Hi! PARIS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025: Advance Your AI Research

The Hi! PARIS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025 represent a golden opportunity for the world’s brightest minds to conduct pioneering research at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science. If you are a recent PhD graduate with a vision to shape the future of technology, science, and business, this prestigious program in the heart of Europe could be your launchpad. Navigating the application process for such a competitive fellowship can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step roadmap to help you prepare a compelling application and stand out from the crowd.

Hi! PARIS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025

Applying for the Hi! PARIS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025 is a significant undertaking, but it is also an investment in your future. This program offers more than just funding; it offers an ecosystem designed to accelerate your career and help you make a tangible impact on the world. By starting early, building a strong relationship with a potential supervisor, and crafting a thoughtful proposal, you can position yourself for success.

What Makes the Hi! PARIS Fellowship a Unique Opportunity?

Hi! PARIS isn’t just another postdoctoral program. It is the flagship initiative of a powerhouse collaboration between two of France’s leading institutions: HEC Paris, a world-renowned business school, and Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IP Paris), which brings together five elite engineering grandes écoles. This unique blend creates an unparalleled interdisciplinary ecosystem.

The core mission is to explore AI and data analytics to drive innovation not just in technology, but also in business strategy and societal progress. As a fellow, you aren’t just joining a lab; you are becoming part of a vibrant community dedicated to solving real-world problems.

Here’s what sets it apart

• Interdisciplinary Focus: The program actively encourages projects that bridge the gap between core AI/data science and disciplines like economics, management, social sciences, and climate science.
• World-Class Mentorship: You will be co-hosted by researchers from both HEC Paris and IP Paris, giving you access to a diverse network of leading experts.
• Exceptional Resources: Fellows gain access to state-of-the-art computational resources, exclusive datasets, and a rich schedule of seminars, workshops, and networking events.
• Vibrant Location: Living and working in the Greater Paris region, a global hub for technology, culture, and innovation, provides a stimulating environment both professionally and personally.

Are You the Ideal Candidate? Eligibility Criteria Unpacked

Before you dive into the application, it’s crucial to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. The selection committee is looking for exceptional researchers with a track record of creativity and a passion for collaborative work.

Let’s break down the main criteria

• Doctoral Degree: Applicants must have been awarded their PhD before the fellowship start date (September 1, 2026) and after September 1, 2022. This is a strict four-year window.
• Mobility Rule: You must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the call deadline. This rule ensures the international character of the program.
• Research Alignment: Your proposed research project must align with the scientific scope of Hi! PARIS. This means it should clearly relate to AI, Data Science, or their applications in business and society.
• Supervisor Agreement: You must have the explicit agreement of at least one researcher from an IP Paris laboratory and/or one researcher from HEC Paris to act as your supervisor.

Application Guide for the Hi! PARIS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025

A successful application is built on careful preparation and a clear strategy. In my experience advising aspiring postdocs, the applicants who succeed are those who start early and meticulously follow each step.

Phase 1: Find Your Host Supervisor (The Crucial First Step)

This is arguably the most important part of your application. Your project is developed with your potential supervisor, not just for them.

1. Identify Potential Mentors: Explore the faculty lists of HEC Paris and the labs within IP Paris. Look for researchers whose work genuinely excites you and aligns with your own expertise.
2. Craft a Professional Inquiry: Do not send a generic, mass email. Your initial contact should be tailored and professional. Introduce yourself briefly, mention your PhD research, and explain why you are specifically interested in their work. Attach your CV and a one-page summary of your proposed research idea.
3. Collaborate on the Proposal: Once a supervisor expresses interest, work with them to refine your research proposal. Their guidance is invaluable for ensuring your project fits within the strategic vision of Hi! PARIS.

Phase 2: Crafting a Winning Research Proposal

Your research proposal is the heart of your application. It needs to be ambitious yet feasible, innovative yet grounded.

• Highlight Interdisciplinarity: Clearly explain how your project connects different fields. For example, how can a new machine learning model be applied to solve a problem in supply chain management or sustainable finance?
• Define Clear Objectives: What are the key research questions? What are the expected outcomes and milestones for the two-year period?
• Showcase the Impact: Go beyond the academic contribution. Discuss the potential impact of your research on business, policy, or society at large. Why does your work matter?

I’ve seen many successful applicants focus not just on technical brilliance, but on telling a compelling story about how their project bridges disciplines to create new knowledge.

Phase 3: Assembling Your Application Package

Once your proposal is ready, you need to gather the required supporting documents. According to the official application guidelines, your completed application file should include:

• A Detailed CV: Highlighting your publications, presentations, and any relevant awards.
• The Research Project: A comprehensive document of no more than 5 pages.
• Two Letters of Recommendation: Choose referees who know you and your research well. One should ideally be your PhD supervisor.
• Copy of PhD Degree: Or a certificate confirming the defense date.
• Letter of Support from your Hi! PARIS Supervisor(s): This is a critical document confirming their commitment to host you.

The Evaluation Process: What to Expect After You Apply

Understanding the selection process can help manage expectations. It is a multi-stage, highly competitive process designed to identify the most promising candidates.

1. Eligibility Check: The administrative team first ensures all applications meet the formal criteria (PhD date, mobility rule, etc.).
2. Scientific Review: Each eligible proposal is reviewed by internal and external experts who evaluate its scientific quality, originality, and feasibility.
3. Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited for an online interview with the selection committee. This is your chance to passionately defend your project and demonstrate your potential as a future research leader.

Life as a Hi! PARIS Fellow: Beyond the Lab

Securing the fellowship is the start of an incredible journey. Fellows receive a competitive salary and a dedicated budget for research-related expenses, such as travel to international conferences.

More importantly, you join a dynamic community. The program organizes regular events designed to foster collaboration and professional development. You will be living in or near Paris, a city that offers an unmatched quality of life with its world-class art, culture, and cuisine.

The Definitive Guide to NLSIU Research Fellowships 2026 for Aspiring Scholars

Your Ultimate Guide to Winning the CARTA PhD Fellowships 2026

FAQs

Q1:Can I apply if I haven’t defended my PhD thesis yet?

Yes, you can apply if you have not yet been awarded your PhD. However, you must provide a certificate stating your planned defense date and must have officially received the degree before the fellowship begins on September 1, 2026.

Q2:How is the mobility rule strictly defined?

The rule applies to your primary residence and main activity. For example, if you worked in France for a cumulative total of 13 months between October 14, 2022, and October 13, 2025, you would be ineligible. Short stays like holidays do not count.

Q3:Is there a template for the research proposal?

The official website provides detailed guidelines on the structure and content of the proposal, but not a strict template. You should follow the page limits and content requirements outlined in the call for applications.

Q4:How important is the interdisciplinary aspect of the proposal?

It is extremely important. The very essence of Hi! PARIS is to foster collaboration between different fields. A proposal that convincingly integrates methodologies or questions from both the technical sciences and the social/business sciences will be viewed very favorably.