Building a European PhD Network in Lightweighting

Joint Efforts within the European Lightweight Network (ELN)
The European Lightweighting Network (ELN) is taking a significant step toward strengthening collaboration among early‑career researchers in lightweight technology. Member countries are jointly developing a Europe‑wide PhD and Young Researchers Network to support scientific exchange, mobility, and training across borders.

A Shared Vision for Europe’s Future Experts
Lightweight technologies are crucial for climate‑neutral mobility, energy‑efficient production, and competitive manufacturing in Europe. To meet these challenges, ELN partners aim to connect PhD candidates and young scientists working on materials, structures, manufacturing, and sustainability.
The network will provide:

• Cross‑border scientific exchange and collaboration
• Joint workshops, mobility formats, and training
• A long‑term platform for emerging European experts

The initiative draws on the successful example of Sweden’s LIGHTer PhD Network, which has demonstrated how structured support can strengthen research excellence and industrial relevance.

Inspiration from Sweden and First Bilateral Activities
The Swedish LIGHTer PhD Network has become a strong model for researcher collaboration. Its structure and activities have helped guide the ELN initiative.

Two bilateral study trips have already highlighted the benefits of international exchange:

• 2023: Swedish researchers visited Austria, organized by the Austrian Lightweighting Platform A2LT with support from the Federal Ministry.
• 2025: Austrian PhD students traveled to Sweden to explore LIGHTer’s research environment and industry cooperation.

Reports from A2LT underline the strong motivation among young scientists to participate in a broader European network.

Preparing a COST Action Proposal
To anchor these activities structurally, the ELN is preparing a COST Action proposal. Such an action would:

• Establish the ELN PhD and Young Researchers Network long‑term
• Support workshops, training schools, short-term scientific missions, and mobility
• Connect universities, research institutes, and industry across Europe

A wide group of committed partners has already joined the proposal effort.

An Open and Growing European Community
The establishment of a European PhD network represents an important milestone for the ELN. By combining national strengths and international collaboration, the initiative will help secure Europe’s position in lightweight innovation.
The ELN welcomes additional partners and researchers who wish to take part in building this new European community.