MAX IV invites nominations for the PhD Thesis Award, to be presented at the 37th User Meeting, which will take place on 19–21 January 2026.
This award recognizes outstanding doctoral research conducted using MAX IV infrastructure. We welcome nominations of PhD theses that demonstrate scientific excellence, innovation, and impactful use of synchrotron techniques.
Instituted in 2013, MAX IV Laboratory recognizes one exceptional PhD thesis through this award. In addition to the award, the selected candidate is invited to present their work at the User Meeting, gaining visibility within the synchrotron radiation research community and fostering connections that support their continued integration and collaboration in the field.
Eligibility and deadlines
For a nominated candidate to be eligible for the MAX IV PhD Thesis Award, the following criteria must be fulfilled:
- The work in the thesis must be relevant to MAX IV, i.e., the work must be based fully or partially on research performed at MAX IV laboratory, across any discipline, method, technique, or application of synchrotron radiation.
- The thesis must be successfully defended during the period: 1st July 2023 – 30 September 2025.
- The winner of the PhD Thesis award agrees to present their PhD work (15-minute presentation + 5-minute questions session) at the User Meeting.
- The nomination documentation must be completed and submitted by 23:59 (CET) Monday, 1st December 2025.
Nomination submission
We encourage eligible PhD candidates to submit their own nomination with the support of their supervisor or another relevant senior researcher familiar with their work. Alternatively, a supervisor or relevant senior researcher may also submit a nomination on behalf of the candidate.
The following steps and documentation are required to complete the nomination:
- The eligible PhD student should register for the MAX IV User Meeting 2025, latest by 15th December 2025 at 23:59 (CET)
- The eligible PhD student OR their supervisor must complete and submit the MAX IV PhD Thesis Award 2026 Nomination Form. The deadline to submit the nomination is by Monday, 1st December 2025 at 23:59 (CET). All nominations should be sent by email to usermeeting@maxiv.lu.se with the subject line “MAX IV PhD Thesis Award 2026”.
- Prepare and submit the following material:
- The completed ‘MAX IV PhD Thesis Award 2026 Nomination Form‘. The purpose of this form is to help us assess the thesis and the work.
- Include a letter of support from a relevant senior academic (for example, the candidate’s supervisor, head of department or other relevant senior researcher who has experience of the candidate and their work).
- Include a PDF copy or a link to the PhD thesis. In addition, MAX IV would greatly appreciate it if the PhD thesis is also uploaded to the DUO system.
Selection process
The PhD Thesis will be evaluated by a Review Committee appointed by Training and Education department at MAX IV and supported by MAX IV management.
The evaluation guideline criteria are as follows:
- The quality and impact of the work within the context of the field.
- The quality and capability of the candidate based on the thesis manuscript and associated published work.
- The contribution of the PhD student to the research work in their PhD thesis (as indicated by the “Authors contributions” information provided in the thesis and in the submitted list of associated publications).
Decision and award
The winner of the MAX IV PhD Thesis Award 2026 will give an oral presentation on their PhD research at the MAX IV User Meeting on Monday, 19 January 2026. The award includes a monetary prize, the equivalent of 8000 SEK.
All nominees will be informed of the outcome of their nomination by 12 January 2026. The selected PhD graduate will be contacted to coordinate arrangements for their presentation.
Please note: If fewer than ten nominations are received, the award will not be presented, as the selection process would not be sufficiently competitive!