ExposUM Doctoral Nexus: 2026 Thesis Topics—Applications Closed
What is the ExposUM Doctoral Nexus program?
The Doctoral Nexus programs offered by the ExposUM Institute consist of networks of 3 to 4 doctoral researchers, drawn from different disciplines and affiliated with at least two different research units.
Compared to a traditional dissertation, participating in a Doctoral Nexus will foster the ability to work in teams and design projects in a transdisciplinary manner while deepening one’s own field of expertise.
A specialized educational program will be offered, and the doctoral students involved will also have the opportunity to organize a seminar within the Nexus network.
Ph.D. programs are funded for four years from the outset, covering the doctoral student’s salary as well as a budget for research support.
On the following page, you will find the ExposUM Doctoral Nexus projects that were selected through the 2026 Doctoral Nexus Call for Proposals.
Applications are now closed
Applications for the thesis topics listed below are now closed. These are provided for illustrative purposes only.
Thesis Topics for 2026: Applications are now closed
Nexus EXPERT “The microbial EXposome and drivers of PERsistenT infections in humans: an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the interplay between bacterial pathogens of environmental and zoonotic origins and the host’s innate immune system”
- Topic 1 “Persistent human infections caused by environmental and foodborne pathogens: Are they driven by the macrophage niche?”
- Topic 2 “Persistent human infections caused by emerging environmental pathogens of the genus Achromobacter: pathogenic potential and the importance of the bacterium-phagocyte interaction”
- Topic 3 “Mesoscale Mathematical Modeling of Bacterial Persistence”
Nexus KIDIHEALTH “Modulation of Environmental and Intrinsic Determinants of Physical Frailty in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Holistic Health Approach”
- Topic 1: “The Impact of Adapted Physical Activity and Nutrition on Life Trajectories and the Prevention of Frailty in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease”
- Topic 2: “Metabolic and Cardiovascular Responses to Environmental Changes (Exercise and Diet) in Animal Models and in Patients with Kidney Failure”
- Topic 3: “Modulation of the Gut Microbiome Through Adapted Physical Activity and Diet to Prevent Physical Frailty in Chronic Kidney Disease”
Nexus Nutri-CART “Nutrition as a New Therapeutic Tool for Improving the Treatment of Malignant Hematologic Diseases Using CAR-T Cells”
- Topic 1: “Assessment of the Impact of Metabolism on the Antitumor Response of CAR-T Cells”
- Topic 2 “Assessment of the Impact of Nutrition on Metabolism and T-Cell Proliferation/Persistence Through TCR Clonotypic Analysis in Patients and in Mouse Models”
- Topic 3: “Increasing Patient Involvement in Dietary Management for Patients Receiving CAR-T Immunotherapy: Improving Information and Communication by Scientists and Medical Staff.”
Nexus SENS-ALIM “Emotional Sensitivities and Nutrition: Behaviors and Decisions”
- Topic 1: “Gaining a Better Understanding of the Effects of Consumers’ Eco-Emotions on Responsible Behavior: An Application to Food”
- Topic 2: “Food Aversion, Avoidance Behaviors, and Immunity”
- Topic 3: “Food Education and Emotional Skills”
- Topic 4: “The Impact of Refined Carbohydrate Consumption on Decision-Making in Young Adults”
Nexus ECO-MAIRE “e-Cohort of French Mayors: External Exposome, Health, and Entrepreneurial Dynamism”
- Topic 1: “Association Between the Demands of Office and Mayors’ Mental Health—A Study of the Moderating Role of the External Exposome”
- Topic 2: “An Etiological Study of the External Exposome on the Physical and Mental Health of Mayors”
- Topic 3: “A Study of the Associations Between Mental Health and Mayors’ Entrepreneurial Drive”