Fully Funded PhD Position: Visual Evidence for Justice at University of Copenhagen 2026

Imagine holding a photo that could prove a war crime or human rights abuse. What makes people trust it as real evidence? A new fully funded PhD position at the University of Copenhagen lets researchers dig into these questions.

This three-year scholarship starts on September 1, 2026. It sits within the Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies. The role fits people with backgrounds in anthropology, sociology, psychology, human rights, or ethnographic work. You will join the ERC-funded project called Before the Image – The Political Ontology of Images for Legal and Social Justice.

About the “Before the Image” Project

The Before the Image project looks at how images of violence, war crimes, and rights abuses come to life. It goes beyond the click of a camera or a quick glance. Instead, it studies the full setup: camera tech, training in visual skills, and open-source checks.

Nina Grønlykke Mollerup leads the team. They work with an interdisciplinary group and the group Pax Memoria. The project got money from a European Research Council Consolidator Grant. Its goal is to figure out how folks see truth in pictures, mainly for courts and justice work.

Research Focus of the PhD Position

Your main job will center on visual literacy, memory, training, and how they shape views of violent images. You will check how people read proof in photos of harm and rights breaks.

Key tasks include:

• Doing fieldwork at trainings for open-source investigations.
• Talking to trainers and people who verify images.
• Learning tools like geolocation, chronolocation, and visual checks.
• Comparing how experts and regular people read tough visual proof.
• Building an interactive exhibit on image understanding.

For the exhibit, you might use eye-tracking tech, track digital reactions from crowds, interview visitors, or test ways to sway how people see images. This mixes school research with real-world outreach.

Benefits of This PhD Scholarship

This spot comes with strong perks that make it stand out.

Full Funding and Pay

You get a monthly salary of about DKK 31,200, or around EUR 4,100. That grows over time. Plus, there is an 18.07% pension add-on. Money covers trips for fieldwork and stays overseas.

Top University Setting

The University of Copenhagen ranks high in Europe. It belongs to the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU). You work in a spot known for strong research.

Real-World Impact

Your work touches big topics: documenting rights, visual proof, digital sleuthing, justice ethics, and media skills. It helps global talks on these issues.

Support for All Backgrounds

The school welcomes diverse applicants. It helps international folks move with families. The team pushes inclusion.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility

You need a Master’s degree or equal in fields like anthropology, sociology, psychology, human rights, or close areas.

Top picks show:

• Skills in ethnographic methods and interviews.
• Passion for visual culture and justice.
• Readiness for touchy ethical research.
• Strong English speaking and writing.

Extra points for other languages or work with civil groups.

What to Submit in Your Application

Put together these items:

• A one-page personal statement.
• A one-page CV.
• School transcripts and degrees.
• A 3-5 page project outline.
• Any needed academic papers or translations.

Make your project idea fit the Before the Image goals. Add your fresh takes and methods.

Deadlines and Next Steps

Submit by May 27, 2026, at 23:59 CEST. Interviews happen June 22 or 24, 2026. You can join online.

Apply through the University of Copenhagen’s online portal. Check their site for the exact link and full details. This fully funded PhD position on images and justice closes soon, so start your prep now.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does this PhD position start?

The three-year scholarship starts on September 1, 2026.

What is the salary for this PhD position?

You receive a monthly salary of about DKK 31,200 (around EUR 4,100), which increases over time, plus an 18.07% pension contribution.

What qualifications do I need to apply?

You need a Master’s degree in fields like anthropology, sociology, psychology, or human rights, plus skills in ethnographic methods and strong English.

What is the application deadline?

Submit your application by May 27, 2026, at 23:59 CEST through the University of Copenhagen’s online portal.