The S-DISCO Erasmus Mundus is a two year English taught interdisciplinary joint Master’s degree offered by four leading European universities. It combines pharmaceutical sciences, green chemistry, molecular biology and socio economic sustainability into a comprehensive curriculum. The programme consists of 120 ECTS credits, including a preparatory summer school, three academic semesters at partner universities, and a final thesis. It prepares students to address complex challenges in drug discovery with a focus on environmentally responsible and socially aware solutions.
A distinctive feature of the S-DISCO Erasmus Mundus is its mobility and consortium based structure. Students begin with a summer school at Ghent University, continue to the Medical University of Gdańsk for the second semester, and then choose to specialise in the third semester at either the University of Lille or the University of Groningen. The final semester is dedicated to a master thesis which can be completed at any institution worldwide, including academic partners or industry research facilities. This approach offers exposure to four diverse academic and cultural environments across Europe and beyond.
Project Status
- Status: Ongoing
- Start date 01-01-2022
- End date 31-12-2027
- Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The S-DISCO Erasmus Mundus program is a Master’s in sustainable drug discovery, offered by top European universities with a focus on green chemistry, pharmaceutical innovation, and interdisciplinary research.
| Ghent University |
| Medical University of Gdańsk |
| University of Lille |
| University of Groningen |
| Belgium |
| Poland |
| France |
| Netherlands |
This cross-border collaboration allows students to gain an international perspective while studying and researching in the heart of Europe’s academic and industrial hubs.
Description of the S-DISCO Erasmus Mundus Program
The S‑DISCO Erasmus Mundus programme is a unique response to the urgent need for sustainable innovation in drug development. Rather than purely focusing on medicinal chemistry, it weaves in environmental science, socio-awareness, and green analytical methods. Train future leaders who can design medicines that are effective and ecologically responsible. This holistic approach makes S‑DISCO a standout Erasmus Mundus Master programme.*
Key features of the S-DISCO Erasmus Mundus Program
- Fully funded scholarship including tuition waiver, travel, living stipend (~€1,400/mo)
- Joint diplomas from consortium universities
- Mobility across four universities and possibly outside Europe for thesis
- Interdisciplinary modules with industry & academic experts
- Focus on sustainable drug discovery principles
Mobility tracks of the S-DISCO Erasmus Mundus Program
- Summer School at Ghent University – assessment & kickoff
- Semester 1 at Ghent University – fundamentals: eco‑pharma, data intelligence, regulations
- Semester 2 at Gdańsk – molecular modelling, omics, green analytics; plus S‑DISCO days where students share projects
- Semester 3 – choose between Lille (hit‑to‑lead, sustainable sourcing) or Groningen (lead to patient, green chemistry)
- Semester 4 (Master thesis) – anywhere in the world with partner supervisors, research institutes or industry labs
Admission Requirements
- Completed or soon‑to‑be‑completed Bachelor’s (≥ 180 ECTS) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, (Bio)Engineering, Human/Veterinary Medicine, Biomedical Sciences or related fields
- Official legalized transcripts and degree (translated if needed)
- English proficiency at least CEFR B2—not just from English-taught study
How to apply for S-DISCO Erasmus Mundus Program
- Check eligibility and gather documents (see checklist under Admission)
- Register via Ghent University’s OASIS portal (single form for both programme and scholarship)
- Submit application by the deadline
- Take online test
- If shortlisted: attend online interview including a 5‑minute presentation on a chosen topic
Tips to win the S-DISCO Erasmus Mundus Program
- Showcase background in organic chemistry, statistics/math, cell/genetics/immune biology, these are heavily weighted
- Write a tempting motivation letter (max 1 page), be passionate, show sustainability vision
- Build a polished Europass CV
- Prepare well for the quiz: basic chemistry, biology, data science
- Practice a concise 5‑min talk: clarity, visuals, enthusiasm
- Submit all documents as single merged PDF in correct order
Application Timeline
- Opens: July
- Deadline: December
- Online Test: December
- Interview: December
- Enroll: Starting September following selection
Curriculum Structure of the S-DISCO Erasmus Mundus Program
- Semester 1 (Ghent, ~30 ECTS): sustainability basics, comparative drug approaches, data intelligence, regulations
- Semester 2 (Gdańsk, ~30 ECTS): omics, molecular modelling, green analytics, off‑target effects
- Semester 3 (Lille or Groningen, ~30 ECTS): choose path—sources, hit‑to‑lead, pharmacokinetics, nanomedicine, green chemistry
- Semester 4 (~30 ECTS): Master thesis under academic or industry partner supervision
Coordinator Contact
- For general queries, contact vua ContactUs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the S-DISCO Erasmus Mundus Program?
It’s a two‑year, fully funded Erasmus Mundus Master’s in Sustainable Drug Discovery taught in English across four European universities.
Who can apply to the S-DISCO Erasmus Mundus Program?
Anyone with a Bachelor’s degree (≥ 180 ECTS) in pharmaceutical, biological or related disciplines from any country, as long as you meet the academic and English (CEFR B2) requirements.
Does S-DISCO Erasmus Mundus Program provide funding?
Yes! Scholarships cover tuition, travel, visa costs and living allowance (around €1,400/month) for accepted students.
Can I study outside Europe in the S-DISCO Erasmus Mundus Program?
Yes, the final thesis may be carried out at international affiliated partners worldwide—in academia or industry.
How are students selected in the S-DISCO Erasmus Mundus Program?
Through eligibility, online test, GPA scoring, CV/motivation analysis, and a 5‑minute interview presentation about a selected topic.
