The DECIDE project is a large-scale, NWO-funded research initiative under the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA). It brings together 10 Dutch universities, over 50 academic researchers, and 30 societal partners in an ambitious inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration. Our shared mission is to develop strategies towards the design and implementation of a new generation of transparent, citizen-empowering AI systems, with a focus on AI-supported decision-making that contributes to the empowerment and democratic participation of citizens.
The project addresses real-world challenges across domains such as healthcare, mobility, public governance, and healthy lifestyles. By co-developing strategies with societal stakeholders, DECIDE aims to create solutions that have a tangible impact on society.
Your Role as a PhD student
As a PhD candidate, you will be part of a multidisciplinary team of PhD students and become part of a vibrant inter- and transdisciplinary research community. You will:
- Collaborating across disciplines and with societal stakeholders to achieve real-world impact.
- Participate in joint training programs on interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research methods, citizen engagement, and ethical AI.
- Contribute to cutting-edge research that bridges theory and practice.
Project structure
DECIDE is organised into 10 work packages (WPs):
- WPs 2-7 focus on disciplinary perspectives in psychology, education, computer sciences, law, and philosophy.
- Four WPs address different citizen-empowerment scenarios (CES) in healthcare, mobility, public governance, and healthy living.
The present PhD positions are embedded in one work package and supervised by a multidisciplinary team of academic and societal experts.
How to apply
Each PhD position is fully funded. Please review the individual job descriptions carefully to ensure alignment with your interests and background. Links to the specific positions at the participating institutions can be found below.
- WP2 – AI-enabled Decision-making and the Experience of Empowerment (Radboud University)
This PhD position focuses on conceptualising and empirically investigating what it means to experience empowerment in the context of AI-supported decision-making. The research combines qualitative and quantitative methods, including psychometric scale development and experimental studies.
Deadline: 8 March 2026
We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
Thank you for your interest in the DECIDE project.
Please follow us on LinkedIn or revisit this page for future opportunities. - WP3 – PhD position in Education in AI and science literacy (University of Twente)
This PhD position focuses on designing, implementing, and evaluating an educational programme that fosters a new type of AI literacy in university students using a Challenge-Based Learning approach. The research combines educational design, instructional technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Deadline: 6 March 2026
We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
Thank you for your interest in the DECIDE project.
Please follow us on LinkedIn or revisit this page for future opportunities. - WP7 – PhD Position in Explainable AI for High-Stakes Decision Making (Utrecht University)
As a PhD candidate, you will focus on explainable and transparent AI for high-stakes decision-making. You will develop and test methodologies that make AI systems more interpretable, aiming to empower citizens and professionals to make better-informed decisions.
Deadline: 9 March 2026
We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
Thank you for your interest in the DECIDE project.
Please follow us on LinkedIn or revisit this page for future opportunities. - CES 2 – PhD in Transparent AI Decision Support Systems for Sustainable Mobility (Eindhoven University of Technology)
This PhD project develops transparent and explainable AI-based decision-support systems for sustainable mobility. The research combines computational modelling and stakeholder engagement to empower SMEs, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in evaluating mobility-related decisions.
Deadline: 26 February 2026
We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
Thank you for your interest in the DECIDE project.
Please follow us on LinkedIn or revisit this page for future opportunities. - CES 3 – PhD candidate for DECIDE Project – Democratizing AI (Erasmus University Rotterdam)
This PhD position focuses on advancing AI and science literacy through interdisciplinary educational innovation. The project contributes to the development of transparent and responsible AI education across higher education institutions within the DECIDE consortium.
Deadline: 14 March 2026
We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
Thank you for your interest in the DECIDE project.
Please follow us on LinkedIn or revisit this page for future opportunities.
