interesting ideas to the table - we are hoping 2012 will produce the same standard of applicant, with research benefiting both the UK and France." 

Universities and laboratories are asked to submit proposals to Dstl, naming a suitable European Union candidate and French co-supervisor, by 31 March 2012.

The aim is for successful candidates to spend time at both French and UK institutes over the course of the PhD. Applicants should therefore have, or demonstrate a plan to develop, strong English and French language skills.

Further details and an application pack can be found at the following link: www.dstl.gov.uk/phds