Pursue a PhD at IMT
Tackle the world’s major challenges
Want to contribute to the great transformations of the 21st century? Looking to combine scientific excellence, real-world impact and future prospects? A PhD at IMT is made for you.
By joining France’s leading federal institute of Technological Universities in science and management, you’ll enter a dynamic research environment rooted in real-world challenges across industry, digital technology, energy and society.
PhD at IMT: Scientific Excellence at the Heart of Global Challenges
The PhD is the highest academic degree in higher education, recognized worldwide. Following a Master’s or equivalent qualification, PhD candidates embark on three years of research (or up to six years part-time) within a doctoral school, combining scientific work, seminars and conferences.
At IMT, doctoral research projects span the entire technology readiness spectrum—from fundamental research to applied science—often conducted in close collaboration with industry, particularly through Cifre agreements. Most PhDs are carried out in partnership with companies and benefit from secure funding (Cifre, scholarships, collaborative projects, etc.).
A Launchpad for Careers in Research, Industry and Entrepreneurship
Choosing a PhD at IMT means joining an academic environment of excellence, at the heart of an ecosystem connected to today’s key scientific, technological and industrial challenges. PhD candidates are equipped to maximize the value of their skills and research outcomes—whether they pursue a career in academia, join industry, or create their own company.
For high-potential innovation projects, IMT offers tailored support for entrepreneurship, helping turn research into impactful solutions. Through a nationwide network of 11 public academic incubators, IMT fosters the emergence of start-ups, particularly in deeptech sectors—from ideation to acceleration. Training, mentoring, access to funding, and connections with investors are all part of this support, drawing on the full range of expertise across the IMT ecosystem.
Pursuing a PhD at IMT means joining an ecosystem of scientific excellence, entrepreneurship and innovation—while actively contributing to tomorrow’s technological, industrial and societal progress
Des recherches au cœur des grands enjeux
Strategic Focus Areas Driving Major Transitions
At IMT, every doctoral project is part of one of the key scientific pillars of our research strategy. These interconnected, future-oriented themes are designed to address the major technological, economic, societal and environmental challenges of our time:
- Responsible Industry of the Future
- Digital Sovereignty and Sustainability
- Energy, Circular Economy and Society
- Engineering, Health and Wellbeing
Imagine your future at the heart of research shaping tomorrow’s society
Choosing a PhD at IMT means joining a rich and stimulating academic environment—combining fundamental research with real-world impact, supported by high-level scientific supervision and strong collaborations with industry, international partners and the major challenges of the 21st century. Every doctoral project is both an intellectual and professional journey, and a springboard to exciting careers in research, innovation or entrepreneurship.
Explore our PhD opportunities and help us build the solutions of tomorrow!
“Futur, ruptures & impacts” program
Daniel, PhD student at Mines Saint-Étienne
Thanks to my PhD at IMT, I’m helping strengthen data security and privacy on embedded systems by developing innovative solutions that can withstand the threats posed by the advent of quantum computing
“Futur, ruptures & impacts” program
Liz, PhD student at IMT Mines Albi
Thanks to my PhD at IMT, I’m contributing to the transformation of transport systems in rural areas by developing decision-support tools to optimize public transport services
“Futur, ruptures & impacts” program
Maxime, PhD student at Mines Saint-Étienne
Thanks to my PhD at IMT, I’m contributing to the sustainable transformation of urban areas through a participatory approach
Why choose a PhD at IMT?
Recognized excellence
Our Technological Universities are at the forefront of research in strategic fields such as artificial intelligence, 5G/6G networks, the industry of the future, and low-carbon energy.
More than 2,700 international scientific publications in 2021.
Nationwide presence
IMT brings together 8 public Technological Universities located across France.
This national footprint offers PhD candidates access to a rich ecosystem rooted in local communities and closely connected with industrial, academic and institutional stakeholders.
Personalized support
Supervised by committed experts, our PhD candidates benefit from both scientific and cross-disciplinary training programs, helping them build a path aligned with their personal ambitions.
Concrete career opportunities
Thanks to our close ties with industry and the socio-economic world, a PhD at IMT is a springboard to careers in private or public research, higher education, or industry—both in France and internationally.
A multicultural, collaborative study environment
With campuses across the country, IMT attracts talent from around the globe. You’ll be part of an open, engaged community working toward a sustainable future that respects both people and the planet.
Flexible PhD formats tailored to your goals
Choose from a variety of doctoral pathways: traditional academic contracts, Cifre agreements with companies, or the IMT excellence program “Futurs, Ruptures & Impacts“, designed to support ambitious research topics directly linked to major technological and societal transitions.
Every journey is unique—and we’re here to help you choose the one that best matches your aspirations.
Together, let’s imagine and build a sustainable future.