Leiden University (LU) and Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU) set up a joint doctoral programme dedicated to cross-disciplinary research in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Bioscience. This programme is granted by the China Scholarship Council, under the scheme of “International Innovation talents programme”.

Research Areas

Artificial Intelligence and Bioscience (across disciplines)

Schools/Institutes

XJTU: School of Electronic and Information Engineering (where topics of Computer Science and Bioinformatics are located); School of Life Sciences; School of Pharmacy; School of Medicine;
Candidates from other schools engaged in related research areas are also encouraged to apply.

Leiden University: Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS); Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR); Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL); Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC); other institutes engaged in a related research area are encouraged to participate.

Programme details

Number of PhDs: 10 PhDs per year

Duration of funding: For each PhD candidate, there is funding for a 24 months stay in Leiden (the entire joint PhD trajectory is normally 4-5 years. Candidates need to consult both supervisors to determine during which part of the PhD they shall stay in Leiden.

Co-Supervision: Each PhD candidate is assigned two supervisors. One from Leiden University, and one from XJTU. The candidate will be supervised by both supervisors under a dual tutor system.

PhD Defense and Degree: PhD candidates in this programme are admitted to a co-tutelle system.

Leiden University's degree: awarding a Leiden degree is possible, although Leiden University demands that the defence of the dissertation will be organised (first) in Leiden. The co-tutelle will not be mentioned on the Leiden University diploma. However, a supplement stating the involvement of the partner institution(s) can be attached; awards are in accordance with the latest edition of the Leiden University Doctoral Regulations .

XJTU degree awards are in accordance: Each candidate needs to complete at least one English doctoral thesis consisting of four research chapters according to the requirements of the two schools. Each chapter is based on a research project, and may meet as published papers in SCI journals academic potential; former doctoral graduate, must have a section in the form of paper was officially received into SCI journals (Accepted). 

Selection of candidates

Candidates must be full-time doctoral students at either XJTU or Leiden Universities.

Candidates should meet the English proficiency requirements:

• IELTS score 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in a single subject );
• or 95 new TOEFL scores;
•  Within 10 years period, candidates studied in an English-speaking institution for 8-12 moths, or worked for more than 1 year consecutively in an English-speaking institution before the start of the project are also eligible for application;
• PETS5 55, listening 18 and oral expression 3;

Candidates who obtained an invitation letter from a supervisor in Leiden will be considered with priority;

The graduate schools from both sides maintain the right of final selection.

Application and Admission:

1. Before April 1st (NL time): Candidates hand-in application to the home university; Candidates reach out to potential supervisor in the host university;
2. Before 15^th April: Candidates interviewed by both universities; Supervisors exchange information;
3. 20^th April: final lists of candidates announced;
4. 20^th April – 25^th April (Beijing Time): On-line application to CSC; Enrollment to the graduate school of the host university;
5. May: CSC announce the funding result.
6. June: Successful candidates sign the agreement and may depart for the host university.

Project Coordination

XJTU: Prof. Kai Ye (kaiye@xjtu.edu.cnhaijing@xjtu.edu.cn)

           Ms. Jing Hai (haijing@xjtu.edu.cn)

Leiden University: Dr. Marcello Bonsangue (m.m.bonsangue@liacs.leidenuniv.nl )

                                 Ms. Yun Tian (y.tian@science.leidenuniv.nl)