Project Overview
| Opportunity | Fully Funded PhD Positions in Robotics and AI at HERON / NTUA |
| Host | HERON Robotics Center of Excellence |
| Location | Athens, Greece |
| Study Level | PhD |
| Funding | Fully Funded, stipend provided, tuition covered |
| Stipend | Fully funded PhD scholarships and research assistantships provided by HERON. |
| Application Deadline | Contact phd@heron-robotics-coe.eu for current deadlines |
| Apply | Official application page ↗ |
About the Position
The Hellenic Robotics Center of Excellence HERON and the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) are offering fully funded PhD positions in robotics and artificial intelligence research. HERON is Greece's first Robotics Center of Excellence, funded under the European Union's Horizon Europe Widening Program (Teaming for Excellence).
Research Areas
Applications are invited in the following topics:
- Reinforcement Learning for Computer Vision
- Theoretical Methods and Algorithms for Deep Learning with Geometric Reasoning
- Embodied Artificial Intelligence for Robot Perception and Multimodal Learning
- Vision-Language Models: Theory and Applications to Cognitive and Robotic Systems
- Autonomous Navigation for Field Robotic Vehicles
- Robot Learning and Intelligent Control in Dexterous, Agile and Collaborative Robotics
- Telerobotic Surgery and Haptics
- Cognitive Robotic Systems for Human Assistance and Rehabilitation
- Multi-sensor Perception and Learning with Applications to Automated Environments
- Surgical Telerobotics and Haptics
- Robot-Assisted Surgery: Methods and Technologies for Non-Intrusive Navigation and Guidance
- Methodologies and Algorithms for the Control of Assist-as-Needed Robotic Rehabilitation Systems
- Methodologies and Algorithms for Increasing the Level of Autonomy in Robotically Assisted Surgery
Supervisory Team
- Prof. Petros Maragos (Director of HERON) – maragos@cs.ntua.gr
- Prof. Costas Tzafestas – ktzaf@cs.ntua.gr
- Assist. Prof. Panagiotis Vartholomeos – pvarthol@mail.ntua.gr
What We're Looking for
- Strong academic background in Electrical and Computer Engineering or related fields.
- Passion for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of Robotics and AI.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities and research aptitude.
- Programming experience and genuine interest in robotics.
- Strong work ethic and enthusiasm for collaborative, cross-disciplinary research.
- Motivation to work in an international research environment.
What We Offer
- Join an international, collaborative research community working alongside researchers in robotics and AI.
- Strong industrial partnerships.
- Opportunities for international research stays.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.
- Mentorship from leading experts in the field.
- Fully funded PhD scholarships and research assistantships provided by HERON.
International Collaboration
HERON brings together the Athena Research Center (coordinating partner), leading Greek university professors, and two international partners: the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).
About HERON Robotics Center of Excellence
HERON is a Greek Robotics Center of Excellence initiative coordinated by Athena Research Center with Greek researchers, the Italian Institute of Technology and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. It advances robotics and artificial intelligence for field, safety and healthcare applications, while supporting research infrastructure, education and collaboration between academia and industry.
Official website: https://heron-robotics-coe.eu
How to Apply
- Official Application: Visit the formal announcement at the NTUA School of Electrical and Computer Engineering: https://www.ece.ntua.gr/el/announcementDetails/1a7dce71-790a-11f1-a8ea-000c296d8b20 (announcement in Greek).
- For Inquiries: Contact phd@heron-robotics-coe.eu for questions about the PhD positions and application process.
Official Link
- HERON Website: https://heron-robotics-coe.eu
- NTUA: https://www.ntua.gr/en
- Current PhD Positions Page: https://heron-robotics-coe.eu/news/fully-funded-phd-positions-in-robotics-and-ai-starting-academic-year-2026-27/
Important Notes
- Positions are fully funded through HERON scholarships and research assistantships.
- Contact the team directly for current deadlines and start dates.
- Announcements for NTUA are in Greek.
Application guides
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for Fully Funded PhD Positions in Robotics and AI at HERON / NTUA?
Applications for this listing stay open on a rolling basis — there is no fixed closing date (Open - Apply as soon as possible). Apply early: rolling awards are often confirmed in the order applications are received.
Is Fully Funded PhD Positions in Robotics and AI at HERON / NTUA fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. Stipend/salary rate set by the funder — see the official listing.
Who is eligible to apply for Fully Funded PhD Positions in Robotics and AI at HERON / NTUA?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Greece. Applications are assessed by HERON Robotics Center of Excellence.
How do I apply for Fully Funded PhD Positions in Robotics and AI at HERON / NTUA?
Applications for Fully Funded PhD Positions in Robotics and AI at HERON / NTUA are submitted directly to HERON Robotics Center of Excellence through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for Fully Funded PhD Positions in Robotics and AI at HERON / NTUA?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for Greece are published by the provider.
What study level does Fully Funded PhD Positions in Robotics and AI at HERON / NTUA offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
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