Doctoral Research Topics for 2026

Applicants may submit an application for only one selected research topic within a chosen field of science. Candidates applying for doctoral studies at the Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC) must hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent higher education qualification.

Doctoral studies are conducted in the following fields of science:

Steps for Admission to Doctoral Studies

Admission to doctoral studies takes place in several stages. To participate in the selection process, applicants must complete all the steps listed below.

1. Selection of a Research Topic

The applicant selects one research topic from the published list of doctoral research topics.

2. Obtaining a Supervisor’s Recommendation

To receive a recommendation from a potential supervisor, applicants must complete the candidate questionnaire provided alongside the selected research topic.

In the questionnaire, applicants are asked to briefly describe:

• why they have chosen this research topic,

• their motivation for pursuing doctoral studies,

• their academic and research experience,

• any other relevant information related to their planned doctoral studies.

Candidates may apply for a recommendation from several potential supervisors (according to different topics) by submitting separate applications for each selected topic.

The potential supervisor reviews the submitted information and contacts only the shortlisted candidates. During the interview, the candidate’s preparation, motivation and ability to carry out research on the selected topic are discussed.

Following the interview, the potential supervisor submits a recommendation to the FTMC Doctoral Committee.

3. Payment of the Application Fee

Application fee:

• EUR 50 – for citizens of Lithuania and the European Union

• EUR 100 – for citizens of other countries

Bank details:

• Beneficiary – Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology

• Bank – Swedbank AB

• SWIFT/BIC – HABALT22

• Account number – LT19 7300 0101 2190 3106

• Payment reference – Application fee

The application fee may also be paid by another person on behalf of the applicant. In such cases, the payment reference must include:

• the applicant’s full name,

• date of birth,

• payment purpose (“application fee”).

A copy of the payment confirmation must be submitted together with the other application documents.

4. Submission of Documents

Applicants must submit the required documents within the specified deadlines through the FTMC doctoral admissions system.

Required documents:

• Application to participate in the admission process (completed in the system)

• Applicant’s questionnaire (completed in the system)

• Copy of the Master’s diploma and diploma supplement

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Copy of an identity document

• Two academic references from researchers in the relevant field (one from the potential supervisor)

• List of scientific publications and copies (if available)

• Copy of the application fee payment receipt

Important: Applications that do not include all required documents will not be considered.

If the qualification was obtained abroad, it must be recognised by the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (SKVC): www.skvc.lt

The recognition document may be submitted later, but no later than three months after the start of the studies.

5. Motivation Interview

All candidates who have submitted their documents are invited to a motivation interview with the FTMC Doctoral Committee.

• The interview may take place in person or remotely

• Information about the time of the interview will be provided by email

• The minimum passing score for the motivation interview is 6 points

6. Competitive Score

Admission is based on a competitive selection process. The final admission score is calculated from:

• the average grade of previous studies,

• the motivation interview score (minimum 6 points),

• the evaluation of research experience and publications.

7. Signing the Study Agreement

Candidates who receive an offer of admission must sign the doctoral study agreement within the specified deadline.

8. Preparation for the Start of Studies

Admitted doctoral students will receive information about:

• the start of studies,

• the organisation of doctoral studies,

• the integration week,

• and other relevant information related to doctoral studies.

Defended Dissertations

We are pleased that 195 doctoral dissertations have been successfully defended at FTMC since 2015. A list of dissertations, including abstracts and links, can be found here.

Start your research journey at FTMC

For any questions regarding doctoral studies, please contact us by email: admissions@ftmc.lt