Doctorat

Obtaining a PhD in Statistics, Machine learning, Actuarial Sciences, Probability and related fields is a highly rewarding endeavor that spans multiple years. 

To start a PhD at LSBA / ISBA, one must first possess a master’s degree (120 ECTS) in relevant fields such as Statistics, Data Sciences, Actuarial Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Econometrics, Engineering, Bioinformatics or other relevant quantitative fields and have obtained consistent, positive scholar achievements throughout his/her academic trajectory.

Multiple avenues of financing your PhD research are possible via:

• funds from the main promoter’s scientific projects;

• grants from federal and regional scientific agencies (e.g. FNRS);

• internal scientific funds at UCLouvain (e.g. FSR);

• employment offers by UCLouvain as a teaching assistant;

• research funds from private companies;

• other possibilities. 

Every year (around spring) available PhD positions are publicly announced. Interested candidates respond to the call by submitting a complete candidacy file (generally containing an up-to-date CV, past academic records, a motivation letter and possibly reference letters). A selection process by the internal committee takes place and for the selected candidates, interviews are then scheduled. After the interviews round, a final decision admitted/not admitted is then taken and communicated to the candidates around June or July so that successful candidates could start their PhD in September of the new academic year. Once the candidate is admitted to the PhD program, a joint project (student and promoter) that spans scientific work for 4 to 6 years (depending on the project) is submitted to the Doctoral Commission of the Science and Technology Sector for enrollment as a Doctoral student. 

Once a doctoral student at LSBA, you will be surrounded by a dynamic, welcoming and inclusive team of other young PhD colleagues working on many different subjects from applied, methodological and theoretical statistics / machine learning / data science / actuarial-related areas. The interuniversity Doctoral School  provides an advanced training in different areas of theoretical and applied methods used in statistics / actuarial sciences and is hence highly interdisciplinary. This training at the doctoral school is achieved, among other things, by:

• regular short courses, given by internationally recognized visiting professors from abroad, experts in their field;

• summer schools;

• thematic days. 

Many other opportunities to participate at regular, local and international conferences, workshops and seminars given by local or visiting scholars, are always present. More than that, twice a year on the first Friday of the semester the LSBA organizes the Young Researchers Day (YRD) . At the YRD the doctoral students at our Institute give talks on the topics of their current research and advancements in a light, friendly and constructive scientific environment that brings together multiple, diverse scientific interests. 

A variety of informal events and social activities that bring life to the institute are also organized throughout the year. 

If all this sounds interesting and exciting, please reach out to Prof. Eugen Pircalabelu for other details, or more specific questions. Many more formal, in-depth details are available in the official UCLouvain doctoral regulations.